Request for Proposals – Stakeholder Mapping in Iraq

Deadline for Submission of Proposals: Monday, January 13, 2025, 5:00pm EST (Eastern Standard Time)

RFP # VPSHR219

The complete RFP and instructions for submitting are available here.

Questions related to this RFP were accepted until Monday, December 9, 2024. Answers are posted below.

The Voluntary Principles Initiative issued a Request for Proposals to develop a Stakeholder Mapping Report in Iraq.

Purpose of Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to:

Identify the appropriate national and local stakeholders from all levels of governments, companies, and civil society that have significant activities in the extractives sector in Iraq or are involved in addressing human rights issues related to business operations in the extractives sector in the country.
Research recent human rights incidents and systemic problems relating to the provision of private and public security.
Identify local civil society organizations with the organizational capacity, activities, and mandate to potentially serve as Secretariat of a new In-Country Working Group (ICWG).
Identify potential partnerships with other multi-stakeholder initiatives operating in the country relating to business and human rights or the extractives sector, including the Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in-country multi-stakeholder groups.

Eligibility Requirements

Bidders must meet the following eligibility requirement:
a) Any individual, civil society organization (CSO) or consultancy firm is eligible to bid, so long as:

the consulting team lead is a resident of Iraq; or
a majority level of effort is provided by residents of Iraq; or
individuals and teams are resident in neighboring countries and can demonstrate strong expertise and knowledge of Iraq.

Preference will be given to applicants residing in Iraq.

b) High degree of fluency in English.
c) Proven ability to draft documents and communicate in English, with a high degree of proficiency.

Proposals must be submitted by e-mail no later than January 13, 2025, 5:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time), to tenders@voluntaryprinciples.org.

Background

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR or simply Voluntary Principles) are an internationally recognized set of principles that guide companies on how to conduct their security operations while ensuring respect for human rights.

The Voluntary Principles were created in 2000 when companies, governments, and NGOs committed to work together to address security-related human rights abuses and violations in the extractive sector. Today, the Principles help companies in various industries.

To promote the implementation of the Principles, the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) was created. The Initiative is comprised of over 75 members including companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations that share best practices and mutually support the implementation of the Principles. For additional information, please visit: http://www.voluntaryprinciples.org/.

Questions and Answers

1. The RFP clearly states that deliverables include a draft and final written report, but we would like to confirm whether VPA will require annexes listing key informant interviews, documents consulted, or any other annexed document. Additionally, for key informant interviews, please confirm that VPA will not require transcripts or summative notes from each interview.

The transcripts of each interview will not be required. However, the final report should include a comprehensive analysis of the findings from the interviews. Additionally, the report should contain a list of the individuals who were interviewed, as well as a list of questions to be asked during the interviews.
2. Can VPA please explain component A in greater detail? An overview of Iraq’s human rights protections and challenges is clear, but please explain what VPA means by “the provision of private and public security activities.” Is this in reference to the activities of official Iraqi security agencies (police, Army, etc.) and private security companies? If so, this is meant to be limited to their activities within the extractive industries, correct? 

Yes, the provision of private and public security activities refers to the roles and operations of both official Iraqi security agencies (such as the police, military, etc.) and private security companies. This is within the context of the extractive industries, focusing on the security measures and activities related to that sector.
3. Could VPA please clarify the time period for covering the security-related human rights incidents in component C? Should we consider the past six months? One year?

The focus should be on the current situation, though reference can be made to recent incidents from the past if they remain relevant and applicable. Additionally, it is important to consider any emerging and reoccurring security-related human rights issues that may pose challenges in the near future.
4. Though we have several experts fluent in English who would be responsible for analysis and writing, some of the consultants we would like to put forth to conduct primary and secondary research are Arabic or Kurdish speakers only, can VPA please confirm this is acceptable?

Yes, this is absolutely acceptable. Having consultants who are fluent in Arabic or Kurdish is essential for conducting interviews and understanding the local context. However, please note that the final report should be written in English.