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Procurement Notice
The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) invites proposals for upcoming projects. Detailed RFP documents for each project, including requirements, and submission guidelines are available below.
| Request for Proposal (RFP) | |
| Objectives |
Request for Proposal (RFP) Development of Demonstration Companies (DMP) Project on Enhancing Productivity for Halal Certification in Lao PDR The project aims to assist the Lao National Productivity Organization (LNPO) in establishing demonstration companies leveraging productivity tools, methodologies, and technologies for halal certification, specifically for salt and coffee products in Lao PDR; showcasing the benefits of productivity in optimizing the certification process and improving business performance and product quality; and using the results as benchmarks for other APO members to adopt similar productivity practices. For more details, please see the PIP and Implementation Procedures. |
| Background |
The global halal market is expanding rapidly, projected to exceed USD3 trillion by 2026, driven by increasing consumer demand in sectors including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Halal certification has become a global standard for quality, hygiene, and ethical practices, with rising demand in international markets. In Lao PDR, the growing tourism industry and strategies to diversify exports are driving demand for halal products. There is significant potential for exporting halal-certified salt and coffee products due to its abundant natural resources and agricultural capacity. However, complex regulatory requirements and high certification costs challenge local businesses, limiting their global competitiveness. This project helps two salt production companies and one coffee production company in Lao PDR adopt halal standards and improve compliance and business efficiency through productivity tools and methodologies. |
| Purpose | With a focus on productivity enhancement, food safety, and halal standards and certification, the APO will select a team of individuals or an institution with extensive expertise and experience in food manufacturing or agriculture to provide training and consultation for this project. |
| Scope of Work | Preparing and proposing the project methodology, approach, scope, etc. through close consultation with the APO Secretariat, LNPO, and demonstration companies; undertaking all necessary duties to achieve the intended output(s) as per the agreed arrangement; monitoring and evaluating the performance and progress of the productivity enhancement activities of the demonstration companies; assisting the LNPO in developing dissemination materials, organizing a dissemination event, etc. as per the agreed methodology and project timeline; submitting the report to the APO Secretariat by the deadline; assisting the demonstration companies in acting as role models; and preparing a publication documenting the productivity journey of the demonstration companies. |
| Proposals Should Include the Following Information |
1. Cover letter of interest (Annex 2). 2. Basic individual or institutional resource person details (Annex 3). 3. Profile of individual or institutional resource persons (maximum 1 A4-sized page). 4. Experience in conducting similar projects (Annex 4). 5. Financial proposal to indicate the cost of services. 6. Total costs and breakdowns for conducting the project should be given only in US dollar amounts. 7. 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. 8. All rates and costs quoted in financial proposals should be written in both numeric and alphabetic forms, e.g., USD3,500.00 (three thousand five hundred US dollars). Download: Annexes. |
| Submission of Proposals |
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), 14 February 2025 to sphan@apo-tokyo.org and skozuka@apo-tokyo.org. 2. The subject line of the email message should be: Proposal for Development of Demonstration Companies (DMP) Project on Enhancing Productivity for Halal Certification in Lao PDR by <Institution name>. |
| Institution Selection Criteria and Notification of Results |
1. The selected individual or institutional resource person(s) will be awarded a project contract with the APO for conducting the project, based on the following selection criteria: a. Qualifications: meeting requirements outlined in Annex 1 of this RFP b. Methodology c. Prior experience in conducting similar projects d. Quality of output from similar projects e. Project quotation 2. Only the selected individual/institution will be notified via email within 1 month of the submission deadline of the acceptance of its proposal. |
| Right to Accept or Reject Proposals |
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 individual/institution(s). 2. The APO is not obligated to respond to any objections or to inform the affected individual/institution(s) of the grounds for its 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 selected individual/institution. |
| Terms and Conditions |
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 individual or institutional resource persons 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. |
| Contact Information |
A prospective individual/institution requiring any clarification of this document, or the process itself, should submit queries in writing only to the following email address by the deadline of 14 February 2025: In-country Program Division |