RFP FOR A STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT AND ACTIONABLE ROADMAP ON STRENGTHENING GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION (GESI) IN BANGLADESH’S RMG SECTOR

Introduction

Swisscontact, Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation, is headquartered in Zurich and was founded in 1959 by leading figures from the Swiss private sector and Swiss universities. It is exclusively involved in international cooperation and since 1961 has carried out its mandated projects. In Bangladesh, Swisscontact is registered as an international non-governmental organisation (INGO) under the NGO Affairs Bureau, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Overview of the Project (PROGRESS)

The Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector through Skills (PROGRESS) is a four-year (2022–26) project funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and implemented by Swisscontact. The project supports RMG factories to advance in green transition by building their resilience and competitiveness. The PROGRESS project drives sustainable growth in the RMG sector through a market-driven approach. The project has two major components. The first component: Skills & Productivity, aims at improving the technical skills and productivity of RMG workers. Under this component with support from the project, the Consultancy Service Providers (CSPs)1 develop the skills of the RMG workers in areas like low performance, zero defect, women leadership etc. which make them more competent and productive. Besides, the project supports the factories developing an in-house training system to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. The second component: Environment & Social Compliance, supports RMG factories in their journey of decarbonisation. The CSPs with support from the project assess the factories’ status of carbon emissions at baseline and help them develop tailored pathways to reach net-zero emissions, while also promoting sustainability reporting. PROGRESS facilitates partnerships between CSPs and RMG factories to deliver commercially viable solutions. Especially, the project strengthens the local service market, enabling factories to access affordable solutions. Additionally, by leveraging collaborations with international brands, PROGRESS ensures solutions are aligned with industry demand. The ultimate objective is to increase the retention rates and income of the workers, including 60% women, while fostering improved productivity, and environmental and social compliance at the factory level.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the key tasks to be undertaken as part of the assessment.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) refers to the Terms of Reference (TOR) for “A STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT AND ACTIONABLE ROADMAP ON STRENGTHENING GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION (GESI) IN BANGLADESH’S RMG SECTOR”. The ToR is attached here in this document. Please find the below link.

Find the ToR here

The ToR is also available in the Swisscontact Bangladesh website. Please click the link:

https://www.swisscontact.org/en/countries/bangladesh/requests-for-proposal


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

All interested firms are required to submit the following documents:  

  1. A technical proposal outlining in detail, understanding of the assignment, methodology, team composition, and work plan.
  2. A financial proposal (in BDT) inclusive of all applicable taxes. The financial proposal must be supported by detailed budget notes for each line item, clearly justifying the cost assumptions, calculation basis, unit rates, quantities, etc (as applicable).
  3. Relevant documents and evidence of past work in related areas.
  4. Applicable supporting documents as evidence demonstrating the legal, registration and taxation status.
  5. A list of the existing clientele of the organisation.
  6. It is mandatory for the bidding organisations to submit documentary evidence demonstrating their legal, taxation, and financial status. This includes:
    1. A certificate of incorporation (for individual companies, a trade license), Registration-related documents (trade license, registration with any government entities/NGO bureau registration).
    2. An organisational organogram of key personnel, inclusive of the names of such personnel.
    3. Tax Identification Number (TIN).
    4. Business Identification Number (BIN).  
    5. Latest PSR (Proof of Submission of the Return).
    6. A signed statement testifying that all information contained within the proposal is correct and true.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Interested applicants must submit their proposals (separately technical and financial proposal) via email to bd.progress@swisscontact.org by 14 April 2026. The email subject line must state: “Strategic Assessment and Actionable Roadmap on Strengthening Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Bangladesh’s RMG Sector.”

For any clarification or questions regarding this assignment or the Terms of Reference (ToR), interested applicants may contact Swisscontact via email at tonmoy.hassan@swisscontact.org. Responses to queries will be shared with all interested applicants, if deemed necessary, to ensure transparency and equal access to information.

Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Swisscontact reserves the right to accept or reject any application, in part or full, or cancel the entire procurement process without assigning any reason whatsoever. Submission of an application does not guarantee the award of the contract.

Consultancy service providers (CSPs) are reputed national/international commercial consultancy firms that have certain expertise to implement interventions in partner factories for PROGRESS. They have legal, technical and financially binding contracts with the project.  Beyond project, then are expected to provide similar services to the factories in exchange of service fees.