RFQ: Preliminary Feasibility Assessment of Potential Geopark Sites in Fiji

Job Overview

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

You are requested to submit a comprehensive proposal for the above consultancy as per the Terms of Reference set out in Annex I

To assist with your submission, please find enclosed:

Annex I: Terms of Reference

Annex II:  Consultant’s Letter to SPTO Confirming Interest and Availability for the Consultancy Services

Annex III: Technical Proposal Submission Form

Annex IV: Financial Proposal Submission Form

Background

 The Pacific region welcomed a total of 2.9 million visitors in 2019  contributing USD $4 billion in visitor spending to regional economies. As a percentage of the national Gross Domestic Product, tourism receipts for some countries like Cook Islands reached 66% in the same year.  Direct employment in the sector totalled 90,821 not including those working in support services and businesses in the informal sector. Across the region, some local communities have become reliant on tourism for livelihood support either from the sale of traditional artefacts, food (agriculture and fishing), cultural experiences and recreational activities amongst others.

Whilst the economic benefits from tourism are notable, the dependency of some Pacific Island Countries on the industry has been acutely evident when the pandemic struck in early 2020 leading to the closure of borders in March and subsequent closure of many businesses.  Despite these challenges, the pandemic has provided an opportunity to refocus, rethink and redesign the future of tourism with sustainability of the natural and cultural environment at the forefront.  Additionally, opportunities have emerged to diversify tourism experiences, promote niche experiences and services.

The NTO Needs Assessment Report of SPTO Member Countries in August 2020, which aimed at gauging priorities for support from SPTO considering the emerging impacts of the pandemic, pointed to the need for economic diversification within the sector.  Research by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) highlights that traveller patterns and preferences are changing with visitors  desiring more environmentally responsible experiences, off-the-beaten-track destinations and opportunities to be immersed in the culture and be able to give back to communities.  This, coupled with the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on the industry and communities gives rise to the need for diversifying the tourism offering and rethinking the way in which the local market and inter-regional travel is perceived and developed.

In response to the need, an opportunity exists to assess the feasibility of developing ecotourism in selected communities with a view that such ecotourism sites could demonstrate strong linkages to geological sites as a niche segment which could potentially attract domestic and inter- regional demand focused on learning, research and adventure in addition to international market demands and preferences. The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework sets out a vision for tourism in the Pacific that by 2030 “We are empowered by, and benefitting from tourism that is resilient, prosperous and inclusive. It improves the wellbeing of our communities and protects, restores and promotes our cultures, islands and ocean ecosystems”. This initiative responds directly to these collective regional aspirations as well as to global commitments including the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action or the SAMOA Pathway amongst others.

SPTO, through this consultancy, plans to conduct a preliminary feasibility assessment of selected sites in Fiji for the purpose of assessing the potential of developing a Geopark. This activity builds from the Pacific Ecotourism Recovery Initiative Phase I which was completed last year with a report on the Preliminary Feasibility Assessment of Potential Geotourism Sites in the Pacific, focusing on Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Fiji.

Please refer to the concept note for more information on the Fiji preliminary feasibility assessment.

Specifications

• • SPTO invites bidders from qualified and experienced consultants who can offer their services to conduct the preliminary feasibility assessment of potential geopark sites in the south-west coast of Viti Levu Island
  • The successful applicant will need to submit the final deliverable by September 2023 in line with the agreed contractual arrangements and Deliverables & Indicative Timelines per the Terms of Reference.
  • Please click here to view the Terms of Reference.

Conditions: Information for consultants

To be considered for this RFQ, interested consultants must meet all the requirements in terms of Reference as well as the conditions below:

• Interested consultant(s) must be registered on SPTO Jobslink
• Provide three relevant professional references to this proposal submission, including the most recent work completed.
• Provide examples of relevant past work outputs to support how you meet each evaluation criteria.
• Complete the Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability (please note you are required to complete all areas in full as requested on the form, particularly the Statements to demonstrate you meet the selection criteria – DO NOT refer us to your CV or your Technical Proposal. Failure to do this will result in the application not being considered).

Submission instructions

• The proposal should demonstrate that the interested consultant satisfies the conditions stated above and is capable of meeting the specifications and timeframes and provide supporting examples to address the evaluation criteria.
• The proposal should outline the interested consultant’s complete proposal:

1. CV of proposed personnel highlighting relevant experience
2. A Technical Proposal should outline the interested consultant’s Methodology or approach, including timelines to achieve the tasks outlined in terms of Reference. Please click here to view.
3. A Financial Proposal which clearly outlines the fees component of the consultancy. Please click here to view.
4. A Completed Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability- Please click here to view.

Evaluation Criteria

SPTO will select the preferred consultant on the basis of SPTO’s evaluation of the extent to which their proposal should demonstrate that they offer the best value for money and that they satisfy the criteria listed in this document and in ANNEX I and summarized below.

Bidders must insist on an acknowledgement of receipt of proposals.

RFQ Clarification

Any clarification questions from applicants must be submitted by email to [email protected] before 10.00 am on 27^th April 2023 (Fiji Time).

7. Deadline
9. • The due date for submission of the proposal is 12.00 pm (Fiji Time), 5^th May 2023.
   • Late submissions will be NOT be considered.
   • PLEASE SEND ALL PROPOSALS VIA EMAIL with Subject: RFQ NO. 23/004 – Consultancy Services for Potential Geopark Sites in the South-West Coast of Viti Levu I Fiji to: [email protected]

SPTO reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and the lowest or any proposal will not necessarily be accepted.