Sabuj Sangha invites RFP proposals from qualified research agencies, consulting firms, academic institutions, and independent evaluators to conduct a comprehensive Baseline Study for the project titled “Centre for Excellence on Rural Livelihood (CERL) in Himalayan Dooars, Alipurduar, West Bengal“, supported by LTIMindtree.
The baseline study will establish benchmark values for key project indicators and generate evidence to guide project implementation, monitoring, learning, and future impact assessments. The findings will support the development of a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework for the three-year project.
Background
Sabuj Sangha, a development organization with over five decades of experience, is implementing the Centre for Excellence on Rural Livelihood (CERL) project in Kumargram Block of Alipurduar District, West Bengal.
The project aims to improve the quality of life and economic resilience of rural women through promotion of innovative, community-led livelihood enterprises. The intervention focuses on skill development, enterprise creation, financial inclusion, leadership development, market linkages, and sustainable utilization of local resources.
The project will be implemented across 10 villages under Khoardanga-I and Khoardanga-II Gram Panchayats of Kumargram Block.
Project Coverage
- Two Grampanchayet (GP)
- Total Villages: 10
- Total Households in Project Area: 6,858
- Total Population: 30,786
- Direct Beneficiaries: 400 rural women and youth
- Indirect Beneficiaries: Approximately 1,500 individuals
- Project Duration: 3 Years
Major Livelihood Interventions
- Areca Leaf Plate and Bowl Processing Unit
- Mekhla Processing and Weaving Unit
- Handicraft Production Unit through Upcycling Waste Materials
- Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion Promotion
- Women’s Leadership and Enterprise Development
- Digital Literacy and Market Linkage Facilitation
Also Read: UPSDM Invites EOI To Implement DDUGKY under Captive Employment Category
Purpose of the Baseline Study
The baseline study will establish the socio-economic status of target households and communities before project interventions commence. It will provide benchmark data against which progress, outcomes, and impact can be measured during midline and endline evaluations.
The study is expected to generate evidence on existing livelihood conditions, income levels, women’s participation, enterprise readiness, digital literacy, financial inclusion, market access, environmental awareness, and institutional capacities.
Objectives of the Baseline Study
- To establish baseline values for all key project indicators and assess the existing socio-economic, livelihood, financial, environmental, and institutional conditions of the target population.
- Assess the socio-economic profile of target households and beneficiaries.
- Establish baseline values for project outcome and impact indicators.
- Assess current livelihood opportunities, income sources, and employment patterns.
- Analyze women’s participation in household decision-making and economic activities.
- Assess levels of financial literacy, financial inclusion, and access to banking services.
- Assess digital literacy, usage of digital platforms, and access to digital infrastructure.
- Evaluate existing entrepreneurial skills and enterprise development potential.
- Assess awareness and practices related to environmental sustainability, waste management, and plastic reduction.
- Map existing community institutions, SHGs, producer groups, and convergence opportunities.
- Identify key barriers, risks, and opportunities that may influence project implementation.
Key Assessment Areas
- Livelihoods and Income: Household income and expenditure patterns, Existing livelihood activities, Seasonal employment trends, Enterprise ownership and profitability, Market access and value chain participation
- Women’s Empowerment: Women’s participation in household decision-making, Control over income and resources, Participation in SHGs and community institutions, Leadership roles and aspirations
- Financial Inclusion: Bank account ownership, Savings practices, Access to credit, Insurance and pension coverage, Usage of digital payment systems
- Digital Literacy: Access to mobile phones and internet, Digital literacy levels, Usage of online services, Familiarity with digital financial platforms
- Enterprise Development Potential: Skills assessment, Existing entrepreneurship practices, Interest in project-supported enterprises, Training needs assessment
- Environment and Sustainability: Waste management practice, Plastic usage patterns, Awareness of eco-friendly alternatives, Availability of local natural resources
- Institutional Assessment: Functionality of SHGs and community groups, Existing government convergence mechanisms, Availability of local support institutions
Methodology
The consultant/agency should propose an appropriate methodology combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The methodology should include:
- Quantitative Assessment: Household Survey, Beneficiary Profiling Survey, Institutional Assessment Survey
- Qualitative Assessment: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Case Studies, Community Consultations
- Sampling: Target beneficiaries, Women-led households, SC/ST households, SHG members, Youth beneficiaries, Existing entrepreneurs
- Data Collection: The consultant should utilize digital data collection tools and ensure quality control through regular validation and supervision.
- Data Analysis: Descriptive statistical analysis, Comparative analysis, Thematic analysis, Indicator-wise baseline value estimation
The final sample design shall be approved by Sabuj Sangha.
Also Read: UPSDM Invites EOI To Implement DDUGKY under Captive Employment Category
Deliverables
The consultant/agency will be expected to deliver the following:
- Inception Report: Detailed methodology, Sampling framework, Data collection tools, Work plan and timeline
- Baseline Survey Tools: Household Questionnaire, FGD Guides, KII Checklists, Institutional Assessment Tools
- Cleaned Dataset: Raw and cleaned data files, Codebook, Data validation report
- Preliminary Findings Presentation: Presentation of key findings and emerging trends.
- Draft Baseline Report: Methodology, Baseline values for all indicators, Analysis of findings, Key challenges and opportunities
- Final Baseline Report: Incorporating feedback from Sabuj Sangha.
- Indicator Reference Sheet: A comprehensive baseline indicator matrix aligned with project outcomes and KPIs.
- PowerPoint Presentation: Presentation of key findings and recommendations to project stakeholders.
Timeline
Over the course of the mandate, the Client will report to Sabuj Sangha, via a point person assigned for that task. The baseline assessment is expected to be completed within 1 month, starting from the date of contract signing.
Proposal Submission
Interested consultants/agencies should submit their proposals, which should include the following:
- Organizational/Consultant profile and experience.
- A detailed methodology and work plan for the impact assessment.
- Budget breakdown including professional fees, Travel and field expense, Data analysis & overheads etc with GST %.
- Timeline for completing the assessment.
- References of past assessments conducted (if any).
Interested Candidates are requested to share Technical and Financial Proposals in two separate PDF documents in a single email message at hr@sabujsangha.org.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevant experience and qualifications.
- Clarity and appropriateness of the proposed methodology.
- Ability to deliver within the stipulated timeline.
- Competitive pricing and value for money.
Contact Information
For any queries related to this RFP, please contact: Mr. Arunabha Das, Head of Programme Development, Partnership and Lead Programme Operation, Sabuj Sangha. Email: arunabha@sabujsangha.org
Confidentiality
All data and information provided by Sabuj Sangha during the course of this impact assessment must be treated as confidential and cannot be shared with third parties without prior written consent.
We look forward to receiving your proposal. Job Email ID: hr@sabujsangha.org
Last Date for Submission: 09 July 2026
