Procurement Notice 

Analyze the AI landscape in APO public sectors via domain-specific scenarios; develop sector-specific frameworks for effective AI implementation while identifying agency challenges in public acceptance; and offer preliminary frameworks to enhance productivity through qualitative and quantitative improvements that integrate data sovereignty, ethical/legal safeguards, and robust data governance.

For more details, please see the PN and Implementation Procedures.

The adoption and effective use of AI vary significantly among public-sector organizations in APO members. Public agencies face unique challenges in data governance, cross-border regulation of global platform providers, and ethical and legal dilemmas that lack straightforward solutions. 

A November 2024 study by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University found that a quarter of US civil servants use generative AI for work-related tasks, providing a valuable benchmark for APO economies, where challenges stem from the lack of tailored frameworks, sector-specific expertise, and strategic knowledge. Enhancing productivity in the public sector requires not only technical innovations but also active public engagement and understanding. 

Building on Vision 2025’s emphasis on technological advances and using AI to enhance productivity, this research leverages past initiatives to elevate technological literacy and public-sector productivity in selected advanced and emerging economies.

1. Cover letter of interest (Annex 1)

2. Basic organizational details (Annex 2)

3. Profile of institution (maximum 1 A4-sized page)

4. Experience in conducting research in similar areas (Annex 3)

5. Financial proposal to indicate the cost of services.

5.1  Total costs and breakdowns for conducting the research should be given only in US dollar amounts.

5.2  All national taxes and levies applicable should be stated and included in the total costs. The APO will consider the inclusive costs as the final quoted prices when evaluating proposals.

5.3  All rates and costs quoted in financial proposals should be written in both numeric and alphabetic forms, e.g., USD2,500 (two thousand five hundred US dollars).

Download: Annexes.

1. Proposals with all required information specified should only be sent via email in password-protected PDF file attachments signed by authorized representatives no later than 17:00 (Japan Standard Time), 25 April 2025 to tislam@apo-tokyo.org and myoshida@apo-tokyo.org.

2. The subject line of the email message should be: Proposal for Conducting Research on AI Adoption for Productivity Improvement in the Public Sector by <Institution name>.

1. The selected institution will be awarded a research contract with the APO for conducting the research, based on the following selection criteria:

1.1. Methodology of research

1.2. Prior experience in conducting similar research

1.3. Quality of prior publications

1.4. Research quotation

2. Only the selected institution will be notified via email within 1 month of the submission deadline of the acceptance of its proposal.

1. The APO reserves the right to annul the RFP or the vendor selection process, or to accept or reject any or all proposals in whole or part at any time, without stating any reason and without incurring any liability to the affected institution.

2. The APO is not obligated to respond to any objections or to inform the affected institution of the grounds for such decisions.

3. The APO also reserves the right to change the scope of work in case of need or depending upon changes in requirements before or during the implementation phase. However, if changes are made during the implementation phase, the APO will negotiate the costs for the additional work separately with the institution. 

1. The APO will not bear any costs related to research, planning, design, or any other such activity related to the preparation of proposals in response to this RFP by institutions for sending proposals to the APO.

2. The APO may, at its own discretion, extend the submission deadline by notifying all bidders of the extension in writing. Any proposal received after the deadline will be rejected.

A prospective institution requiring any clarification of this document, or the process itself, should submit its queries in writing only to the following email address:

Multicountry Programs Division 2
Asian Productivity Organization (APO Secretariat)
1-24-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
Email: tislam@apo-tokyo.org and myoshida@apo-tokyo.org

Assist the Government of Nepal in developing a national productivity master plan; develop a sustainable productivity improvement strategy to support economic growth and transition from least developed country to developing country status; and establish national mid- to long-term productivity goals and targets, including strategies and initiatives within a 10-year time frame (FY 2025–34).

For more details, please see the PN and Implementation Procedures.

The Nepalese economy is predominantly driven by agriculture, with agricultural employment accounting for the second-largest share of total employment among APO economies (APO, 2020). While labor productivity growth has been driven primarily by capital deepening, gains from total factor productivity remain limited.

Nepal is undergoing a transition from an agriculture-based economy to one increasingly driven by the service and industrial sectors. This structural transformation presents opportunities for economic diversification but also introduces significant challenges that hinder productivity and economic growth.

To sustain and accelerate productivity growth, Nepal must enhance infrastructure, institutions, and access to human capital development, while examining productivity indicators across key industrial value chains. A well-structured productivity strategy and master plan provide the framework for navigating this transition effectively, fostering long-term sustainability and innovation.

1. Cover letter of interest including the proposed project methodology, approaches, and timeline (Annex 1).

2. Basic organizational details, profile of institution (maximum 1 A4-sized page), or CV of the research team (Annex 2).

3. Experience in conducting research in similar areas (Annex 3).

4. Financial proposal to indicate the cost of services (Annex 4):

4.1 Total costs and breakdowns for conducting the research should be given only in US dollar amounts.

4.2 All national taxes and levies applicable should be stated and   included in the total costs. The APO will consider the inclusive costs as the final quoted prices when evaluating proposals.

4.3 All rates and costs quoted in financial proposals should be written in both numeric and alphabetic forms, e.g., USD2,500 (two thousand five hundred US dollars).

Download: Annexes.

1. Proposals with all required information specified should only be sent via email in password-protected PDF file attachments signed by authorized representatives no later than 17:00 (Japan Standard Time), 10 April 2025 to ssetiawati@apo-tokyo.org and mkabe@apo-tokyo.org.

2. The subject line of the email message should be: Proposal for Development of the National Productivity Master Plan for Nepal by <Institution name>.

1. The selected institution will be awarded a research contract with the APO for conducting the research, based on the following selection criteria:

1.1. Proposed methodology, approach, timeline, and sustainability

1.2. Team qualifications and expertise

1.3. Prior experience in conducting similar projects

1.4. Financial proposal and cost efficiency

2. Only the selected institution will be notified via email within 1 month of the submission deadline of the acceptance of its proposal.

1. The APO reserves the right to annul the RFP or the vendor selection process, or to accept or reject any or all proposals in whole or part at any time, without stating any reason and without incurring any liability to the affected institution(s).

2. The APO is not obligated to respond to any objections or to inform the affected institution(s) of the grounds for such decisions.

3. The APO also reserves the right to change the scope of work in case of need or depending upon changes in requirements before or during the implementation phase. However, if changes are made during the implementation phase, the APO will negotiate the costs for the additional work separately with the institution.

1. The APO will not bear any costs related to research, planning, design, or any other such activity related to the preparation of proposals in response to this RFP by institutions for sending proposals to the APO.

2. The APO may, at its own discretion, extend the submission deadline by notifying all bidders of the extension in writing. Any proposal received after the deadline will be rejected.

A prospective institution requiring any clarification of this document, or the process itself, shall submit its queries in writing only to the following email address by the deadline of 10 April 2025:

In-country Program Division
Asian Productivity Organization (APO Secretariat)
1-24-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
Email: ssetiawati@apo-tokyo.org and mkabe@apo-tokyo.org

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Development of the National Productivity Master Plan for Mongolia

Assist the Government of Mongolia in developing a national productivity master plan; formulate a sustainable productivity improvement strategy to support economic growth; and establish national mid- to long-term productivity goals and targets, including strategies and initiatives.

For more details, please see the PN and Implementation Procedures.

Mongolia’s economic growth has been driven by mineral production and exports, while its traditional agricultural sector faces significant challenges due to harsh weather conditions (APO, 2024). Labor productivity has seen notable growth, primarily due to workforce shifts between these sectors.

On the other hand, the progress of total factor productivity has been limited over the past decade, despite its role in GDP growth. The slow adoption of advanced technologies and innovation, particularly among SMEs, continues to hinder productivity. Without proactive measures, Mongolia risks stagnation in industrial efficiency and economic diversification.

To support the achievement of Vision 2050, Mongolia must foster innovation while sustaining labor economics. Investing in digital skills and enhancing SME competitiveness are crucial steps. A comprehensive productivity strategy and master plan serve as a critical framework for enhancing economic resilience, fostering competitiveness, and promoting long-term sustainable growth.

1. Cover letter of interest including the proposed project methodology, approaches, and timeline (Annex 1).

2. Basic organizational details, profile of institution (maximum 1 A4-sized page), or CV of the research team (Annex 2).

3. Experience in conducting research in similar areas (Annex 3).

4. Financial proposal to indicate the cost of services (Annex 4):

4.1 Total costs and breakdowns for conducting the research should be given only in US dollar amounts.

4.2 All national taxes and levies applicable should be stated and   included in the total costs. The APO will consider the inclusive costs as the final quoted prices when evaluating proposals.

4.3 All rates and costs quoted in financial proposals should be written in both numeric and alphabetic forms, e.g., USD2,500 (two thousand five hundred US dollars).

Download: Annexes.

1. Proposals with all required information specified should only be sent via email in password-protected PDF file attachments signed by authorized representatives no later than 17:00 (Japan Standard Time), 18 April 2025 to ssetiawati@apo-tokyo.org and mkabe@apo-tokyo.org.

2. The subject line of the email message should be: Proposal for Development of the National Productivity Master Plan for Mongolia by <Institution name>.

1. The selected institution will be awarded a research contract with the APO for conducting the research, based on the following selection criteria:

1.1. Proposed methodology, approach, timeline, and sustainability

1.2. Team qualifications and expertise

1.3. Prior experience in conducting similar projects

1.4. Financial proposal and cost efficiency

2. Only the selected institution will be notified via email within 1 month of the submission deadline of the acceptance of its proposal.

1. The APO reserves the right to annul the RFP or the vendor selection process, or to accept or reject any or all proposals in whole or part at any time, without stating any reason and without incurring any liability to the affected institution(s).

2. The APO is not obligated to respond to any objections or to inform the affected institution(s) of the grounds for such decisions.

3. The APO also reserves the right to change the scope of work in case of need or depending upon changes in requirements before or during the implementation phase. However, if changes are made during the implementation phase, the APO will negotiate the costs for the additional work separately with the institution.

1. The APO will not bear any costs related to research, planning, design, or any other such activity related to the preparation of proposals in response to this RFP by institutions for sending proposals to the APO.

2. The APO may, at its own discretion, extend the submission deadline by notifying all bidders of the extension in writing. Any proposal received after the deadline will be rejected.

A prospective institution requiring any clarification of this document, or the process itself, shall submit its queries in writing only to the following email address by the deadline of 18 April 2025:

In-country Program Division
Asian Productivity Organization (APO Secretariat)
1-24-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
Email: ssetiawati@apo-tokyo.org and mkabe@apo-tokyo.org