DEADLINE: February 21, 2013, 4:30PM (AST) CARIBBEAN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE TITLE: TRAINING IN INVESTOR FACILITATION FOR CAIPA MEMBERS (BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE GLOBAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION BEST PRACTICES 2012 REPORT) CONSULTANT 1. Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), invites proposals from qualified contractors to provide consultancy services for the development and delivery of a customized training programme for CAIPA members on Investor Facilitation. The programme will be based on the findings of the Global Investment Promotion Best Practices 2012, which is published by the World Bank Group and will be executed in close collaboration with the World Bank Group. Based on the requirements outlined in the below Terms of References (TOR), contractors are invited to submit a technical and financial proposal. 2. The proposed consultancy is being undertaken in the context of the 10 th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP). 3. The assignment is geared towards building the capacity of the region s IPAs to effectively manage investor enquiries that may result in increased FDI inflows. 4. All proposals are to be addressed to: Executive Director c/o: Mr. Chris McNair Caribbean Export Development Agency 1 st Floor Baobab Tower Warrens St. Michael BARBADOS 5. Proposals may be sent via mail to the address noted above in Section 4, or by email to the attention of Mr. Christopher McNair at: cmcnair@carib-export.com copied to shudson@caribexport.com
6. The deadline for all submissions is 21 February 2013 at 4:30 pm (AST). Late submissions will not be accepted. 7. All questions regarding the terms of reference should be sent by email to shudson@caribexport.com, copied to cmcnair@carib-export.com or telephone 1-809-531-2259/2411. 8. The Consultant will be supervised by the Executive Director, Caribbean Export Development Agency (or his/her nominee) who will have responsibility for overseeing the Consultancy and compliance with the scope of work. 9. The successful consultant will be required to enter into a Contract with Caribbean Export Development Agency. 10. A proposal will not be considered unless it complies with the conditions set out in this notice. 11. Caribbean Export Development Agency does not bind itself to accept the lowest, or any proposal submitted. 2
Appendix 1: TERMS OF REFERENCE TRAINING IN INVESTOR FACILITATION FOR CAIPA MEMBERS (BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE GLOBAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION BEST PRACTICES 2012) 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1.1. Beneficiary countries CARIFORUM Region: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago 1.2. Contracting Authority Caribbean Export Development Agency 1.3. Relevant background The Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) was formed in 2004 with the objective of enabling collaboration among the CARIFORUM Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs). The Association was officially launched in 2007 and has as its primary aim the strengthening of the region s visibility as an attractive destination for FDI, the leveraging of opportunities for joint marketing and promotions, facilitating customized training for its members and providing access to reliable information. CAIPA, as an umbrella association for regional IPAs, also seeks to foster the exchange of best practices in Investment Promotion throughout the Caribbean Region. CAIPA s Members are the IPA and/or relevant Ministries of the following 19 Countries and Territories: Antigua & Barbuda Grenada St. Vincent & Grenadines Bahamas Guyana Suriname Barbados Haiti Trinidad & Tobago Belize Jamaica Turks & Caicos Cayman Islands Curaçao Dominica Dominican Republic Montserrat St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia 3
Under this framework, Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) acts as CAIPA s Secretariat. Caribbean Export is a regional export development and trade and investment promotion organisation of the Forum of Caribbean States (CARIFORUM). The proposed activity is being undertaken through the provision of funding assistance by the European Union in the context of the 10 th European Development Fund (EDF). Caribbean Export, as the main beneficiary of the funding assistance has been charged with the implementation of a Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) and has targeted as one of its priority areas, the continued strengthening of CAIPA. The overall objective of the Regional Private Sector Development Programme is to contribute to the gradual integration of CARIFORUM countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago) into the global economy. More specifically, the objectives of the RPSDP are: a) Enhancing Competitiveness and Promoting Innovation among CARIFORUM s Private Sector; b) Promoting Trade and Export Development among CARIFORUM States; c) Promoting stronger trade and investment relations among CARIFORUM and French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs) as well as European Union (EU) Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) in the Caribbean; and d) Promoting stronger trade and investment cooperation between CARICOM and the Dominican Republic (DR). There is also a complementary objective of strengthening the institutional capacity of Caribbean Export to implement trade and investment promotion programmes in the region through its export development programming and through support to the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA). 1.4. Current state of affairs in the relevant sector The ability of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) to provide information that facilitates investors through the investment process or, that influences their site-selection decisions can help to reduce risk perceptions by investors as well as the costs associated with market entry. In an analysis of 30,000 high value-added foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, the World Bank Group found that there was a strong positive correlation between the provision of information by the government and investor decisions to locate in an economy. Undoubtedly, in countries where the investment climate can be categorized as unpredictable and non-transparent, IPA support could make a significant difference to investors, influencing their decisions. The results of a study undertaken by the University of Oxford (Harding & Jovorick), using empirical data on 124 countries, suggests that the ability of the IPAs to provide information and assist investors through the bureaucratic process can positively influence FDI. Notwithstanding this positive relationship between investment facilitation and investment flows, an assessment of 189 IPAs shows that as many as 5 of every 6 provide little or no information to investors who ask for it as a part of their site selection processes. The Global Investment Promotion Best Practices 2012 report, notes that the global average score for IPA responses to investor enquiries has not exceeded 29% since the report began and has fallen to 22% in 2012. The Report is a publication of the World Bank, Investment Climate section, and it evaluates IPAs websites and their responsiveness to investor information requests, two of the most important 4
channels for providing information to investors in the early stages of the site selection process. IPAs have improved their rating with regard to the use of websites to provide information, however, 79% of the IPAs failed to provide information on at least 1 of the 2 requests for information made by the World Bank in evaluating their responsiveness to investor inquiry. These results put a different spin to the oft-heard complaints of slow growth in the global economy and points to the need for IPAs to increase their effectiveness through the operationalization of strategies that are geared towards enhancing the investor experience by providing needed information and the required follow-up. It is against this background that training in the area of investment facilitation is being advanced for all CAIPA members, using the GIPB2012 as the framework for the workshops. It is anticipated that following the development of targeted strategies that will assist the IPAs to improve on their inquiry handling processes that the region will be better placed to attract and facilitate investment. 1.5. Related programmes and other donor activities: Not Applicable 2. OBJECTIVE, PURPOSE & EXPECTED RESULTS 2.1. Overall objective The overall objective of the Competitiveness and Innovation component of the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP), of which this contract will be a part, is to enhance Competitiveness and to promote Innovation among CARIFORUM s private sector. Progress towards this outcome is assessed in several areas, one of which is the support given to CAIPA for Training and Technical Assistance. Improving the capacity of regional IPA experts to promote the region as an ideal location for invest ment, increase their capability to land investment projects as well as to expand their portfolios with reinvestment projects are critical objectives to be realized from the training provided under the programme. 2.2. Purpose The specific purpose of this contract is as follows: The development and delivery of a training programme via a 3-day workshop to IPA representatives in the Caribbean region oninvestor Facilitation. 2.3. Results to be achieved by the Consultant The consultant is expected to deliver the following results: Prepare and deliver a 3 day training programme to CAIPA members on Investment Facilitation, guided by the findings of the GIPB2012, to include the preparation of appropriate case studies, presentations and exercises; 5
Prepare individual action plans for each IPA based on interactions with the Agencies before and during the training sessions. As this training will be undertaken in collaboration with the World Bank Group (WBG), in particular the Investment Climate section, the consultant will be required to have extensive knowledge of the GIPB2012 Report and methodology and conduct extensive consultations with the WBG and with CAIPA members. 3. ASSUMPTIONS & RISKS 3.1. Assumptions underlying the project intervention 3.2. Risks The trainer will be available for preparation of course content and extended discussions with each IPA, leading to the development of individual action plans at least 1 month prior to the hosting of the event. The trainer will have extensive knowledge of the GIPB2012 and familiarity with the CAIPA members; The IPAs will develop draft action plans for discussion and refinement with the consultant. The risk is that the above-mentioned assumptions are not fulfilled and as a consequence the anticipated results and objectives of the project are not realised. 4. SCOPE OF THE WORK 4.1. General and Specific 4.1.1 CAIPA is seeking the professional services of a consultant to develop a 3-day training course on Investment Facilitation, working closely with the WBG/Investment Climate section, and to deliver the programme based on the finding of the GIPB2012 report. The consultant will also be required to dialogue extensively with the IPAs who will be attending this training. The services provided will also lead to the development of individualised action plans that address the challenges identified in the country GIPB 2012 reports provided by the WBG/Investment Climate section. To achieve this, it is expected that the consultant will undertake the following: A. Prepare a 3 day training programme for CAIPA members on Investment Facilitation, guided by the findings of the GIPB2012. The consultant will: Liaise between CAIPA and the WBG to ensure full consultation and coordination of planning and delivery of the program, liaise with CAIPA logistics team; Review the draft agenda for the CAIPA-GIPB workshop, making recommendations to improve the workshop objectives, agenda content and structure; 6
Make recommendations on the nature of exercises and case studies to improve the participative and learning opportunities from the workshop; Advise and prepare appropriate IPA cases studies and identify potential speakers based on the course content; Contact and set up workshop speakers, liaise and agree content of speakers presentations; Design and oversee the preparation of the workshop s GIPB 2012 presentations, exercises and case studies. B. Deliver the training at the CAIPA-GIPB Training Workshop to be held in Jamaica, during the period 17-19 April, 2013. The consultant will: Co-present the training workshop with WBG staff Prepare for the training workshop and travel to Jamaica Deliver the training program in Jamaica working closely with the WBG staff C. Develop individual action plans for IPAs attending the workshop The consultant will: Liaise with IPAs to coordinate timing for one-on-one action planning sessions Prepare advance guidance for IPAs and develop a delivery template for use in the sessions Liaise with the WBG team on planning the individual sessions and lead IPA sessions with the WBG Based on previously held discussions with the IPAs prior to and during the training exercise, prepare action plans (of about 2 pages), for each of the IPAs attending the training Liaise with WBG staff to finalize the action notes and, through CAIPA, deliver the finalised action plans to each participating IPA as a workshop deliverable D. Prepare a final report on the workshop with conclusions and recommendations for follow-up training. The following must be taken into consideration: Participants: Each IPA member of CAIPA will be allowed at least 2 participants to the workshop. The estimated attendance will therefore be 38 representatives. The participants will be asked to present their job descriptions, substantiating their suitability for the training programme. Each IPA will also be required to select a representative to liaise directly with the consultant for the development of the action plans. Logistics and equipment: The following items will be provided by Caribbean Export as requested by the consultant to ensure efficient completion of the training programme: projector, flipcharts, office supplies. Travel arrangements/cost of travel/per diem/ hotel: These will be covered by the consultant and should be included in the final cost for the assignment. Training materials: These will be developed by the consultant in collaboration with the WBG. The provision of the training material in printed or e-format to the participants will be the responsibility of Caribbean Export. 7
Working language: The working language for delivery of the course material is English. 4.1.2. Geographical area to be covered by the Consultant Jamaica 4.1.3. Target groups Investment Promotion Agencies and Government agencies focused on investment promotions within CARIFORUM. 4.2. Project management 4.2.1. Responsible body The Caribbean Export Development Agency will be responsible for the management and coordination of this project. 4.3.2. Management structure The M a n a g e r, C o m p e t i t i v e n e s s a n d I n n o v a t i o n will retain overall responsibility for the project and will report the performance of the project to the Executive Director. Day-to-day supervision of the activities of the project is the responsibility of the Senior Advisor for Investment Promotion (based in the Dominica n Republic). 4.3.3. Facilities to be provided by the Contracting Authority and/or other parties Not applicable. 5. LOGISTICS AND TIMING 5.1. Location Caribbean Export Development Agency Hastings Main Road Christ Church Barbados 5.2. Commencement Date & Period of implementation of tasks The intended commencement date is 2 5 F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 3. The deliverables and maximum payable man hours for completion of this assignment is 52 consulting days. The project will end on 30 April 2013. 6. REQUIREMENTS 6.1. Personnel 6.1.1. Key expert 8
The expert who has a crucial role in implementing the contract is referred to as the key expert. The profile of the trainer (s)/ experts for this contract is as follows: Minimum of five years experience working in investment promotion or private sector development related areas; Experience in providing technical assistance in investment promotion to IPAs; Ability to work at a high level of independence, capable of managing the day-to-day requirements in preparation for the delivery of a training programme to IPA experts; Detailed knowledge of and understanding of the GIPB survey methodology, results and materials; Experience in using GIPB results in delivering technical advice to IPA management and experience in using GIPB materials in a training situation; Capable of liaising between CAIPA, WBG and IPA participants; Excellent spoken and written English; Strong presentation skills. 6.1.2. Other experts, support staff & backstopping Only one key expert will be required for this contract. 6.2. Office accommodation No office accommodation at the Caribbean Export Development Agency is required for the key expert. 6.3. Facilities to be provided by the Consultant The Consultant shall ensure that additional experts, if required, are adequately supported and equipped. In particular, the Consultant shall ensure that there is sufficient administrative, secretarial and general support for each additional expert to enable the Consultant to concentrate on his/her primary responsibilities. The Consultant must also transfer funds as necessary to support the activities under the contract and to ensure that all employees are paid regularly and in a timely fashion. 6.4. Equipment No equipment is to be purchased on behalf of the Contracting Authority/beneficiary countries as part of this service contract or transferred to the Contracting Authority/ beneficiary countries at the end of this contract. Any equipment related to this contract which is to be acquired by the Contracting Authority/beneficiary countries must be purchased by means of a separate supply tender procedure. 7. REPORTS 7.1. Reporting requirements 9
The consultant will submit the following reports: Inception Report - T his Report should detail the final Training Programme, as well as programme objectives and s hou l d b e p r es ent ed in electronic version within o ne wee k of the commencement of the contract. Second Report This Report should include the presentation in digital format of all course material and draft action plans, at least one week prior to commencement of the training. Final Report This Report should include the final action plans after delivery of the training programme, any significant contributions made by participants on the discussed subject, the results garnered from the evaluation forms, conclusions and specific recommendations for future interventions. This should be submitted in an electronic version along with two (2) hard copies. 7.2. Submission & approval of reports The reports referred to above must be submitted to the S eni or Adv is or, Inves t ment Pr omot i on. All reports must be submitted in English. The Senior Advisor, Investment Promotion is responsible for approving the reports. 8. MONITORING AND EVALUATION 8.1. Definition of indicators Performance on the project will be measured by timely submission of the deliverables outlined in Section 4.2 and as outlined within the work plan. Feedback on each submitted Report is not a requirement for the continuation of the project. The Contracting Authority will provide feedback to the consultant within five (5) working days of receipt of the final report. 8.2. Special requirements None. 10