Request for Proposal (RFP): Celebration of 20 PEPFAR support and Private Sector Engagement Event Planning

About FHI 360:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing- creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

EpiC Project Background:

The USAID and PEPFAR funded Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) Project, managed by FHI 360, aims to close remaining gaps in the continuum of HIV services towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

EpiC Thailand has been a pivotal force in advancing HIV prevention, care, and treatment initiatives among Key Populations, with a primary focus on Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW) in Thailand.

EpiC Thailand’s objective of enhancing the sustainability of local community-based organizations (CBOs) by diversifying funding sources. Social enterprises represent a vital form of funding diversification, empowering CBOs to generate income from their social businesses. Additionally, many CBOs engage in broader social impact activities—ranging from HIV/AIDS prevention and care to human rights advocacy, gender equality, and promoting decent work. This project seeks to identify private sector partners that recognize the potential for co-creation and shared long-term value, benefiting from and contributing to the CBOs’ comprehensive social impact initiatives.

1. Objective

This RFP will support EpiC Thailand’s goal to diversify CBO funding sources, emphasizing social enterprises as a form of income generation that reinforces financial independence. Given the wide-ranging social impact activities of CBOs, including advocacy for human rights and decent work, the project presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to co-create and share in a lasting social impact. To fulfill this vision, the consultant will:

1. Promote PEPFAR’s 20-Year Legacy of Support – Highlight the contributions of PEPFAR in empowering CBOs and reinforcing HIV/AIDS response efforts over the past two decades.
2. Showcase CBO Work Beyond HIV/AIDS – Illustrate the broader impact of CBOs in areas outside of HIV, such as human rights, gender equity, youth development, and social justice.
3. Build Relationships with the Private Sector – Establish connections between CBOs and the private sector, creating pathways for future financial and strategic support across diverse sectors.

To facilitate these objectives, the consultant will develop strategies to match private sector opportunities with CBO capabilities, culminating in a workshop and networking event with CBOs and private sector representatives during the World AIDS Day 2024.

Scope of Work

Prior Event Day:

• Private Sector Opportunity Mapping Conduct a focused analysis to identify private sector partners aligned with CBO goals in HIV/AIDS, human rights, gender equity, and youth.
• Prioritize and list private sector, government, and contacts based on alignment and likelihood of engagement at the event.
• Event Preparation and Agenda Development Collaborate with FHI 360 to develop an event agenda centered on opportunity matching and relationship-building between CBOs and private sector entities.
• Prepare a targeted invitation list for private sector representatives and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) to ensure a relevant and engaged audience.
• Define networking activities and breakout sessions to encourage direct dialogue and engagement between CBOs and private sector attendees.
• Pre-Event Outreach and Engagement Work with EpiC Thailand for advice and to engage and confirm attendance of key private sector invitees.

Event Day:

• Event Day Support and Coordination Provide on-site support on November 27, coordinating with FHI 360 and the event organizer to ensure smooth event execution.
• Lead networking and introductions between CBOs and private sector participants, ensuring that event objectives and key discussion points are highlighted.
• Assist with any real-time needs, adjustments, or participant support to enhance the networking and collaboration experience.

Post-Event:

• Recommendations for Event Success and Follow-Up Provide FHI 360 with recommendations for maximizing event impact, focusing on discussion points and immediate partnership opportunities.
• Suggest follow-up actions on private sector engagement beyond the event day.

2. Key Deliverables:

1. Private Sector Opportunity List – A prioritized list of potential private sector partners for engagement at the event.
2. Event Agenda and Outline – Detailed agenda, invitee list, and networking session plan.
3. Outreach and Coordination Summary – Summary of pre-event outreach activities and key messaging for private sector engagement.
4. On-Site Event Day Support – Active event day participation and coordination with FHI 360 and event organizers.
5. Event Report and Follow-Up Recommendations – Summary of event outcomes, potential partnership leads, and next-step recommendations.

3. Qualifications and Expertise Required:

• Thai nationality or Thai’s company
• Proven experience in private sector engagement, corporate social responsibility, and shared value initiatives, particularly in health, human rights, gender equity, and youth development.
• Strong understanding of CBO operations in HIV, human rights, and other social impact sectors.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with experience in facilitating partnerships and organizing events.

4. Evaluation Criteria

1. Experience and Expertise (30%)

• Demonstrated experience in private sector engagement, resource mobilization particularly within the fields of health, human rights, or social justice.
• Familiarity with community-based organizations (CBOs), particularly those focused on HIV/AIDS, human rights, gender equity, and youth development.
• Proven track record of successful project implementation in similar consulting roles, especially those involving cross-sector partnerships and event planning.

2. Proposed Approach and Methodology (30%)

• Clear and detailed proposal outlining a comprehensive approach for identifying and engaging relevant private sector partners.
• Well-defined strategies for creating targeted matching opportunities between CBOs and private sector entities.
• Innovative ideas for designing and executing a successful workshop and networking event on November 27 that aligns with World AIDS Day 2024.

3. Understanding of Objectives and Context (20%)

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of PEPFAR’s legacy, the broader goals of EpiC Thailand, and the unique contributions of CBOs.
• Awareness of the sustainability needs of CBOs and insights into social enterprise opportunities that align with their missions.

4. Budget and Resource Allocation (20%)

• Budget feasibility and alignment with the project’s scope and goals.
• Clear and realistic allocation of resources to achieve deliverables within the 15-day performance period.

Duration/Period of Performance: November 10 – 30,2024

Disclaimers and FHI 360 Protection Clauses:

• FHI 360 will not compensate offerors for preparation of their response to this solicitation.
• Issuing this solicitation is not a guarantee that FHI 360 will award a subcontract.
• FHI 360 reserves the right to issue a subcontract based on the initial evaluation of offers without discussion.
• FHI 360 may choose to award a subcontract for part of the activities in the solicitation. FHI 360 may choose to award subcontracts to more than one offeror for specific parts of the activities in the solicitation.
• FHI 360 may request from short‐listed offerors a second or third round of either oral presentation or written response to a more specific and detailed scope of work that is based on a general scope of work in the original solicitation.
• FHI 360 has the right to rescind a solicitation or rescind an award prior to the signing of a subcontract due to any unforeseen changes in the direction of FHI 360’s client, be it funding or programmatic.
• FHI 360 reserves the right to waive any deviations by offerors from the requirements of this solicitation that in FHI 360’s opinion are considered not to be material defects requiring rejection or disqualification; or where such a waiver will promote increased competition.
• Data produced under this solicitation belongs to FHI 360. Any distribution of data must first have written authorization from FHI 360 or its designated representative.