Re-Advertisement of the Consultancy Services to Undertake a Genome Editing Landscape Analysis in Selected African Countries



Tender Overview

Issuer: African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
Tender Reference: 76/AUDA/DKMPE/CoE/QCBS/2023
Sector: Research, Consultancy, and Professional Services
Closing Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 14:00 hours
Issue Date: Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:45 hours
Regions Included:
  • Eastern Cape
  • Gauteng
  • KwaZulu Natal
  • Limpopo
  • North West
  • Northern Cape
  • Western Cape
  • Mpumalanga
  • Free State

Tender Description

Introduction to the Tender

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is spearheading an ambitious initiative that places innovative science and biotechnology at the forefront of Africa’s growth. Central to this vision is a project focused on genome editing — a scientific breakthrough with the potential to revolutionize agriculture. To support the adoption of these advancements within AU Member States, AUDA-NEPAD is seeking consultancy services to conduct a comprehensive analysis of genome editing’s landscape, paving the way for sustainable agricultural developments and agro-industrial transformations, aligning with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Consultancy Service Objectives

  • Detailed examination and portrayal of the current biotechnological landscape, identifying facilitating or obstructive factors within a sample of African nations.
  • Spotlight on immediate and scalable needs that genome editing can address, with an emphasis on enhancing food systems and security.
  • Researched focus on indigenous and staple crops unique to African regions, targeting improved food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and overall productivity.

Scope of Work and Data Gathering Plan

The analysis will harmonize information from desktop reviews with first-hand data collections via interviews, surveys, and questionnaires across sixteen nations within the five AU regions. Further data will be sourced from academic publications, policy documents, and biotech-focused media.

Specifically, the data collation will cover:

  1. Policy environments conducive to supporting genome editing in African agriculture, including national and regional incentives.
  2. Institutional analysis for countries under review, focusing on capacity to improve staple and indigenous crop development through biotechnology.

How to Apply for the Tender

Interested consultancies should submit their bids, referencing the tender number ‘76/AUDA/DKMPE/CoE/QCBS/2023,’ by the specified closing date.

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Open Tender for Consultancy Services: Genome Editing Landscape Analysis in Africa

Hello there! We’ve got an exciting opportunity for consultancy firms looking to shape the future of agriculture in Africa. The Africa Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) is on the hunt for expert consultants to conduct a comprehensive Genome Editing Landscape Analysis in several African countries. This is a chance to delve into the intersections of biotechnology, intellectual property, and funding to elevate the continent’s agricultural capabilities.

Here are the juicy details you need to know:

Scope of Work

The selected firm will explore various aspects of biotechnology, such as:

Area of Interest Description
Indigenous Crops Enhancing productivity and post-harvest value addition through modern biotechnology.
R&D in Modern Biotechnology Assessment of African-based public and private sector involvement, including seed companies using genome editing to boost agriculture.
Intellectual Property Rights Evaluating the capability, access to, and management of intellectual property; policies and practices impacting operational freedom.
Biotech Lab Status Assessing the potential of existing and new biotechnology labs for genome editing across crops, livestock, fisheries, and agroforestry sectors.
Financial Fuels Identifying funding sources for genome editing R&D, such as government budgets, philanthropy, and venture capital.
Project Inventory Listing current and potential modern biotechnology and genome editing projects/products, including their developmental stage.
Educational Resources Documenting where modern biotechnology and genome editing courses are offered and by which institutions.
Stakeholder Directory Creating a detailed inventory of active stakeholders and groups focused on genome editing, including women, youth, and special interest groups.

The consultants must put forward an approach and data collection plan that adheres to best practices, ensuring data quality and effective coverage.

Submission Requirements

Interested firms, take note:

Must-Haves for Shortlisting: An official letter expressing interest, a Declaration of Undertaking (downloadable online), a detailed firm profile, proof of experience in similar assignments, and professional staff availability with suitable qualifications.

Insightful Intel: You can find the detailed Terms of Reference at AUDA-NEPAD Tenders.

Timeline & Reporting

The assignment will span approximately six months, comprising 180-person days.

The consultant will report to AUDA-NEPAD’s Office of Science and Technology and Centres of Excellence.

Selection Criteria

We’ll choose consultants with a QCBS method – Quality Cost Based Selection (no financial proposals at this EOI stage).

Extra attention for firms from African Union Member States and/or joint ventures!

Important: Verification of information is standard, and misinformation will lead to disqualification.

Eligibility and Submission

Just make sure you’re not on any naughty lists (like the World Bank’s debarment list) and comply with national tax and social security laws. Businesses must be legally registered, financially solvent and ethically sound.

Deadline Alert: Zip those expression of interest documents over via email, labeled with the subject “Consultancy Services to Undertake a Genome Editing Landscape Analysis in Selected African Countries – 76/AUDA/DKMPE/CoE/QCBS/2023”, no later than February 7, 2024, 14:00hrs (South African Time).

You can fire off queries or get more info at AUDA-NEPAD’s office or via email to our buddies at procurement.

Attachments and Further Reading:
Curious minds can browse through additional documents for a deeper dive into the requirements.

Re-Advertisement of REOI – Consultancy and
Terms of Reference for Genome Editing Landscape Analysis.

Contact Us:

The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee (IPC)
African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
230, 15th Road, P.O. Box 218, Midrand,
1685 Johannesburg, South Africa
Email: [email protected]; and copy [email protected]
The Attention of: Procurement Division

Looking forward!

We can’t wait to see the innovations and strategic insights you bring to the table. This is more than a tender; it’s a stepping stone to unlocking Africa’s immense agricultural potential. Dust off that proposal and let’s get to work!