Consultancy for the Design and Implementation of an Integrated Cartographic and Analytical Tool (SEED Atlas)

CISP is seeking a consultancy from a Service Provider to develop a comprehensive atlas of the main environmental, social, and economic characteristics of the region, with a specific focus on agro-pastoral dynamics in Tawkar, Agig, and Sawakin, red Sea State, Sudan. 

1. Background

CISP – Sviluppo dei Popoli ETS (CISP ETS) is a civil society organization that has been engaged in international cooperation and the fight against social exclusion since 1983. CISP is active in more than 30 countries with initiatives for the affirmation of fundamental rights and social inclusion, the fight against inequalities and social injustice, the creation of economic and social opportunities as well as the protection of marginalized people. Since 2019 CISP has been working in Sudan to carry out projects in areas of development by supporting national and county authorities to provide quality, equitable, transparent and accountable services in various sectors. Dring the last 3 years CISP Sudan has expanded its activities in two States (Gedaref and Red Sea) to respond to the humanitarian crisis deriving from the conflict started in 2023, with a focus on the following sectors of intervention: Agriculture and Food Security, Livelihoods, Health and Nutrition. Since 2024 CISP implements the SEED Project in Red Sea State to strengthen community resilience, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve access to livelihoods and natural resources. The project integrates modern agricultural practices, water and soil management, local seed improvement, and market access with innovative tools for spatial planning and evidence-based decision making. The SEED Atlas will map and analyze environmental, social and economic characteristics of Sawakin, Tawkar and Agig in Red Sea state, serving as a scientific repository and decision-support tool.

2. Expected Objectives of the Consultancy

The objective is to generate a georeferenced digital database containing relevant indicators that will facilitate the production of cartographic products that will support evidence-based decision-making by local authorities, communities, and development actors. The consultancy should achieve — but not be limited to — the following minimum objectives:

1. Co-design of the digital database
   To collaboratively design, together with key stakeholders and identified beneficiaries and under the guidance of CISP staff, the structure of the socio-economic and environmental digital database for the SEED Atlas. The activity will focus on the joint identification of data categories and indicators, and on defining a database structure that facilitates data access, use and analysis for the production of the SEED Atlas.
2. Development of digital databases and data management tools
   To develop the digital database and the data management tools, to support the collection, storage, access and analysis of geo-referenced information supporting the creation of the SEED Atlas, as defined under point a).
3. Training sessions and capacity-building workshops on the use of digital tools
   To strengthen local capacities through training sessions and capacity-building workshops for project staff, relevant stakeholders and selected community representatives on data collection, storage, access and use within the digital database and data management system developed under point b). Training on data collection could be provided using either tools developed by the consultant or other freely available tools, ensuring full compatibility with and correct storage of data in the developed database. On-the-job technical support and supervision shall be provided during the initial implementation phase to ensure data quality, consistency and reliability. In addition, guidance and support shall be provided on accessing and using the stored information to facilitate spatial analysis and the production of cartographic and other analytical outputs as required.
4. Technical recommendations and methodological guidance for maintaining and updating the database
   To support CISP and project partners through the provision of technical recommendations and methodological guidance for the maintenance, updating and use of the digital database, with the aim of ensuring the regular updating and sustainability of the SEED Atlas. The activity shall include technical inputs to support the definition of procedures for periodic data updates, as well as guidance to assist CISP and relevant partners in identifying appropriate actors, roles and operational protocols related to database management and data use. All primary datasets and technical documentation have to be prepared to facilitate the handover to CISP and designated institutions. The objective is to contribute to the SEED Atlas remaining a dynamic and operational decision-support tool, able to evolve in response to emerging needs and future interventions. 

3. Scope of Services and 4.0 Deliverables

The Consultancy will deliver the services for CISP. The main expected services and deliverables from this assignment are the following:

1. Co-design of the digital database
   a.1. List of agreed indicators to be included in the database
   a.2. Draft structure of the database, showing how information will be organized
2. Development of digital databases and data management tools
   b.1. Digital database and data management tools developed and functioning
   b.2. A web-based digital platform to facilitate the visualization of spatial geo-referenced data
3. Training sessions and capacity-building workshops on the use of digital tools
   c.1. Training sessions delivered to project staff and selected stakeholders
   c.2. Training material produced and shared (e.g. guides or presentations)
   c.3. On-the-job technical support provided during initial use of the database and the data collection campaign
4. Technical recommendations and methodological guidance for maintaining and updating the database
   d.1. Practical guidelines on how to maintain and update the database over time
   d.2. Handover of the database, data, and related documentation to CISP

4. Consultancy timeframe

The consultancy assignment is expected to be undertaken between July 2026 and September 2027. The engagement will be staggered to feature the various timelines of the deliverables as per the table above. The overall duration of the consultancy will be determined based on the technical design of the workplan as proposed by the service provider.
Before commencing the tasks, the Service Provider should develop and share plans and tools for each deliverable with CISP, which will coordinate the feedback of key stakeholders including HAC, ministries and technical services for any comment/inputs to validate and authorize the plan.

5. Consultancy delivery methodology

The consultancy will be conducted through analysis and desk review/study, field missions (subject to security conditions), scientific mentorship and supervision, technical training, participatory discussions, consultative meetings, workshops, field support and regular debriefings, both on the field and remotely. The partition between field missions and remote work shall depend on the nature of activities, health and security situation and indicated in the technical proposal.
The Service Provider will make its own logistic arrangements and cover all relevant expenses associated with the services including trainers and consultants’ fees and logistics related to international travels. CISP and its partner will assist in the provision of requisite background information and will link up the Service Provider with field-based personnel. CISP will facilitate contact with key stakeholders including federal and state focal points from HAC, ministries and technical services and target community groups. CISP will support the service provider’s local movement in Red Sea State. 

6. Contract Award Criteria

The contract will be awarded based on the following evaluation process in chronological order:

1. Preliminary Evaluation: Applications will be assessed against the application instructions (see ToR annexed). Non-compliance or lack of meeting any of the minimum requirements will result in automatic disqualification of the application. Applicants that comply with all the minimum requirements will pass on to the Technical Evaluation stage.
2. Technical Evaluation: Applications that pass the preliminary evaluation will be assessed only on their Technical Proposal. Only applications that obtain a score of 35 or higher on the Technical Evaluation will proceed to the Financial Evaluation.
3. Financial Evaluation: Applications that proceed to the Financial Evaluation stage will be assessed on their Financial Proposal against the application instructions. Non-compliance or lack of meeting any of the minimum requirements for the Financial Proposal will result in automatic disqualification of the application. 

7. Payment

Parties will agree on payment schedule with the successful bidder that will be based on achievement of set milestones.

Applicants must refer to ToR annexed to the present Call, which are integral part of the same, to get complete information about the content of the offer and the evaluation criteria.