UTDB Invites RFP for Training of Guides in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), Government of Uttarakhand intends to invite Request for Proposal (RFP) from interested and eligible agencies for Selection of Training Agency for outdoor education, wilderness medicine and guides capacity building in Uttarakhand

UTDB is committed to position Uttarakhand as a premier global tourism destination. With a vision to make tourism a cornerstone of the state’s economic and social development, UTDB actively promotes sustainable tourism initiatives that generate employment, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance local livelihoods.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is for the selection of agency to Conduct certified Training in Uttarakhand. A “Two-Envelope” bidding process is to be followed for determining the Selection of the agency. Bidders must submit their proposal by online on or before the last date and time for submission of proposal as mentioned in schedule of bidding process.

The selected agency (hereinafter referred to as the “Service Provider”) shall be responsible for designing, delivering, certifying, and quality-assuring all eight training programmes for guides, pilots, operators, and trek leaders registered with or identified by UTDB. Participants shall be nominated from various districts of Uttarakhand. Accordingly, the training venue(s) shall be decided jointly by UTDB and the selected Service Provider, and all training programmes shall be conducted within the State of Uttarakhand.

Scope of Work:

The Eight Training Program: Every programme must meet the minimum hours, batch size, and certification standard shown in the table below. These are non-negotiable benchmarks that will be checked during evaluation.
Certification Quality: UTDB uses a four-level scale to assess the strength of the certifications offered by the agency. Agencies are required to declare the tier for each programme in the technical bid.
Training Facilitation
- The agency must supply all teaching materials, handbooks, and workbooks. Wilderness medicine materials must be updated within the last 3 years.
- WFA/WAFA/WFR : The Agency shall provide CPR mannequins (adult and child), AED trainers, trauma simulation kits (moulage, splints, litters, bandages, gloves, syringes, cravats). Maximum 3 participants per mannequin for CPR practice.
- The Agency shall provide for outdoor courses: ropes, harnesses, helmets, climbing gear, navigation tools (map, compass, altimeter), and camping gear. All equipment must carry BIS, UIAA, or CE marking.
- Every participant who passes must receive an official certificate card carrying the certifying body’s seal, the institution’s name, the certification tier, hours completed, assessment score, and validity period to be issued by UTDB & Agency.
- Classroom space with audio-visual equipment at venues to be provided by UTDB.
- Boarding, lodging, and local transport for participants at field locations to be provided by UTDB.
- Boarding and lodging arrangements for instructors and supporting staff during the training period to be provided by UTDB.
- Pick-up and drop for instructors from the nearest airport or railway station to be provided by UTDB.
- Participants’ medical information (health conditions, allergies, medicines) at least 7 days before each batch to be submitted by participants.
- Promotion of courses through UTDB’s website and social media
- The Agency shall obtain all necessary permissions, forest clearances, and coordinate with the district authorities for field programmes, with necessary support from UTDB.
- A UTDB Observer for every batch to verify attendance and collect feedback independently
- The department reserves the right to revise or modify the total number of participants at any stage based on operational requirements. Payments to the agency shall be made on monthly basis. The agency must acknowledge that no fixed minimum number of participants is guaranteed, and billing shall reflect only the months wherein the training was undertaken.
- Courses held at: UTDB-designated venues in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, or other districts or Remote field locations — high-altitude, forest, or riverside — where the programme demands it
- The agency must have prior experience training in Himalayan or comparable high-altitude terrain. Its plans must account for remote access, altitude, changing weather, and communication challenges. (Experience or Completion certificate from client or self liberation in affidavit)

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Annual Training Calander
- Every year, UTDB and the agency will together prepare an Annual Training Calendar (ATC) atleast 45 days before the year begins. The calendar will list all programmes with dates, venues, expected participant counts, and instructor plans. Each batch date must be confirmed at least 45 days in advance. UTDB may reschedule batches with 21 days’ notice.
Documentation & Reporting
- The agency shall submit a detailed training syllabus and schedule to the designated authority prior to the commencement of the training program.
- The agency shall maintain accurate records of trainee attendance, progress reports, and feedback forms throughout the training period.
- A comprehensive final report summarizing training outcomes, key challenges, and recommendations shall be submitted to the authority at the conclusion of the program
Monitoring & Evaluation
- The agency shall facilitate periodic inspections and reviews by the concerned department or its authorized representatives.
- The agency shall fully cooperate with third-party evaluators appointed by the Department of Tourism for quality assurance and performance assessment.
- The agency shall establish a mechanism to address feedback and grievances from trainees and stakeholders in a timely and effective manner.

Qualification / Shortlisting of Bidders

The Bidder may be either an independent/group of private legal entity incorporated / registered in India such as proprietorship firm, partnership firm, limited liability partnership (LLP), private limited company registered under Companies act 2013, public limited company registered under Companies act 2013 including Joint Ventures, government-owned entities, or a registered Society under the Societies Act 1860.
An independent legal entity such as registered Partnership Firms (under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932) or registered Company (under Companies Act, 1956 or 2013) or a registered Society under the Societies Act 1860.
An individual Bidder shall not be allowed to be a member of any other bidding entity bidding for the same tender.
The Bidder should be legally competent to enter into a contract as per prevailing Indian Laws.
Only those Bidders meeting Minimum Eligibility Criteria as per Clause 3.2.5 and other provisions of the RFP Document will be considered “Technically Qualified” for the Project.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

- Eligibility
  - An independent/group of private legal entity incorporated / registered in India such as proprietorship firm, partnership firm, limited liability partnership (LLP), private limited company registered under Companies act 2013, public limited company registered under Companies act 2013 including Joint Ventures, government-owned entities, or a registered Society under the Societies Act 1860.
  - The entity shall have been operational for at least 7 years preceding the bid due date Certificate of Incorporation; and GST Registration certificate (not required if participating as an individual) issued by GSTN authorities, and PAN Card.
  - The Bidder should not have been debarred/blacklisted by any Ministry / Department / undertaking of Government of India or any State or Union Territory Administration as on the last date of proposal submission.
  - No consortium allowed.
  - The agency must have conducted at least 20 wilderness medicine training batches in the last 7 years, with at least 500 trainees in total across these batches, supported by documentary proof (completion certificates and attendance records).
  - The agency must show documented experience of delivering training in the Himalayas or equivalent terrain above 2,000 metres, with evidence of at least 2 remote field deployments involving medical or leadership training.
  - Average Annual Turnover for the three financial year FY 2022-23, 2023 24 and 2024-25 should be at least INR 60,00,000 (INR Sixty lakhs only). Which should be CA certified.
  - the Bidder shall have Positive net worth as on bid due date.