Request for Proposals - Aurat Foundation

Section 1: Summary InformationIn support of the Government of Pakistan's gender policies (National Plan of Action for Women,National Policy for Empowerment and Development of Women, and Gender Reform ActionPlans) the Aurat Foundation (AF) and The Asia Foundation (TAF), with financial support fromUSAID, will implement a five year, Gender Equity Program (GEP). The program aims atadvancing women's human rights and empowerment. Under GEP, a series of sub-grants will beawarded to local Pakistani organizations with the objective of affecting real behavioral changeand contributing to a productive gender debate within Pakistan. The Program will work mainlythrough the award of approximately 400 sub-grants to local organizations over the course of fiveyears, and will mobilize local experience, expertise, and knowledge in pursuit of its Objectives.1.1 Vision and GoalThe vision of the Program is to generate widespread societal demand and commitment for asocially just, democratic, caring and gender-responsive society in Pakistan, where all citizens,women and men, are recognized as equal, with the right to lead their lives with self-respect anddignity. The goal of the Program will be to facilitate behavioral change: in particular to facilitatecitizens‟ active participation in the process of social change and governance at all levels,enabling women to access information, resources and institutions, acquire control over their livesand improve attitudes and behavior towards women and their concerns.1.2 Objectives/Priority AreasObjective 1: Enhancing gender equity by expanding women‟s access to justice andwomen‟s human rights.Objective 2: Increasing women‟s empowerment by expanding knowledge of their rightsand opportunities to exercise their rights in the workplace, community, and home.Objective 3: Combating gender based violence.Objective 4: Strengthening the capacity of Pakistani organizations that advocate forgender equity, women‟s empowerment and the elimination of gender-based violence.4

Section 2: Sub-Grant Information2.1 BackgroundThis sub-grant is allocated for a study of information and opinions in relation to rape in Pakistan.The primary data survey will cover the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of key actorsthat GEP seeks to influence (men and women in the communities, police, judges, opinionleaders, religious groups, academia, media and others). The study should comprisequestionnaires, surveys, focus group sessions, and interviews with relevant stakeholders toachieve the scope of scope of work as laid out in section 3.4. It is envisioned that the findings ofthe study will be a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the issue inPakistan.2.2 Financial AllocationThis sub-grant is a tier 1 grant and has a ceiling of USD 25,000All budgets will, however, be subject to strict scrutiny to prevent excessive allocation ofresources; budget competitiveness is a part of the evaluation criteria.2.3 Closing DateThe final date for submission of the completed proposal application package and all requireddocuments is May 2 nd 2011. No extensions will be given.2.4 Requests for InformationRequests for further information or clarifications may be referred in writing toinfo.gep@af.org.pk. These requests may not be sent after April 26 th 2011. Please note that verbaland telephonic requests will not be entertained.2.5 Award Information1. Award TypeSimplified Grant or Fixed Obligation Grant (Simplified Grant Format (ADS 303.3.24))2. TimingThe review process for all sub-grants will take 6-8 weeks, following which all successfulapplicants will be contacted.5

Section 3: Scope of Work3.1 Time PeriodThe time period of this sub-grant is three months3.2 LocationThis study should be conducted in the following source and market districts for trafficking inPakistan:Source: Bahawalpur and Chitral DistrictsMarket: Karachi3.3 Objectives of the Sub-GrantIn order to assess progress towards stated objectives of the Gender Equity Program, this study isdesigned to benchmark existing knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to internaltrafficking. The study should be designed to meet the following two functions namely; identifytrends in behavior and practices that reinforce internal trafficking quoting numbers as appropriateand make recommendations for future GEP programming in the area. The study is expected toadopt a holistic research methodology incorporating quantitative and qualitative research tools.3.4 Detailed Scope of Work: Facets of Internal Trafficking in PakistanThe aim of this study is to investigate the scale, magnitude, dimensions, factors andconsequences influencing trafficking of women and girl children in Pakistan with a focus oninternal trafficking. It is hoped that the study will add to the existing dialogue surroundingtrafficking in Pakistan, and to elucidate future GEP interventions in the sector.For the purposes of this solicitation, the term “trafficking” means: The recruitment, harboring,transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through the use of force,fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, prostitution, debtbondage, or slavery.Given the objectives of the study, both qualitative and quantitative approaches should be used.Information should be collected from both primary and secondary sources including interviewswith individuals and organizations (government bodies, local and international NGOs, donoragencies and private-sector institutions etc) working on human trafficking.Specifically, we seek applications for research that proposes to:Estimate the extent and preferably the number of cases of female trafficking byemploying appropriate research tools. The study should be able to track each step inthe cycle and pinpoint the various agents involved. The study should pinpoint the6

most high prevalent zones and industries (prostitution, forced marriage, forced labor,domestic service, organized begging, illicit adoption, pornography production etc)where unidentified victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons are likely to befound in Pakistan.Explore, how and why do severe forms of trafficking in persons occur? What are thecharacteristics of such victims? What are the characteristics of the perpetrators? Whatare the most common tools to lure women (including outright sale, kidnapping etc).Identify gaps in legislation with regard to internal trafficking, and giverecommendations for strengthening the ability of law enforcement agencies toprevent, respond to and prosecute cases of trafficking.Enrich the findings by the identification and development of strategies related to thepush and pull factors (e.g., monetary, psychological, social, political) specificallyrelevant to for contributing toward adequate programming around meeting victimneeds, preventing repeat victimization and curbing trafficking in Pakistan.Weightage will be given on the basis of most appropriate research methodology that accountsfor the sensitivities surrounding the area and responds to the objectives of the study.3.5 Deliverables:The applicant will be responsible for submission of the following deliverables:1. Detailed methodology within two weeks of award of sub-grant2. Report on knowledge, attitudes and practices survey3. At least 6 case studies of victims of internal traffickingPayment under the contract will be made upon submission and approval of the deliverables.7

4.1 Evaluation CriteriaAll proposals will go through a stringent review process. The first will ensure that allapplications are complete with:1. Completed application form with the relevant signatures/stamps2. The completed package is sent before the final deadline3. All supporting documents are presentAll proposals will undergo review by the Grants Management Committee (GMC). Sub-grant willbe made to the project proposal most likely to meet GEP objectives efficiently and effectively.4.2 Award CriteriaAll applications will be reviewed under the following standardized criteria:1. Previous Relevant Experience (10)2. Technical Proposal (50)a. Proposed sample design and methodologyb. Proposed Implementation plan (including field deployment, selection of keygroups of respondents, monitoring plan)c. Proposed quantitative and qualitative instrumentsd. Proposed indicators for measuremente. Time schedule with realistic key milestones3. Financial Proposal (30)a. Budget consistency with the proposed activities and cost effectiveness4. CVs of core staff proposed on the project (10)4.3 NotificationAll applications will receive notification of receipt of their application packages. All rejectedapplicants will be sent rejection letters that will include the reason for their rejections,encouragement to re-apply in future cycles.Finalized applicant will be notified in writing as well as by telephone. The notification will makeclear that the sub-grant is pending on adequate results of the pre-award evaluation and finalapproval by USAID.8

Section 5: CertificationsThe following certifications must be signed, stamped and submitted along with your application.1. Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing2. Narcotics offenses and drug trafficking- key individual certification3. Narcotics offenses and drug trafficking - participant certification4. Certification regarding debarment, suspension, ineligibility and voluntary exclusionlower tier covered transactions5. Voluntary Population Planning activities6. Initial Environmental Examination7. BOQ where applicableAll certifications are available in Annex 19

ANNEX 1: Required Certifications10

ii. an act of premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated againstnoncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents; oriii. any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian, or to anyother person not taking an active part in hostilities in a situation of armed conflict,when the purpose of such act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population,or to compel a government or an international organization to do or to abstain fromdoing any act.c. “Entity” means a partnership, association, corporation, or other organization, group orsubgroup.This Certification is an express term and condition of any agreement issued as a result of thisapplication, and any violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the agreement byUSAID prior to the end of its term.APPLICANT:Name:Signature:Title:Date:12

I hereby certify that within the last ten years:(2)KEY INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATIONNARCOTICS OFFENSES AND DRUG TRAFFICKING1. I have not been convicted of a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, any law or regulation of theUnited States or any other country concerning narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlledsubstances.2. I am not and have not been an illicit trafficker in any such drug or controlled substance.3. I am not and have not been a knowing assistor, abettor, conspirator, or colluder with others in theillicit trafficking in any such drug or substance.Signature:Date:Name:Title/Position:Organization:Address:Date of Birth:NOTICE:1. You are required to sign this Certification under the provisions of 22 CFR Part 140, Prohibition onAssistance to Drug Traffickers. These regulations were issued by the Department of State and requirethat certain key individuals of organizations must sign this Certification.2. If you make a false Certification you are subject to U.S. criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.13

(3)PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATIONNARCOTICS OFFENSES AND DRUG TRAFFICKING1. I hereby certify that within the last ten years:a. I have not been convicted of a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, any law or regulation ofthe United States or any other country concerning narcotic or psychotropic drugs or othercontrolled substances.b. I am not and have not been an illicit trafficker in any such drug or controlled substance.c. I am not or have not been a knowing assistor, abettor, conspirator, or colluder with others inthe illicit trafficking in any such drug or substance.2. I understand that USAID may terminate my sub-grant if it is determined that I engaged in the aboveconduct during the last ten years or during my USAID training.Signature:Name:Date:Address:Date of Birth:NOTICE:1. You are required to sign this Certification under the provisions of 22 CFR Part 140, Prohibition onAssistance to Drug Traffickers. These regulations were issued by the Department of State and requirethat certain participants must sign this Certification.2. If you make a false Certification you are subject to U.S. criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.14

(4)Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary ExclusionLower Tier Covered Transactions(a) Instructions for Certification1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing thecertification set out below.2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placedwhen this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tierparticipant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available tothe Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursueavailable remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to whomthis proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that itscertification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changedcircumstances.4. The terms "covered transaction," "debarred," "suspended," ineligible, "lower tier covered transaction,""participant," "person," "primary covered transaction," "principal," "proposal," and "voluntarilyexcluded," as used in this clause, has the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections ofrules implementing Executive Order 12549. 1/ You may contact the person to which this proposal issubmitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposedcovered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier coveredtransaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excludedfrom participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency withwhich this transaction originated.6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will includethis clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and VoluntaryExclusion--Lower Tier covered Transaction," 2/ without modification, in all lower tier coveredtransactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in alower tier covered transaction that it is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excludedfrom the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant maydecide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Eachparticipant may, but is not required to, check the Non procurement List.8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of recordsin order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge andinformation of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudentperson in the ordinary course of business dealings.9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a coveredtransaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended,debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other15

emedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transactionoriginated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.1/ See ADS Chapter 303, 22 CFR 208.2/ For USAID, this clause is entitled "Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion(March 1989)" and is set forth in the USAID grant standard provision for U.S. nongovernmentalorganizations entitled "Debarment, Suspension, and Related Matters" (see ADS Chapter 303), or inthe USAID grant standard provision for non-U.S. nongovernmental organizations entitled"Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters" (see ADS Chapter 303).(b) Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower TierCovered Transactions1. The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor itsprincipals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarilyexcluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency.2. Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in thiscertification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.Application Title:Date of Application/Proposal:Name of Recipient:Typed Name and Title:Signature/Date16

(5)752,7101 VOLUNTARY POPULATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES. (JUNE 2008)(a) Requirements for voluntary sterilization programNone of the funds made available under this contract shall be used to payt for theperformance of involuntary sterilizations as a method of family planning or to coerce orprovide and financial incentive to any individual to practice sterilization.(b) Prohibition on abortion-related activities1. No funds made available under this contract will be used to finance, support, or be attributed tothe following activities:a. Procurement or distribution of equipment intended to be used for the purpose of inducingabortions as a method of family planningb. Special fees or incentives to any person to coerce or motivate them to have abortionsc. Payments to persons to perform abortions or to solicit persons to undergo abortionsd. Information, education, training, or communication programs that seek to promoteabortions as a method of family planning; ande. Lobbying for or against abortion. The term „motivate‟ as it relates to family planningassistance, shall not be construed to prohibit the provision, consistent with local law, ofinformation or counseling about all pregnancy options.2. No funds made available under this contract will be used to pay for any biomedical researchwhich relates, in whole or in part, to methods of, or the performance of, abortion or involuntarysterilizations as a means of family planning. Epidemiologic or descriptive research to assess theincidence, extent or consequences of abortions is not precluded.17

Name & TitleSignatureDate18

Very Low RiskModerate RiskHigh RiskNo significantadverse impactWith specifiedmitigation, nosignificantadverseimpact,SignificantAdverseimpactA. Applicant informationContractor/grantee(organization)Individual contactand titleActivity (briefdescription)(6)Initial Environmental Examination FormGender Equity ProgramGrant # , (Grant Title)Address, phoneand email(if available)AmountLocation of activityStart and enddate of activityB. Activities, screening results, and recommended determinationTABLE 1Screening resultProposed Sub-activities(Step 3 of instructions)RecommendedDeterminations(Step 6 of instructions.Complete for all moderate andhigh-risk activities)C. Summary of recommended determinations19

The activity contains. . .Very low risk sub-activitiescategoricalAfter environmental review, sub-activities determinedto have no significant adverse impactsAfter environmental review, sub-activities determinedto have no significant adverse impacts, givenappropriate mitigation and monitoringAfter environmental review, sub-activities determinedto have significant adverse impacts(equivalent regulation 216 terminology)exclusion(s)negative determination(s)negative determination(s) with conditionspositive determination(s)D. Certification:I, the undersigned, certify that:1. The information on this form is correct and complete2. The following actions have been and will be taken to assure that the activity complies withenvironmental requirements for the (Project name) under the Code of Federal Regulations 22 CFR 216: These design elements and best practices will be followed in implementing this activity, exceptwith the approval of USAID.Any specific mitigation or monitoring measures described in the attached information will beimplemented in their entirety.Compliance with these conditions will be regularly confirmed and documented by on-siteinspections during the activity and at its completion.SignatureDateBELOW THIS LINE FOR USAID USE ONLYApprovalUSAID Project Officer Approved Rejected(print name)(signature)USAID MEO or DMEO (print name)(signature) Approved RejectedUSAID comments: (if documentation is rejected, comments must be provided toapplicant20