REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR SCOPING STUDY IN THE ARAVALLIS HILLS

NATURE CONSERVANCY INDIA SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED 

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR SCOPING STUDY IN THE ARAVALLIS HILLS  

 

Date of Issue of RFP 12-07-2024 

Last date for seeking clarifications 18-07-2024 

Date of Pre-Proposal Meeting (Via VC) 25-07-2024 

INTRODUCTION  

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a leading conservation organization working to make a positive  impact around the world in 76 countries and territories. Founded in 1951, TNC’s mission is to conserve  the lands and waters on which all life depends. With our core values of integrity beyond reproach,  respect for people communities and culture, and commitment to diversity we aim at environmental  conservation through lasting tangible results.  

TNC has been advancing projects in India since 2017 to support India’s efforts to “develop without  destruction”. We work closely with the Indian government, research institutions, other NGOs, private  sector organizations and local communities to develop science-based, on-the-ground, scalable  solutions for some of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges. Visit at www.tncindia.in  to know more.  

Nature Conservancy India Solutions Private Limited (NCIS) is a Private Limited Company incorporated  under The Companies Act, 2013. It is a subsidiary of The Nature Conservancy, one of the largest not for-profit conservation organisations in the world. NCIS was incorporated with the objective of  providing research, consulting, technical support, and advisory services to various stakeholders in and  outside India relating to conservation of nature, environment, biodiversity, and climate change.  

PURPOSE  

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is introducing a program in concurrence with the ‘Aravalli Green Wall  (AGWL) Project” as announced by the Government of India, in March 2023. AGWL is major Project to  green the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range spread across in four states, viz., Rajasthan,  Haryana, Gujarat and Delhi. The hill range is roughly 692 km long and six rivers viz. Luni, Sabarmati,  Banas, Ruparel, Sakhi and Sukri River originate through these hills.  

Nature Conservancy India Solutions Private Limited (NCIS) is facilitating TNC in the program and  therefore requesting for proposals for scoping study in the Aravallis in Rajasthan (the districts of  Ajmer, Alwar, Bhilwara, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur,  Sikar, Sirohi, Chitorgarh, Pratapgarh, Banswara, and Udaipur in) and in Gujarat (mainly Banaskantha,  Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts). NCIS will facilitate the AGWL project activities in India.  

The Aravalli range in Rajasthan is spread across Aravalli region of Haryana exists in districts Gurgaon,  Faridabad, Nuh, Mahendargarh, Rewari and through these hills six rivers originate viz. Luni, Sabarmati,  Banas, Ruparel, Sakhi and Sukri River (Raj and Sharma 2022).  

CONTRACT TYPE AND CONTRACT SERVICES  

NCIS will entertain under this, RFP Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) completion type contract(s).  

 

 BIDS

 

NCIS invites bids from bidders for successful completion of the activities as mentioned in ‘Key  Objectives’, i.e., to undertake the scoping study for Aravalli Green Wall Project in India. NCIS reserves  the right to postpone or cancel the bidding process for one or more clusters with no prior notice.  

PLACE FOR PERFORMANCE  

Rajasthan (the districts of Ajmer, Alwar, Bhilwara, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Nagaur, Pali,  Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Chitorgarh, Pratapgarh, Banswara, and Udaipur in) and in  Gujarat (Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mehsana and Aravalli districts).  

PERIOD FOR PERFORMANCE  

5 Months  

KEY OBJECTIVES 

The key objective is to conduct a scoping study of the Aravallis which aims at establishing relevant &  realistic baselines to formulate and strategize appropriate set of solutions along with their possible  projections that may translate into tangible positive impacts onto the Lands, Freshwater conservation,  Regenerative Agriculture, Renewable Energy with Natural Climate Solutions and Equitable protection  in the Aravallis.  

The outcome of the scoping study would be to chart a road map for interventions in TNC’s thematic  areas, viz., Lands, Freshwater conservation, Regenerative Agriculture, Renewable Energy with Natural  Climate Solutions and Equitable protection as a cross cutting theme.  

 TNC along with NCIS aim to work with local partners to design and implement interventions in this  landscape. In each geography, actions will advance a comprehensive landscape strategy with a  portfolio of integrated interventions, including protection, improved management of land, freshwater  restoration, regenerative agriculture, natural climate solutions and/or strengthening of enabling  conditions (e.g., governance) essential to scaling successful outcomes.  

The project platform shall mobilize long-term sustainable practices to power the landscape initiatives  by structuring, combining, and sequencing a mix of public and private mechanisms. From the outset,  local communities will be central to this process to ensure locally led, long-term management of the  interventions.  

List of proposed activities (but not limited to) under the scoping study for the Aravali Green Wall  project.  

1. LAND  

1.1 Scoping of Identification of areas where buffers, corridors & shelter belts can be created  1.2 Scoping of Identification, demarcation of Sacred Groves, Reference sites, Key priority areas  1.3 Scoping of Identification of flagship, Keystone species and species in IUCN threat category  1.4 Scoping of strategies of management of Invasive species  

1.5 Feasibility and assessment of Biodiversity enrichment plantations  

1.6 Scoping of sand dune stabilization  

1.7 Scoping operationalizing of nurseries  

1.8 Monitoring of mortality/challenges in plantation  

2. FRESHWATER  

2.1 Scoping of Water funds - Aquifer mapping, check dam, contoured ponds  2.2 Scoping Restoration potential of traditional waterbodies & ecosystem services 

 3. REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

3.1 Scoping the management of Multifunctional agroforestry systems  

3.2 Scoping the feasibility of traditional agroforestry practice involving native species  

4. RENEWABLE ENERGY: Scoping to understand existing and upcoming renewable energy  projects in the project area.  

5. NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS AND EQUITABLE CONSERVATION  

5.1 Scoping carbon capture by native Aravalli species and estimating carbon pools in various  habitats.  

5.2 Scoping plantation models for increasing surface area for carbon capture.  5.3 Scoping of City Climate Change Action Plan, Aravalli GW as NCS for the urban and peri urban  space  

5.4 Scoping of Nagar Van/ City Forest concept  

5.5 Scoping the role of gender plays in the landscape conservation.  

OUTCOMES  
 

1. A detailed report for Aravalli restoration proposal and manual, including the following:   Should provide inputs on scope for interventions for restoration activities, listed above in  ‘Key Objectives’.  

 Provide Food & Water Sustainably; Protect & Restore Wild Habitats; Build Healthy Cities;  Support Renewable Energy. For details see: https://www.tncindia.in/what-we-do/our priorities/ 

 District level/Zone level scientific management plans.  

 Should provide high-resolution maps (KML files) of the project area and high-resolution  images related to the project execution (habitats, meetings with Government agencies,  stakeholders etc.).  

ESTIMATED COSTS AND FIXED FEE  

The costs allowable will be limited to reasonable, allocable, and necessary costs.  The financial bid should be prepared in accordance with the cost elements outlined below and Bidders  should clearly identify their margin as part of their financial bids.  

S. No. Details Amount 

1 The estimated cost of project execution INR X (please provide complete break up of  total cost)  

2 The estimated fee for project execution INR Y (please mention your fee or margin to  manage the project)  

3 Applicable Taxes (if any) INR Z (bidder will be responsible for complying  with all applicable tax laws e.g., income tax,  

GST, etc.)  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

The bidder is expected to put together a technical team of professionals to deliver the assignment.  Below are the desirable experience, skills, and competencies of the team: 

 Team members with post graduate degrees or above in relevant fields. Post graduate  specialized courses / diploma in relevant subjects.  

 Qualified GIS expert with relevant experience.  

 Team members required to have work experience in relevant fields and of executing such a  project and preparing detailed technical reports and following timelines.  

 Organization with FCRA are only eligible to apply.  

The detailed RFP document will be shared on request on raju.kasambe@tnc.org  

PRE-BID QUERIES AND CLARIFICATIONS ON RFP  

To clarify technical queries (excluding cost and fee) on RFP, Bidders must submit questions via email  to raju.kasambe@tnc.org, and any query relating to cost, bid price, etc. must be submitted to  jayalakshmi.nair@tnc.org by no later than 11:59pm IST, 18-07-2024 NCIS will make every effort to  answer questions by 23-07-2024 before the scheduled pre-proposal meeting on 25-07-2024 Answers  to all questions will be shared with all Bidders.  

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL  

Last date for submission of proposal is 2-08-2024 by 11:59pm IST.  

Technical and Financial Proposals are required in soft copy only. The subject line of the email  submission should state “RFP for Aravalli Landscape” and will be shared at:  

 Financial Bid: jayalakshmi.nair@tnc.org 

 Technical Bid: raju.kasambe@tnc.org 

Financial Bid must accompany with the following documents:  

1) Copy of incorporation documents.  

2) Copy of registration certificate under income tax and GST (If applicable). 

3) Copy of last three years audited financial statements with audit report. 

4) Copy of last three years income tax full return.  

5) Copy of last two GST returns.  

6) Copy of address proof.  

7) List of similar projects executed with name of client, year of execution, and value.  8) In case the bidder is registered with MHA, please also share FCRA Registration number and  validity.  

9) Total number of staff (full time, part time and volunteer)  

Note: - You are requested to send all financial information in one go to avoid disqualification  if any. Bids with incomplete financial and other information as requested in this RFP will be rejected  summarily. 

Submission of the proposal to any other individual will result in the disqualification of the proposal. Bidder can submit only one bid. Submitting multiple bids under different name will result in automatic  disqualification.

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