Kwiminia CBO Terms of Reference for Consultant to Undertake Business Plans Development

Terms of Reference for Consultant to Undertake Business Plans Development
 Introduction: The Kwiminia CBO is implementing a three year project titled “Lower Mbooni East Environmental Conservation project” funded by DANIDA through the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF). The project is in Makueni County, Mbooni East district.
 The project has several components as follows:Construction of water structures – Earth dams and sand damsProvision of water tanks and rainwater harvesting systems for schoolsPromotion of Income generating activities - nature based income enterprisesDairy goat farmingEnvironmental conservation, rehabilitation and catchment protectionThe various micro-projects mentioned above are interconnected. The focus of this TOR is support to nature-based micro-projects within the overall project, which are green house and drip irrigation farming, poultry keeping, energy saving stoves, brick-laying, nursery development and goat rearing.In order to determine the viability of the of the various IGA components in the project, feasibility studies need to be conducted, followed by a business plan for the IGAs that are viable.

The overall objectives of the feasibility studies are to analyze opportunities for income generation and livelihoods improvement through the development of sustainable interventions/ enterprises in the project area.
The project therefore seeks services of a consultant to carry out a feasibility study and develop business plans for the viable selected enterprises.The consultant is expected to carry out the following tasksEvaluate the (external) environment within which the enterprises will function. This should include the agriculture or tourism strategy as identified for county and local levels, as well as any other factors, which may affect the project.Evaluate the current situation of each enterprise in question. This will include an analysis of the situation, competition, environment, market share and possible legal and regulatory requirements.Assess the supply-demand situation for the project in question, focusing on the market opportunities, the target market(s), the marketing strategy or alternative situations.Determine the requirements for the successful initiation and management of the enterprise i.e. finance organization, skills, public sector inputs, infrastructure, support services and equipment required.Identify the extent of and areas in which capacity building and human resource development at local levels will be required, particularly for previously disadvantaged individuals (PDI).Determine possible barriers, critical risks to the proposed enterprises (including the socio-cultural factors).Provide recommendationsAdvise on the most viable enterprise model for the sustainability and profitabilityThe business plans should capture the following::Brief background of the proposed model to implement business planInformation on the industryDescription of products or services, immediate and potentialMarket research and analysisProvision for the project start up planManagement planThe marketing planOperation planFinancial planIt is proposed that this study be completed in one month. During this period, the consultant will submit the following documents:A detailed feasibility study report indicating findings, recommendations on how the project will be implemented if viable.Develop viable business plans for the identified enterprises.Develop sustainable business model for the implementation of business plans showing how the targeted beneficiaries will contribute and benefit from the proposed activitiesManagement Arrangements: The consultant will be supervised by the project Implementation Committee assisted by Project manager during the assignment.Kwiminia CBO invites qualified and interested consultant(s) to submit proposals to undertake the defined work. They should include in the proposal:
a) A company profile, including demonstrated ability to conduct this assignment, and specifying the relevant area of expertise in conducting Feasibility studies and business plans
b) Expected consultancy fee in Kenya shillings.
c) Reference Contact of 3 organizations who have recently contracted the firm/consultant(s) to carry out similar or related assignment.
d) A capability statement, including commitment for availability for the entire assignment
e) An elaborate study methodology including a sample questionnaire and detailed work plan etc.
f) A detailed financial proposal, including lead consultant’s fees (if it’s a firm). The financial proposal should include daily cost per major activity.
g) Updated curriculum vitae of the consultants who will undertake the work that clearly spells out qualifications and experience in carrying out similar assignments. Where more than one consultant will be involved, clearly indicate the overall lead consultant and responsible persons for the Business Plan.
h) Capability statements of the consulting firm and personal detailed CV of the individual consultant(s).
 Firms or individuals who feel that they meet or exceed the requirements should submit expression of interest, which should include the following:A masters degree in business studies ,entrepreneurship or other related studiesA minimum of 3 years’ experience in business planning and market surveysExperience with community managed enterprises will be an added advantageConsultant’s Fees: The contract will be for a fixed sum (inclusive of taxes) and the consultant will not claim additional payments to compensate for exchange rate fluctuations or price escalations.Payments will be by cheque and will only be paid upon receipt of an invoice from the consulting firm
All payments will be in Kenya shillings to the successful firms or individuals. Payments will be paid after submission of the final feasibility study report and business plan and been approved by the PIC and CDTF. All the payments will be subjected to 10% withholding tax. The consultant will be paid the full consultancy fee after submitting the final report.
Mode of application: All applicants’ (Technical and Financial proposals) should be sent to the address below by 3.pm on 18th July 2014 addressing the subject line as Business plan development. Please submit your quotations via email to kwiminiacbo06@yahoo.com, info@kwiminia.org. Thereafter, the Project Implementation committee (PIC) shall select the firm to undertake the feasibility study/ Business Plan. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any additional information or clarification.