REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Analysis

Issuance Date: October 26, 2022
Closing Date: November 18, 2022
Closing Time: Midnight, 12pm ET
Subject: Request for Applications (RFA) for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Analysis

This Request for Applications outlines the information required by the applicant for the development and submission of a proposal for consideration. The potential applicant is expected to review, understand, and conform with specifications contained in this RFA. Failure to do so will be at the applicant’s own risk.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of IREX nor does it commit IREX to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. The application is submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense. The timeline for research will be determined between the selected applicant and donor with IREX coordination.

Applications must be submitted through this link: GESI Analysis Application - Malaysia - Formstack

Thank you for your interest in IREX activities.

SECTION I: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION:

Since 2018, IREX (International Research & Exchanges Board), READ Nepal, People Forum for Human Rights, and Myanmar Book Aid and Preservation Foundation have implemented the Walmart Foundation- funded Navigator program, which addresses the first-mile migration risks that workers face as they pursue foreign employment. Navigator partners with public information hubs, such as libraries, to give migrants accurate information about migration and strengthen community support for safe migration practices.

IREX is accepting applications for an organization to support research on international labor migration to Malaysia, with a focus on migrant workers originating in Nepal and Myanmar. The selected organization will preferably have experience with gender, equality, and inclusion topics and experience with migration and/or vulnerable populations, as well as proven experience in conducting implementation research. The organization will conduct a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Analysis to:

• Identify the gender-based and other identity-based barriers which have led to mistreatment or unequal treatment of labor migrants from Nepal and Myanmar in Malaysia. Where possible, examine how migrants’ experiences differ depending on their gender, age, sexuality, caste, ethnicity, and religion.
• Reveal the intersecting identities and assumptions that impact workers' risks, needs, and opportunities;
• Assess how Nepali and Myanmar migrants’ identities impact their experiences in Malaysia in the following areas:
  • Recruitment and visa application process
    • Sample research questions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
      • Do experiences with medical examinations or other aspects of the visa screening process differ depending on identity?
      • Is the recruitment experience different for different groups? Are particular groups at greater risk of exploitation?
    • Have formal, regular migration processes fully resumed after pandemic restrictions?
  • Experiences in the workplace
    • Sample research questions may include, but are not limited to, the following
    • Does a migrant worker’s identity limit or affect their employability, earning potential, or ability to be promoted?
    • Are particular groups more vulnerable to violations of their labor rights, such as excessive overtime, withholding of wages, retention of identity documents, etc.?
    • Do migrant workers experience discrimination, violence, or harassment in the workplace related to their identity?
  • Living conditions
    • Sample research questions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
      • Does access to basic services—such as legal services, medical care, awareness raising, shelter, - differ depending on a migrant worker’s identity?
      • Are linguistic challenges particularly acute for some groups?
      • Are migrants able to practice their religions fully while in Malaysia?
      • Are migrants subject to identity-based discrimination, violence, or harassment related to their identities from other migrants or destination country residents?
  • Access to justice
    • Sample research questions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
      • Does the quantity and quality of information that migrant workers have about redress processes vary depending on their identity?
      • What redress mechanisms do migrant workers have access to, and what variations do they experience depending on their identity?
      • To what extent are protection measures applied differently to victims/survivors depending on their identity?
  • Return and repatriation
    • Sample research questions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
      • Does the quantity and quality of information migrant workers that have about the repatriation process vary depending on their identity?
      • How does access to, and eventual usage of, formal return and repatriation channels vary depending on migrant workers’ identity?

The results of the GESI analysis will inform IREX’s program design in Nepal and Myanmar, as well as broader learning about identity-based risks to migrant workers in Malaysia. Results will also provide important information to program partners regarding the challenges faced by their constituencies. The selected organization will also present the results of the GESI analysis to program partners and other stakeholders.

Expected Activities

• Participate in coordination meetings with IREX (as needed).
• Design a methodology and research implementation plan for the analysis for IREX review and approval. The research implementation plan should include practical details such as the research timeline, sampling plan, and a consideration of risks to the researchers and respondents, as well as planned measures to mitigate the risks.
• Conduct remote and/or in-country research based on the methodology, in coordination with IREX, to gather data for the GESI Analysis. The analysis should include a review of relevant existing research and data, and may include gathering insights from migrant workers through individual in-depth interviews and/or focus groups. Research may also include interviewing organizations, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Submit a draft GESI Analysis report of approximately 10-15 pages (not including annexes and dependent on final scope and methodology), based on research findings and inclusive of detailed recommendations for IREX and other stakeholders (including government, private sector, donors, civil society, ) to improve the responsiveness and relevance of investments and activities for marginalized groups within the Nepali and Myanmar migrant community in Malaysia. IREX expects that this report will include sections such as: Executive Summary, Methodology, Findings, Recommendations, and Conclusion (with research tools and raw data included as annexes).
• Submit an updated draft after receiving feedback from
• Present the report findings to the IREX program team and answer any additional questions or
• Participate in approximately 1-2 meetings with project stakeholders to present

SECTION II: AWARD INFORMATION:

Subject to the availability of funds and dependent on the scope of work, IREX expects to award one sub- grant of up to approximately $25,000. The duration of IREX’s support or the period of performance will be determined between the selected applicant and donor with IREX coordination. IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.

SECTION III: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:

The applicant/application must meet the following requirements:

• Be officially registered as a civil society organization (CSO) in Malaysia and working in compliance with all applicable civil and fiscal regulations, including, but not limited to pertinent local laws and status.
• Local Malaysian organizations are preferred and strongly encouraged to
• Applicant is not a debarred

SECTION IV: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Any questions concerning this RFA should be submitted in writing no later than 3 days prior to the closing date shown above to Rebecca Birkholz, Program Officer, rbirkholz@irex.org. Applicants should retain for their records one copy of all enclosures which accompany their application.

The application must be submitted through this link: https://irexorg.formstack.com/forms/gesi_application_copy_1

No later than the closing date listed on the front page of this RFA. Pre-award costs are not allowable and will not be reimbursed. The complete application packet must be submitted in the required format with the required attachments.

The Application Form includes:

• Organizational background (please see additional information regarding what IREX is looking for in this section under Evaluation Criteria - Past Performance/Organizational Capacity)
• Program Description and Proposal (3-5 pages)
  • Implementation plan for the GESI Analysis and other activities listed above
  • Approach to methodology development, including
    • Identifying the GESI theoretical framework(s) that will be used to guide the research
    • Research sampling plan (including approach to conducting research in the relevant local languages)
    • Preliminary identification of risks and risk mitigation tactics
  • Approach to working with vulnerable or marginalized populations
  • Staffing and management plan
• Work-plan and timeline (please refer to the Award Information above)
• Detailed budget in Excel or similar spreadsheet

Restrictions

• Sub-grant funds provided under the terms of this RFA shall not be used to procure goods or services from suppliers that may be identified on the USG consolidated list of debarred, suspended or ineligible subcontractors at http://www.epls.gov/.
• Any purchases or activities deemed unnecessary to successfully complete the activity, including any sub-grantee headquarters’ expenses that are not directly linked to the implementation of the proposed project.
• Previous obligations and/or bad
• Fines and /or

Late Application

Late applications are marked as “late” and are ineligible for review or award; however, IREX reserves the right to accept and include late applications in the review and award process when it is considered within the best interest of IREX to do so and if applications that were received on time have not been opened and reviewed. Applications that are submitted late or incomplete risk not being considered for review.

SECTION V: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION:

Within 10 working days of the deadline for submitting applications, a technical review committee will convene. Under unusual circumstances the technical review committee may be delayed. Throughout the evaluation process, IREX shall take steps to ensure that committee members do not have any conflicts of interest or the appearance of such with regard to the organizations whose applications are under review. An individual shall be considered to have the appearance of a conflict of interest “if that person, or that person’s spouse, partner, child, close friend or relative works for or is negotiating to work for or has a financial interest (including being an unpaid member of a Board of Directors) in any organization that submitted an application under the panel’s review.” Members of the committee shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value.

The application will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria set below. To the extent necessary (if an award is not made based on initial applications), negotiations may be conducted with each applicant whose application, after discussion and negotiation, has a chance of being selected.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Technical Merit [30 points]
   • Proposal is relevant to program goals and objectives; and demonstrates understanding of the context; and an ability to adapt as needed
   • Workplan/Timeline is reasonable and in line with program expectations
   • Approach to methodology is logical and realistic
2. Past Performance/Organizational Capacity [40 points]
   • Proven experience with gender, equality, and inclusion
   • Experience with developing methodologies and conducting applied research
   • Experience with vulnerable and/or indigenous groups
   • Knowledge or experience working in Malaysia
   • Knowledge or experience working with migrants and/or migrant workers
   • Successful past performance in similar projects
   • Relevant staff skills to the proposed project
3. Feasibility and Cost Effectiveness [30 points]
   • Costs are reasonable, allowable, and allocable
   • The proposal is cost effective
   • It is within the subgrant ceiling

SECTION VI: AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

The recommendation or selection of an application in accordance with established procedures does not guarantee an award. All applicants must demonstrate that they possess, or have the ability to obtain, the necessary management competence to practice mutually agreed upon methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided.

A successful applicant can expect to receive an Award Letter, signed by the program. The award letter will be addressed to the organization’s point of contact as stated in the application. Following the Award Letter, final negotiations will take place before the signing of a sub-grant agreement.

Reporting Procedures:

A description of reporting requirements will be included in the Sub-Grant Agreement. The types of reporting required, along with the schedule of reporting, will depend on the sub-grant type and project duration. Reporting forms will be provided to sub-grant recipients.

Issuance of the final installment of sub-grant funds is contingent upon IREX receipt and acceptance of final reports or deliverables.

SECTION VII - OTHER INFORMATION

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of IREX, nor does it commit IREX to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Further, IREX reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this RFA.

ANNEX 1: STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Termination and Enforcement: This Subgrant may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. During that time the subgrantee may complete any milestones. If the subgrantee identifies a milestone that it can complete only in part, IREX and the subgrantee will jointly determine if the partial completion is satisfactory and determine what portion of the payment will be made for partial completion.

A modification of this agreement will be issued to revise milestones. If subgrantee is found to be in material breach of the award (guilty of fraud or violates the terrorism provision) termination will be immediate.

Independent Status: The relationship of the Subgrantee to IREX is that of an independent entity and nothing herein shall be construed as creating any other relationship. As such, the Subgrantee shall comply with all laws and assume all risks incident to its status as an independent entity. This includes, but is not limited to, responsibility for all applicable income taxes, associated payroll and business taxes, licenses and fees, and such insurance as is necessary for the Subgrantee’s protection in connection with work performed under this Subgrant. Neither the Subgrantee nor anyone employed by it shall be, represent, act, purport to act, or be deemed to be agent, representative, or employee of IREX.

Notices: Notices shall be in writing and delivered by post, fax, or email to the person identified on the cover of this agreement. Modification of this agreement must be writing.

Financial Records: IREX, its donor, or either of their duly authorized representatives, shall have the right of timely and unrestricted access to any books, documents, papers and any records of Subgrantee which are directly pertinent to the work being performed under this Subgrant. If such an inspection/evaluation is performed, Subgrantee agrees (a) to make its premises, and those of any second-tier subcontractors or subrecipients, available and (b) to provide all reasonable facilities and assistance consistent with the convenience and safety of IREX representatives. All such inspections/evaluations shall be performed so as not to unduly delay work under this Subgrant.

Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Subgrant shall be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report.

Indemnification: General Indemnification. The Subgrantee shall indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the Funder, its governing board, and the individual members thereof, and all officers, agents, employees, representatives, and volunteers from and against any and all liability, loss, cost, expense, injury, proceeding, claim or obligation arising out of, related to, connected with, or as a result of any acts or omissions of the Donor, including, without limitation, any injury or property damage suffered by any third party due to the negligence or willful misconduct by the Donor or any Donor employee, officer, agent, employee, representative or volunteer in performance of this Agreement. Such provision shall not apply to any liability, loss, cost, expense, injury, proceeding, claim or obligation arising out of, connected with, or as a result of any negligent act or willful misconduct committed by the Donor.

IP Indemnification. Subgrantee shall protect, defend, hold harmless and indemnify Donor, its governing board, and the individual members thereof, and all officers, agents, employees, representatives and volunteers from and against any and all lawsuits, claims, demands, actions, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and court costs), regardless of the cause or alleged cause thereof, and regardless of whether such matters are groundless, fraudulent or false, arising out of any actual or alleged misappropriation or infringement of any patent, trademark, trade dress, trade secret, copyright or other right relating to any third-party intellectual property interests, arising out of, related to, connected with, or as a result of any acts or omissions of the Donor, including, without limitation, acts due to the negligence or willful misconduct by the Donor or any Donor employee, officer, agent, employee, representative or volunteer in performance of this Agreement.

Notification of Claims. Subgrantee shall promptly notify IREX of the assertion, filing or service of any lawsuit, claim, demand, action, liability or other matter that is or may be covered by this indemnity, and shall immediately take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the interests of the Donor, its officers, directors, employees and agents. Donor shall at all times have the right to direct the defense of, and to accept or reject any offer to compromise or settle, any lawsuit, claim, demand or liability asserted against Donor or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents. The duties and obligations of Donor created hereby shall not be affected or limited in any way.

Compliance with Laws: Subgrantee will comply in full with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and rules of governmental agencies and bodies relating to Donor’s acceptance and use of the grant, including those that govern gifts, donations, contributions, expenditures, and anything else of value that benefit, directly or indirectly, public officials. Subgrantee agrees to notify IREX and the Donor immediately: (a) of any conduct on Subgrantee’s part that may be in violation of any applicable laws and (b) if Subgrantee receives notice of, or otherwise becomes aware of, any actual or threatened investigation, action, litigation, disciplinary proceeding, or other proceeding of which Subgrantee is or may be a subject in connection with the subgrant and to the extent permitted by applicable law. Subgrantee shall provide Donor with all written notices and communications received by Subgrantee relating to any such investigation, action, litigation, or disciplinary proceeding.

Anti-Terrorism and Economic Sanctions: Subgrantee affirms that neither Donor nor any of Donor’s affiliates (i) is or will act in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law (As defined below), (ii) is or will become a Prohibited Person (as defined below), (iii) conducts or will conduct any business or engages or will engage in any transaction or dealing with any Prohibited Person, including the making or receiving of any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Prohibited Person, (iv) deals in or will deal in or otherwise engages in or will engage in any transaction relating to property or interests in property blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224 (as defined below); or (v) engages in or will engage in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose or intent of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law. As used herein: (A) “Anti-Terrorism Law” is defined as any Law relating to terrorism or money-laundering, including Executive Order No. 13224 and the USA Patriot Act (as defined below); (B) “Executive Order No. 13224”.

Anti-Corruption Compliance: Subgrantee represents and warrants that neither Subgrantee nor any of its directors, officers, partners, shareholders (if any), employees, agents, or representatives paid for out of subgrant funds is a government official or close family member (i.e. parent, child, sibling, or spouse) of a government official.

Subgrantee agrees that its use of all funds received under this Agreement will be in full compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. Accordingly, Subgrantee agrees that in connection with its activities under this Agreement, neither Subgrantee nor any agent, affiliate, employee, or other person actin g on its behalf will offer, promise, give, or authorize the giving of anything of value, or offer, promise, make, or authorize the making of any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback, or other unlawful payment, to any government official, political party, or candidate for public office in order to gain any unfair advantage or to influence any act or decision of a government official.

Integrity and Ethics: IREX organizational ethos and continued success require (1) avoidance, to the maximum extent practicable, of any corrupt, fraudulent, illegal, or otherwise improper or unseemly practices, or even the appearance of or potential for any such practice, and (2) immediate and complete dissociation from, and prompt and thorough corrective action regarding, any such practices that might nevertheless occur. Subgrantee hereby covenants and agrees to ensure that it, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, consultants, lower-tier Subgrantees, contractors and suppliers will at all times strictly follow a similar approach to all of their activities, whether or not funded under, directly affecting, or occurring during the Term of, this Subgrant.

Payment to the Subgrantee described in this Subgrant shall constitute the Subgrantee’s sole payment in connection with the Services and, the Subgrantee shall not accept for their own benefit any trade commission, discount or similar payment in connection with activities pursuant to this Subgrant. The Subgrantee agrees to disclose to IREX in a timely fashion any relationship, transaction or circumstances which could diminish or compromise its ability to render objective and impartial professional judgment concerning the Services. IREX reserves the right to terminate the agreement or reduce its scope based upon disclosures of conflict.

Marking: As a condition of receipt of this subaward, Subawardee will acknowledge the support of the Donor in all publications reporting or discussing the programs funded by the grant. Subawardee agrees to provide IREX with any statement, release, report or materials concerning this grant, in advance of its release to the public or any third party, for review and comment by the Donor.

Subawardee shall send to IREX copies of all papers, manuscripts, and other content or materials that it produces for distribution that are related to the project supported by this subgrant.

In all public statements concerning the project supported by this subgrant, including press releases, annual reports, or other announcements, Subawardee is specifically requested to refer to the donor. All public statements concerning the project require prior approval by IREX and Walmart Foundation.

Subawardee agrees to obtain written releases and authorizations from third parties benefiting from the project supported by this subgrant. Releases and authorizations permit the donor to publicize any information provided by such third parties. IREX will provide guidance for obtaining such authorizations and releases.

Prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment: Subawardee must comply with 2 C.F.R. § 200.216, which implements Section 889 of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 NDAA (Pub. L. 115-232) and forbids award recipients from using government funds to enter into contracts (or extend or renew them) with entities utilizing covered telecommunications equipment or services. 2 CFR 200.216 prohibits award recipients from using funds to enter into contracts (or extend or renew contracts) with entities that use “covered telecommunications equipment or services,” even if the contract is not for the purchase of such equipment or services. Covered telecommunications equipment or services is defined as telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).