Title: Community-Based Eco-Tourism Consultancy in Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park
RFP No: CIC-2025-01
Date of Issuance: 07 February 2025 Guidance budget ceiling: USD20,000.00
I. Background:
Conservation International (CI) is a global nonprofit organization working to protect the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity. CI has been active in Cambodia since 2001, implementing projects in key landscapes such as Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park. The park is home to a large population of the endangered northern yellow-cheeked gibbon, which serves as the focal point of an eco-tourism initiative aimed at generating conservation revenue and community benefits.
To enhance the sustainability and impact of the existing eco-tourism initiative, CI seeks a qualified consultant to evaluate the current program and lead improvements to strengthen the park’s role as a destination for conservation-centered tourism.
II. Consultancy Overview:
The consultant will assess the current gibbon-focused community-based eco-tourism initiative in Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park and lead the implementation of some of key findings, likely including: facility upgrades, marketing, staff training, and expanded tourism offerings. Additionally, the consultant will work with the CI communications team to develop on-site communications materials and enhance the overall visitor experience.
III. Scope of Work:
The consultant will perform the following tasks:
1. Assessment and Recommendations:
Evaluate the existing gibbon-based eco-tourism program, including infrastructure, visitor services, and operations.
Identify gaps and areas for improvement to ensure program sustainability and visitor satisfaction.
2. Facility Upgrades and Maintenance:
Oversee the implementation of facility improvements.
Develop a maintenance plan for ongoing upkeep.
3. Marketing and Communications:
Design marketing strategies targeting local and regional markets.
Collaborate with the CI communications team to create posters, brochures, and other promotional materials.
4. Staff Training and Capacity Building:
Develop and lead the training local CBET team on eco-tourism best practices, including customer service and guiding skills.
Develop and deliver training to enhance capacity in eco-tourism management.
5. Tourism Expansion:
Propose and design new eco-tourism activities aligned with conservation goals, such as walks, gibbon viewing activities etc..
Develop an implementation plan for expanded tourism offerings, and begin to implement the initial stages.
IV. Deliverables and Deliverables Schedule:
RFP No: CIC-2025-01
Date of Issuance: 07 February 2025 Guidance budget ceiling: USD20,000.00
I. Background:
Conservation International (CI) is a global nonprofit organization working to protect the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity. CI has been active in Cambodia since 2001, implementing projects in key landscapes such as Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park. The park is home to a large population of the endangered northern yellow-cheeked gibbon, which serves as the focal point of an eco-tourism initiative aimed at generating conservation revenue and community benefits.
To enhance the sustainability and impact of the existing eco-tourism initiative, CI seeks a qualified consultant to evaluate the current program and lead improvements to strengthen the park’s role as a destination for conservation-centered tourism.
II. Consultancy Overview:
The consultant will assess the current gibbon-focused community-based eco-tourism initiative in Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park and lead the implementation of some of key findings, likely including: facility upgrades, marketing, staff training, and expanded tourism offerings. Additionally, the consultant will work with the CI communications team to develop on-site communications materials and enhance the overall visitor experience.
III. Scope of Work:
The consultant will perform the following tasks:
1. Assessment and Recommendations:
Evaluate the existing gibbon-based eco-tourism program, including infrastructure, visitor services, and operations.
Identify gaps and areas for improvement to ensure program sustainability and visitor satisfaction.
2. Facility Upgrades and Maintenance:
Oversee the implementation of facility improvements.
Develop a maintenance plan for ongoing upkeep.
3. Marketing and Communications:
Design marketing strategies targeting local and regional markets.
Collaborate with the CI communications team to create posters, brochures, and other promotional materials.
4. Staff Training and Capacity Building:
Develop and lead the training local CBET team on eco-tourism best practices, including customer service and guiding skills.
Develop and deliver training to enhance capacity in eco-tourism management.
5. Tourism Expansion:
Propose and design new eco-tourism activities aligned with conservation goals, such as walks, gibbon viewing activities etc..
Develop an implementation plan for expanded tourism offerings, and begin to implement the initial stages.
IV. Deliverables and Deliverables Schedule:
- Assessment Report: Comprehensive report detailing the evaluation of the existing program and recommendations for improvement, including a roadmap for new eco- tourism activities and offerings. May 30, 2025
- Facility Upgrade Plan: Documented plan and timeline for implementing facility enhancements. May 30, 2025
- Training Materials and Report: Training modules and summary report on capacity- building outcomes. July 31, 2025
- Marketing Materials: Posters, brochures, and promotional content targeting local audiences. August 29, 2025
- Final Presentation: Summary of findings and recommendations presented to stakeholders. September 30, 2025
V. Submission Details:
1. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one or more of the following fields: eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, business development related to tourism, or other relevant disciplines
2. Relevant Experience
- Deadline: Deadline. Proposals must be received no later than 07 March 2025, 23.59 ITC. Late submissions will not be accepted. Proposals must be submitted via email to hr- cicambodia@conservation.org. All proposals are to be submitted following the guidelines listed in this RFP.
- Validity of bid: 120 days from the submission deadline
- Clarifications: Questions may be submitted to jfrechette@conservation.org by the specified date and time in the timeline below. The subject of the email must contain the RFP number and title of the RFP. CI will respond in writing to submitted clarifications by the date specified in the timeline below. Responses to questions that may be of common interest to all bidders will be posted to the CI website and/or communicated via email.
- Amendments: At any time prior to the deadline for submission of proposals, CI may, for any reason, modify the RFP documents by amendment which will be posted to the CI website and/or communicated via email.
1. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one or more of the following fields: eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, business development related to tourism, or other relevant disciplines
2. Relevant Experience
- At least 5 years of experience in eco-tourism development, particularly in protected areas or community-based tourism.
- Experience working in conservation-linked tourism projects that align with biodiversity conservation goals.
- Proven ability to assess, design, and implement eco-tourism initiatives in rural or remote locations.
- Demonstrated experience in:
- Training local staff in guiding, hospitality, and eco-tourism management.
- Developing and executing marketing strategies, particularly for nature-based tourism.
- Managing infrastructure upgrades and ensuring basic upkeep of eco-tourism facilities.
- Engaging with local communities and government agencies in tourism-related initiatives.
3. Technical and Soft Skills
Strong project management skills, including budget and timeline management.
Ability to conduct stakeholder consultations with local communities, rangers, and government partners.
Knowledge of low-impact tourism principles, sustainable tourism certification schemes, and best practices for minimizing ecological footprints.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop recommendations and feasibility reports.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Khmer.
4. Regional and Cultural Knowledge
Extensive experience working in Cambodia.
Understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks related to eco-tourism and protected areas in Cambodia.
Familiarity with indigenous and local community engagement approaches in tourism development.
5. Additional Assets (Preferred but Not Required)
Prior experience working with international conservation organizations or NGOs.
Experience integrating digital marketing and social media into tourism promotion.
Knowledge of interpretation and storytelling techniques for enhancing visitor experience.
VII. Proposal Documents to include:
A technical proposal detailing the consultant’s approach, methodology, and work plan for the assignment.
A corporate capabilities statement (if applicable) or an individual consultant’s experience, including descriptions of relevant projects or assignments.
At least three client references from previous eco-tourism or conservation tourism projects.
CVs of key personnel, demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.
A cost proposal using the provided template, detailing the breakdown of costs, including consultant fees, travel, and other necessary expenses
VIII. Evaluation Criteria:
In evaluating proposals, CI will seek the best value for money considering the merits of the technical and costs proposals. Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Evaluation Criteria:
CI anticipates entering into an agreement with the selected bidder by April 15, 2025. Any resulting agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of CI’s Services Agreement. A model form of agreement can be provided upon request.
This RFP does not obligate CI to execute a contract, nor does it commit CI to pay any costs incurred in the preparation or submission of the proposals. Furthermore, CI reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of CI. CI will, in its sole discretion, select the winning proposal and is not obligated to share individual evaluation results.
XI. Confidentiality:
All proprietary information provided by the bidder shall be treated as confidential and will not be shared with potential or actual applicants during the solicitation process. This includes but is not limited to price quotations, cost proposals and technical proposals. CI may, but is not obliged to, post procurement awards on its public website after the solicitation process has concluded, and the contract has been awarded. CI’s evaluation results are confidential and applicant scoring will not be shared among bidders.
XII. Code of Ethics:
All Offerors are expected to exercise the highest standards of conduct in preparing, submitting and if selected, eventually carrying out the specified work in accordance with CI’s Code of Ethics. Conservation International’s reputation derives from our commitment to our values: Integrity, Respect, Courage, Optimism, Passion and Teamwork. CI’s Code of Ethics (the “Code”) provides guidance to CI employees, service providers, experts, interns, and volunteers in living CI’s core values, and outlines minimum standards for ethical conduct which all parties must adhere to. Any violation of the Code of Ethics, as well as concerns regarding the integrity of the procurement process and documents should be reported to CI via its Ethics Hotline at http://www.ci.ethicspoint.com
Strong project management skills, including budget and timeline management.
Ability to conduct stakeholder consultations with local communities, rangers, and government partners.
Knowledge of low-impact tourism principles, sustainable tourism certification schemes, and best practices for minimizing ecological footprints.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop recommendations and feasibility reports.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Khmer.
4. Regional and Cultural Knowledge
Extensive experience working in Cambodia.
Understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks related to eco-tourism and protected areas in Cambodia.
Familiarity with indigenous and local community engagement approaches in tourism development.
5. Additional Assets (Preferred but Not Required)
Prior experience working with international conservation organizations or NGOs.
Experience integrating digital marketing and social media into tourism promotion.
Knowledge of interpretation and storytelling techniques for enhancing visitor experience.
VII. Proposal Documents to include:
A technical proposal detailing the consultant’s approach, methodology, and work plan for the assignment.
A corporate capabilities statement (if applicable) or an individual consultant’s experience, including descriptions of relevant projects or assignments.
At least three client references from previous eco-tourism or conservation tourism projects.
CVs of key personnel, demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.
A cost proposal using the provided template, detailing the breakdown of costs, including consultant fees, travel, and other necessary expenses
VIII. Evaluation Criteria:
In evaluating proposals, CI will seek the best value for money considering the merits of the technical and costs proposals. Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Evaluation Criteria:
- Qualification of consultant/team (30 points): 30 Max points
- Experience with similar assignments (30 points): 30 Max points
- Proposal, timeline, and cost (40 points): 40 Max points
- RFP Issued: February 7, 2025
- Clarifications submitted to CI: February 14, 2025
- Clarifications provided to known bidders: February 21, 2025
- Complete proposals due to CI: March 7, 2025
- Final selection: March 21, 2025
CI anticipates entering into an agreement with the selected bidder by April 15, 2025. Any resulting agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of CI’s Services Agreement. A model form of agreement can be provided upon request.
This RFP does not obligate CI to execute a contract, nor does it commit CI to pay any costs incurred in the preparation or submission of the proposals. Furthermore, CI reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of CI. CI will, in its sole discretion, select the winning proposal and is not obligated to share individual evaluation results.
XI. Confidentiality:
All proprietary information provided by the bidder shall be treated as confidential and will not be shared with potential or actual applicants during the solicitation process. This includes but is not limited to price quotations, cost proposals and technical proposals. CI may, but is not obliged to, post procurement awards on its public website after the solicitation process has concluded, and the contract has been awarded. CI’s evaluation results are confidential and applicant scoring will not be shared among bidders.
XII. Code of Ethics:
All Offerors are expected to exercise the highest standards of conduct in preparing, submitting and if selected, eventually carrying out the specified work in accordance with CI’s Code of Ethics. Conservation International’s reputation derives from our commitment to our values: Integrity, Respect, Courage, Optimism, Passion and Teamwork. CI’s Code of Ethics (the “Code”) provides guidance to CI employees, service providers, experts, interns, and volunteers in living CI’s core values, and outlines minimum standards for ethical conduct which all parties must adhere to. Any violation of the Code of Ethics, as well as concerns regarding the integrity of the procurement process and documents should be reported to CI via its Ethics Hotline at http://www.ci.ethicspoint.com
Submission Details:
- Deadline: Deadline. Proposals must be received no later than 07 March 2025, 23.59 ITC. Late submissions will not be accepted. Proposals must be submitted via hr-cicambodia@conservation.org. All proposals are to be submitted following the guidelines listed in this RFP.
- Validity of bid: 120 days from the submission deadline
- Clarifications: Questions may be submitted to jfrechette@conservation.org by the specified date and time in the timeline below. The subject of the email must contain the RFP number and title of the RFP. CI will respond in writing to submitted clarifications by the date specified in the timeline below. Responses to questions that may be of common interest to all bidders will be posted to the CI website and/or communicated via email.
- Amendments: At any time prior to the deadline for submission of proposals, CI may, for any reason, modify the RFP documents by amendment which will be posted to the CI website and/or communicated via email.
Proposal Documents to include:
- A technical proposal detailing the consultant’s approach, methodology, and work plan for the assignment.
- A corporate capabilities statement (if applicable) or an individual consultant’s experience, including descriptions of relevant projects or assignments.
- At least three client references from previous eco-tourism or conservation tourism projects.
- CVs of key personnel, demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.
- A cost proposal using the provided template, detailing the breakdown of costs, including consultant fees, travel, and other necessary expenses
Moreinfo: https://www.conservation.org
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