Release Date: October 31, 2024

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Conducting Annual Survey Assessments within the Textile Industry in Kosovo

Reference to the project: Empowering Environmental Civil Society Organizations in Kosovo - EECSOK

(The Return of Values in Circular Economy)

Reference to the call: Conducting Annual Survey Assessments within the Textile Industry in Kosovo

Reference number: 24_001_EECSOK/04

Rilindja Gjelbër, formerly known as Let's Do It Peja, is a community-based non-governmental organization founded in 2014, aimed at safeguarding the environment. Its mission is to promote community development, equal access, and inclusion by leveraging expertise and innovative solutions, while supporting local initiatives and enhancing capacity within communities.

Rilindja Gjelbër (Contracting Authority) invites interested companies and organizations to submit a combined technical and financial proposals with the required documents in order to provide the consulting services for the following tasks:

Interested parties with a proven track record in the field of research and textile are invited to apply and join forces in submitting a strong proposal for this call.

Background of the Project:

“The Return of Values in Circular Economy” (hereinafter the Project) is implemented by Rilindja Gjelbër through the Community Development Fund (CDF) project “Empowering Environmental Civil Society Organizations in Kosovo funded by the Swedish Embassy in Prishtina.

Project Summary

The goal of the “Return of Values in Circular Economy” project is to facilitate the transition from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" economic model to a regenerative circular economy model, with a specific focus on the textile industry. The project aims to promote a culture of sustainability and responsible consumption while enhancing recycling and reuse efforts across Kosovo.

Targeting SMEs and businesses in the textile industry, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the general public, the project will also advocate for policy changes that incentivize businesses to adopt circular economy practices. This shift will aim to minimize waste through efficient reuse and recycling efforts.

By fostering collaboration with textile businesses, experts, academia, and policymakers, the project will promote best practices in waste management and drive circular economy innovation within Kosovo's textile sector. The expected outcomes include increased awareness and engagement with circular economy initiatives, a broader understanding of sustainable waste management among businesses, CSOs, and the general public, and the establishment of a collaborative network supporting circular economy policies and best practices.

Objectives of the Call

The goal of the Annual Survey Assessments is to systematically gather essential data on Kosovo's textile industry and its waste management practices. This survey will monitor the quantity of textile materials imported, produced, and processed in Kosovo, with a focus on their lifecycle as they eventually transition to waste. Additionally, the assessment will evaluate waste disposal methods, analyze their environmental impacts, and review current recycling initiatives.

This assessment will also examine Kosovo's policy framework concerning the circular economy, identifying progress, gaps, and opportunities for enhancing policy incentives and support for circular economy practices within the textile industry.

The contractor will conduct Annual Survey Assessments over a three-year period, with periodic updates in the second and third years to track, evaluate, and report on changes in the industry’s circular economy practices. Each assessment will include updated key metrics and policy evaluations, supporting the ongoing enhancement of textile waste management strategies and circular economy.

Scope of Services

The contractor will be responsible for conducting the following activities:

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Collect both quantitative and qualitative data on Kosovo’s textile industry by identifying key importers, exporters, manufacturers, and recyclers within the sector.
• Collect relevant information on the quantity of textiles imported/exported, produced, and processed in Kosovo, with a focus on tracking the lifecycle of these materials and their eventual disposal as waste.
• Gather essential data and information on waste management practices within the textile industry in Kosovo.
• Identify and assess waste disposal methods, their environmental impact, and existing recycling initiatives within the textile industry.
• Analyze Kosovo's current circular economy policy framework, identifying gaps, progress, and opportunities to enhance policy support and incentives.

Deliverables

1. Produce comprehensive reports summarizing key findings, data analysis, and recommendations from the baseline assessment.
2. Provide periodic updates over three consecutive years, tracking improvements and shifts in industry practices and the adoption of circular economy principles.
3. Design and print up to 20 copies of each brief report overview in Albanian, Serbian, and English, summarizing the main findings and highlighting actionable insights for stakeholders.
4. Present findings and key survey results at three roundtables, offering stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback.

Timeline

The contract will be effective from November 25, 2024, to December 31, 2027, covering the entire project duration.

The contractor shall submit tasks in accordance with the project activities scheduled by the Contracting Authority, with all submissions provided in Albanian, Serbian and English languages.

Other Responsibilities of the Contractor

The Contractor is responsible for the overall planning, organization, and execution of all tasks as described in this Terms of Reference, ensuring adherence to the agreed timeline and quality standards. The Contractor should also ensure open and transparent communication with the Contracting Authority throughout the entire process, promptly responding to any queries or concerns raised. In the event of any changes or deviations from the agreed scope of services and deadlines, the Contractor must obtain prior approval from the Contracting Authority. None of the documents (including surveys) may be published without the prior consent and approval of the Contracting Authority.

Methodology

The contractor will implement a multi-step methodology to ensure thorough data collection, analysis, and reporting:

1. Data Collection:

• Develop customized survey tools to gather data from textile businesses, waste managers, recyclers, citizens, and policymakers. These surveys will focus on the of textile materials flow to assess how they are processed, disposed off, and recycled, with emphasis on the environmental impact of each stage.
• Conduct at least 100 surveys with businesses (retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers) across Kosovo, using in-depth interviews to capture a wide range of data.
• Conduct at least 400 surveys with citizens across Kosovo, using in-depth interviews to collect data on fast fashion, second-hand clothing usage, and disposal practices.
• Conduct desk research and conduct at least five (5) interviews with policymakers to identify the policy framework affecting the textile industry.
• Conduct a research to gather data on the number and categorization of textile industry businesses and their economic impact in Kosovo.
• Collect suggestions and recommendations from interviewees on how to incentivize the textile industry to encourage adoption of the circular economy principles and reduce textile waste.

2. Data Analysis:

• Conduct a detailed analysis of the collected data, identifying patterns, trends, and gaps in the textile industry, waste management, and circular economy practices.
• Analyze the material flow of textiles to understand how they are processed, disposed off, and recycled, focusing on environmental impacts at each stage.
• Provide insights on how the current policy environment can better support a shift towards circular economy practices in textile industry.
• Use comparative analysis to assess progress against the baseline assessment and existing policy framework.

3. Reporting:

• Compile all findings into a detailed report that includes data-driven recommendations for the textile industry and policymakers.
• Prepare a brief overview summarizing key findings for stakeholder engagement and decision-making.

4. Presentation:

• Present Reports and key findings at the roundtables organized by the Contracting Authority.

Reporting Requirements:

In addition, the contractor is expected to submit annual performance reports to the Contracting Authority. These reports should include updates on any challenges encountered and proposed solutions to overcome them.

Intellectual Property

The following terms and conditions regarding the ownership and use of products developed under the contract shall apply:

• All products developed under the contract shall be the exclusive property of the Contracting Authority, and shall not be used by the Contractor for any other purpose without the prior written permission of the Contracting Authority.
• The Contractor shall not disclose any information related to the project to the public or any third party without the written permission of the Contracting Authority.
• The final products shall not contain any material from other copyrighted works without the written consent of the copyright holder, which shall be obtained by the Contractor at its own expense. Any obligations associated with obtaining such permissions, including the provision of free copies, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
• The Contractor shall ensure that all work is original and does not infringe upon any intellectual property rights, and shall indemnify the Contracting Authority against any claims, expenses or liabilities arising out of any breach of this provision.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this project, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Provide written references that demonstrate experience in developing research methodologies, data collection, analysis, including the ability to synthesize data into actionable recommendations and present them in clear, comprehensive reports.
• Show a proven track record of conducting surveys, assessments, or research within the textile industry or similar sectors.
• Demonstrate proven experience in understanding the regulatory framework and industrial landscape in Kosovo in the textile industry.
• Assemble a multidisciplinary team with expertise in the textile industry, circular economy, data analysis, and report writing.
• Have previous experience in managing similar projects funded by international or local organizations.
• Due to the nature of the assignment the applicant can apply in consortium with other experienced SMEs and/or organizations in the textile industry.

Evaluation Criteria

The submitted proposals will be evaluated by the Evaluation Committee based on the following criteria and point system: “Best value for money,” weighting 80% technical quality and 20% price.

• Technical Proposal (80 %): The proposal will be evaluated based on the quality of the proposed objectives, methodology, deliverables, timeline, experience and qualifications of the bidder.
• Financial Proposal (20 %): The proposal will be evaluated based on the proposed fee and the budget breakdown.

The most economically advantageous tender will be selected based on the total points obtained by each bidder. The evaluation result will be communicated to the bidders in writing via email upon the completion of the technical and financial evaluation.

Failure to submit the required documents for administrative compliance results in disqualification/rejection from both the technical proposal and financial offer evaluation stages.

Submission Deadline

Please note that the deadline for submitting applications is November 15, 2024.

It's important to submit your proposal before the deadline, as no late proposals will be accepted.

Email submission:

Submit your proposal via email to: [email protected]
Ensure that all necessary documents are attached and clearly labeled.

In the subject line, include the call reference number.

In-Person/Post delivery submission:
Alternatively, your proposal offer can be delivered in person or by post/courrier to the:
Address: Rr. Aleksandër Moisiu, pn. Kati I, 30000, Pejë, Kosovë
or Rr. Bedri Shala, Banesa në Bllokun A, Hyrja 1, Kati 8, apartamenti 37, 1000, Prishtinë, Kosovë

Disclaimer

Rilindja Gjelbër (RGJ) reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the solicitation process at any time, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders.