REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

RFI Reference: RFI/SCM-01-04/27
Date: 05 May 2025
Title of the RFI Request for information (RFI) for Cash Distribution Service under Long Term Agreement

Closing date for receipt of the RFI

25 May 2025

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Address RFI response by e-mail to the attention of: Supply Chain Officer, International Organization for Migration, Bangladesh.
E-mail address: IOMCxBprocure@iom.int
OBJECTIVES OF RFI

IOM has significant requirements for Cash Based Interventions (CBI) programs in Bangladesh, which in turn demands a mechanism which can be adopted and replicated by all departments engaged in Cash-based Intervention in country. IOM has its Cash for work (CFW) intervention program as a part of the cash-based intervention (CBI) in its assigned camps and host community sites, as part of its emergency response operations, designed to directly benefits refugee and host communities. Since the start of the CBI programme in 2017, IOM has been providing a significant amount of cash distributions, though the volume depends on available resources and any emergency situations that may arise.

Due to the continuous need for CFW interventions as part of Cash-Based Interventions, there is an increased responsibility of the agencies to improve accountability and transparency with donors, beneficiaries and other stakeholders (such as government). Thus, IOM developed a mechanism to respond to the operational needs in a secure and practical way since it adopts global cash for work best practices and recommendations from the cash working group.
DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS

Given the continuous need and significant involvement in CBI activities, IOM Bangladesh is hereby inviting Financial Service Providers (FSP) (banking institutions) to represent their feasibility and capacity for facilitating cash delivery and distribution services within the host community and refugee camps at Ukhiya and Teknaf in Cox's Bazar District.

The service modality in brief is as below:

  • Service fee to be paid by IOM monthly for the previous month's distribution, upon receipt of an Invoice from the bank with a detailed summary of the completed disbursement.
  • Cash disbursement will be provided according to the following modality of up to five (5) working days per week (Sunday to Thursday) during standard banking hours in Bangladesh (09:00 AM to 04:00 PM). While official banking hours apply, the cash distribution timing may vary to accommodate travel time to the distribution point within the host community or camps. Additionally, to ensure the safety of staff and beneficiaries, distribution will be completed before 4:00 PM mitigating any potential security risks for beneficiaries.
  • Each cash teller is expected to handle a maximum of 250 beneficiaries per day, and the number of cash distribution locations depends on the necessity and volume. For distribution points that have female beneficiaries, female tellers must be assigned, regardless of the number or volume of female beneficiaries.
  • The tellers from the respective Financial Service Provider are expected to demonstrate cultural sensitivity when communicating with beneficiaries both at refugee camps and in the host community, while also ensuring time sensitivity and professionalism. Additionally, it is expected that the FSP provides detailed orientation to each teller before positioning them at the cash distribution point.
  • IOM shall provide distribution schedules to the Service Provider two (02) days before scheduled disbursement dates.
  • Cash disbursement point/location will be as provided by IOM, taking into consideration the geographical location, banking hours and number of beneficiaries.
  • An amount ranging from BDT 20-40 million shall be disbursed per month. It is noted that while the range is BDT 20-40 million per month, the volume of cash distribution still depends on the necessity and the situation that may arise, which could be either lower or higher. Major changes in these ranges will be communicated in advance, and both parties must mutually agree. Changes in these ranges shall not impact cash distribution.
  • The initial contract period shall be one (1) year, with the possibility of extension upon mutual agreement by both parties and depending on the performance of the respective financial service provider.
  • Applicable VAT will be borne by IOM and applicable Income Tax will be borne by the bank.
  • The bank will be responsible for arranging transportation for cash delivery and providing the necessary manpower to facilitate the cash disbursement service.
  • IOM will provide the list of beneficiaries in either paper or electronic format to the bank at least two (02) days before the disbursement begins. IOM representative will be responsible for identifying beneficiaries at the cash disbursement point, while the FSP representative will verify the beneficiaries using their provided identification. The IOM representative will countersign the payment sheet upon completion of the payment.
  • Currently, there is no biometric registration for beneficiaries both the host community and the Rohingya community. However, it is worth mentioning that IOM may adopt biometric registration for beneficiary payments and attendance once it becomes available and feasible.
  • IOM shall ensure infrastructural facilities at cash disbursement points (siting places, sanitations, drinking water etc.)
    at their own arrangements. If any of the disbursement locations do not have electricity access, IOM shall inform the bank in advance.
  • As of 31 January 2025, the approximate number of beneficiaries (both Host and Rohingya) is 655,208 persons, while the volume of beneficiary engagement in Cash-Based Interventions remains dependent on necessity and resource availability.
  • IOM will ensure necessary government approval / permission (from RRRC and or local government authorities) for cash disbursement.
  • The bank will ensure necessary permission from Central Bank.
  • The bank will ensure complete insurance for cash-in-transit and cash-on-counter for this cash disbursement project.
  • IOM will ensure available necessary fund with the bank (by maintaining a current account in the name of IOM) two (02) days ahead of disbursement date.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION IOM IS EXPECTING TO RECEIVE
  • Capacity (Manpower, Vehicle etc) as per the requirements as stated above.
  • Number of days the bank needs to resume the service if awarded the contract.
  • List of clients availing similar service.
  • List of experience (if any).