UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND (UNICEF) EXPRESSION …...SUBMISSION DETAILS: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST...

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UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND (UNICEF)

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) – Reference: IDPF2014

Important: The purpose of this EOI is to identify/screen potential suppliers based on an initial description of services and provide information that will guide the formatting of a more thorough Request for Proposals process. The present call for EOI does not constitute an invitation to tender. Only suppliers deemed qualified by UNICEF will receive the invitation to tender. Subject: Instructional Design, Production and/or facilitation of online and distance learning. Date of the EOI: 11 April 2014 Closing Date of the EOI: 5 May, 2014, 23.59 EST Address EOI by e-mail to: [email protected] and [email protected] The United Nations Children’s Fund hereby solicits Expression of Interests (EOI) and is hereby announcing its intent to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to interested and qualified providers of Instructional Design, Production and/or facilitation of online and distance learning. SPECIFICATIONS / TERMS OF REFERENCE / STATEMENT OF WORK

1. OVERVIEW

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is seeking to establish a number of Long Term Arrangements for Services (LTAS) for 3 years (with potential extension), with qualified vendors who can provide online and distance learning services such as: custom development, instructional design, mobile/responsive design learning, video production, facilitation and tutoring. Vendors will be invited to bid to offer one or several of the above services. Audience: UNICEF needs innovative and flexible learning solutions to be delivered to its 12,000 employees, but also to build capacity of partners. UNICEF’s learning opportunities range from short introductory overviews to complex advanced blended curricula. Availability of courses vary - from open to all, to strict selection processes. Courses can also be shared with other entities to host them on their own learning systems, with or without customization(s). Current learning systems: Agora, UNICEF’s first Learning Management System (LMS) will be launched in during the second quarter of 2014. Agora is based on Totara LMS, a distribution of Moodle. The portal is customized and maintained by a third party vendor, hosted in the cloud, and complemented by an offline player allowing learners to download courses from the LMS and synchronize their progress. Other systems used for learning include a set of communities of practice and Yammer, both of which will be increasingly integrated in the SharePoint based architecture of UNICEF (currently still in development).

mailto:[email protected]


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2. PAST AND RECENT AUTHORING AND DELIVERY METHODS While a number of different approaches have been used by UNICEF to develop online and/or blended courses, the most common methodologies have been:

Blended programmes developed in partnership with institutions such as Universities or affiliates Self-learning modules, developed with the support of specialized companies, through the use of

Articulate Storyline (mostly). These courses occasionally include assignment. All staff development programmes of UNICEF currently already include at least one online component. A number of complex programmes are entirely delivered online.

3. AUTHORING AND DELIVERY METHODS: NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS This procurement process should support the following core directions that UNICEF’s wishes to take:

All content in HTML5: no more use of Flash, and more use of responsive design where possible. More video based learning: video is highly versatile and personal. From brief introductory videos,

to series of lectures – UNICEF will make more intense use of videos in its programmes. More diversity in the format of learning content and activities: while slide based self-learning

modules have their interest, UNICEF will make use of Moodle’s curriculum development features and consider a wider range of options when it comes to activities, content delivery, assignments or discussions.

More online interactions: A number of interactions between learners and with tutors or facilitators should be encouraged in a majority of learning opportunities. This includes synchronous and asynchronous interactions.

UNICEF will also continue to build its programme with modularity and reusability in mind, so that learning opportunities can be shared, maintained or adapted.

4. NATURE OF LONG TERM ARRANGEMENTS UNICEF wishes to sign a number of specialized Long Term Arrangements for services (LTAs) for the services described below, for a duration of 3 years (with possible extension). The format or the Request for Proposals will allow vendors to bid for one or more of the services requested. While LTAs will be signed and primarily managed by the Organizational Learning and Development Section, they will also be open for use by other division and offices of UNICEF throughout the world. United Nations procurement processes can be long and cumbersome, but LTAs procures selected companies with a unique advantage to work on a variety of projects with different offices. With the agreement of the vendor(s), LTAs can also be shared with other UN Agencies.

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1. LEARNING TOPICS UNICEF’s learning and development solutions cover a wide range of subjects such as:

Programmatic areas (e.g education, health, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, immunization, nutrition)

Strategies and procedures (e.g. advocacy, partnership, human rights based approach to programming)

Compliance training (e.g. security, ethics, prevention of sexual harassment, HIV/AIDS in the workplace)

IT training (e.g. end user desktop training, software specific training, technical training) Operations (e.g. audit, finance, human resources, procurement, contracting) Leadership and management development Performance support Soft skills (e.g. languages, time management, communication)

This list is indicative and not exclusive of other subjects.

2. Services and Deliverables The e-learning products to be developed will consist of not only e-learning courses with variations in scope, length, level of interactivity and depth of the subject matter covered, but vendors may be invited to produce other e-learning and media materials such as short videos, interviews, design of Moodle courses, interfaces, mobile learning solutions, customization of existing courses and other products. In particular, the list of services we seek include: Services considered:

A- Responsive design solutions and services for learning (incl. templates, software and/or production framework). Note: UNICEF is also interested in solution that would make use of Totara/Moodle authoring capacities to develop advanced responsive course templates. Integrated solutions also most welcome.

Pre-selection criteria: quick review of sample(s) and technical development framework.

B- Instructional design / distance learning programmes design As UNICEF’s moodle based LMS will offer a number of options regarding activities, content delivery or assignments – we are looking for advanced instructional design expertise to make the best use of blends of methodology, for either self-directed or tutored courses, (semi)synchronous or asynchronous. (Note: UNICEF can provide support with graphic design work). Pre-selection criteria: description of experience and services offered. Review of sample(s).

C- Tutoring services and/or online facilitation: for certain advanced and long term programmes, tutoring services may be needed to support learners, review progress and provide feedback, monitor discussion forums, facilitate webinars (together with Subject Matter Experts), etc. Knowledge of Moodle or similar platform is essential.

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Pre-selection criteria: description of experience and services offered. Review of example(s). D- Rapid elearning development of online self-learning modules, using Storyline (primarily).

Provide a link to 1 or 2 courses All courses are voiced over and may occasionally need to be translated in different languages.

Pre-selection criteria: quick review of sample(s) [must be in HTML5] description of experience and services offered.

E- Video based learning production/editing UNICEF will develop more and more video based learning content. We are seeking for support to develop a wide range of outputs.

a. Recording of events/workshops/lectures (live or not) b. Recording of interviews + support for remote recording (+editing). c. Recording of lectures for online delivery (e.g. for MOOCs). We are also interested in

solutions for the synchronization of slides and presenters video/audio (using moodle, captivate or else).

d. Creation of custom and/or animated videos (including graphics, photos, video shoots, animations, etc.)

e. Screencasting services (using Storyline, Captivate or Camtasia for example). May include narration, subtitling or multiple outputs production for software training for example (simulation, job-aid, etc.).

If you offer other types of video based learning services, please mention them using the “other services” form available in annex.

F- Totara/Moodle training services

Provide training services and/or materials (mostly online) to different sets of administrators, content creators, course managers and facilitators and/or users of the Agora platform. Expert knowledge of Totara and/or Moodle is a must.

Pre-selection criteria: description of experience and services offered.

G- Other specific and innovative services? We want to hear from you! UNICEF is interested in innovative solutions so feel free to let us know what you can offer to our learners, and showcase the best of your skills. For each additional service, please fill in the table provided in annex (copy as many times as needed). IMPORTANT NOTE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

UNICEF requires that all source files of projects be delivered, and not just the final output. Standard authoring software or development solution must be used. All technology and object developed during and for the project (e.g. software development or

course templates) are non-exclusive property of UNICEF.

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UNICEF may share the product of projects with partners (mostly UN agencies and NGOs) under non-commercial license.

SUBMISSION DETAILS: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) Interested suppliers/service providers are encouraged to complete and submit the below EOI form. Supporting documents can be attached.

Vendors are expected to provide precisions on how the vendor meets the initial project requirements. Evidence of past successful experiences providing similar type of application and services to other organizations; samples/web links or portfolio links, and references from organizations similar to UNICEF in terms of its global presence and multicultural environment would help UNICEF in the shortlisting of companies invited to bid.

EOIs should be sent to Abel Henry at [email protected] and Vanya Kasakova at [email protected] not later than 5 May 2014, 23.59 EST. Please quote “EOI IDPF2014” as subject in your correspondence.

We anticipate the pre-selection to be completed, and the RFP sent out by mid-May 2014. If you have questions related to this EOI, please ask them by 25 April 2014, 23.59 EST For the transparency and equality of treatment, response to all anonymized questions (i.e. indication on company asking the question will be removed) will be posted on: https://sites.google.com/site/unicefprocurement/ TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUBMISSION: - Be concise and precise – you’ll have the opportunity to provide more details during the RFP. - Submit samples of your work, case studies and/or a general portfolio. Make sure to provide us

with login details available for at least 6 weeks (if applicable). - Make sure to fill in the below forms for general information. - Ask your questions as early as possible and respect deadlines.



https://sites.google.com/site/unicefprocurement/

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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM (EOI form) – Reference: IDPF2014 [Please check the box when appropriate]

GENERAL INFORMATION

Full company name:

Address:

Country:

EOI Contact Person:

E-mail address:

Tel: Fax:

Web Site:

Company established in… (year)

Years of experience providing similar goods/service(s)

Do you have experience managing courses in languages other than English (please list)? Do you have experience with projects translated in various languages (provide examples)?

Number of employees (for the related activities only):

Link to general portfolio/Sample:

Financials

Public or private:

Describe ownership structure (attach additional information if required:

2013 Results / Forecast

Revenue:

Profit

2012 Results

Revenue

Profit

Litigation

Any litigation pending?

Number of lawsuits in history of company?

CUSTOMER BASE

Total number of customers

Active number of customers

Number of new customers in 2013

Any UN and/or NGO customers? (name, if possible)

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INTEREST IN SUPPLYING THE FOLLOWING CATEGORY[IES] OF SERVICE[S]. Please let us know which of the following requirements you verify by selecting “Yes/No” and provide additional information where needed. Note that the RFP will be formatted in a way to allow companies to bid for one or more services among the list.

A- Responsive design solutions and services for learning

Are you interested in submitting a proposal for this service?

Yes No

Describe the service offered (Max 200 words)

Describing your production process (Max 200 words)

Please provide 1-2 recent samples of your work (URL or else)

Comments and/or link to more information

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B- Instructional design / distance learning programmes design


Yes No

Please provide a short description of services as well as examples of programmes or details about your experience with similar clients. (max 400 words)

To help us in the design of the final RFP, please also indicate what different pricing model(s) you have been using for these services.

If possible please share case studies and/or sample(s) of work. (URL or attachments)


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C- Tutoring services and/or online facilitation


Yes No

Please provide a short description of services as well as examples of programmes or details about your experience with similar clients. (200 words max)

To help us in the design of the final RFP, please also indicate what different pricing model(s) you have been using for these services. (200 words max)

How are tutors selected/trained for a specific programme? (200 words max.)

Please share case studies and/or sample(s) of work. (URL or attachments)


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D- Rapid elearning development of online self-learning modules, using Storyline (primarily).


Yes No


Describing your production process (Max 200 words)

Please provide 1-2 recent samples of your work (URL or else)


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E- Video based learning production/editing

Are you interested in submitting a proposal for the following services?

a. Recording of events/ workshops/ lectures

Yes No

a. Recording of interviews + support for remote recording (+editing).

Yes No

b. Recording of lectures specifically for online delivery (e.g. for MOOCs). We are also interested in solutions for the synchronization of slides and presenters video/audio (using moodle, captivate or else).

Yes No

c. Creation of custom and/or animated videos (including graphics, photos, video shoots, animations, etc.)

Yes No

d. Screencasting services (using Storyline, Captivate or Camtasia for example). May include narration, subtitling or multiple outputs production for software training for example (simulation, job-aid, etc.).

Yes No


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Describing your production process(es) (Max 600 words)

Please provide 1-2 recent samples of your work per type of video you wish to submit a proposal for(URL or else)


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F- Totara/Moodle training services


Yes No


Please provide a short description of services as well as examples of programmes or details about your experience with similar clients (200 words)

To help us in the design of the final RFP, please also indicate what different pricing model(s) you have been using for these services. (200 words max)

Please provide 1-2 recent case studies or description of recent contracts/assignments (URL or else)


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G- Additional services (copy as many times as needed)

Name of service:

Short description:

To learn more: (links or documents)

Samples of work:

Additional comments (e.g. re-production process or billing mechanisms).

UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND (UNICEF) EXPRESSION …...SUBMISSION DETAILS: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST...

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