Background

I. Context

The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has had a direct and highly negative impact on social cohesion, resilience, livelihoods, community security, and the rule of law. Recognizing the need to urgently address reconstruction, economic recovery and peacebuilding needs in areas affected both directly and indirectly by the conflict, in late 2014 the Government of Ukraine requested technical assistance and financial support from the international community to assess priority recovery needs. In late 2014, the United Nations (UN), the World Bank (WB) and the European Union (EU) conducted a Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment, which was endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers in mid-2015.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been active and present in eastern Ukraine for the past decade, prior to the conflict, with a focus on community development, civil society development, and environmental protection. Work on addressing the specific conflict-related development challenges discussed above built on this earlier engagement, established partnerships, and started in 2015 through the Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (RPP). The RPP is a multi-donor funded framework programme formulated and led by the UNDP in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and in cooperation with a number of partnering UN agencies (UN Women, FAO, UNFPA).

The RPP was designed to respond to and mitigate the causes and effects of the conflict. It is based on findings of the Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment (RPA) and is aligned to the State Target Programme for Recovery as well as to the two oblast development strategies up to 2020. It takes into account the opportunities that have arisen from the Minsk Protocol of September 2014 and the renewal of its cease-fire provisions (the latest cease-fire having been agreed in March 2018) and is also fully adjusted to the humanitarian-development nexus. It is an integral component of the UNDP Country Programme and is therefore fully aligned with the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNFP). It is closely interlinked with the Democratic Governance and Reform Programme, operating nationally and in all of Ukraine’s regions and is consistent with the SDGs, in particular SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong institutions).

The Programme’s interventions are grouped under the following key Programme components, which reflect the region’s priority needs:

Component 1: Economic Recovery and Restoration of Critical Infrastructure

Component 2: Local Governance and Decentralization Reform

Component 3: Community Security and Social Cohesion.

The Programme, which operates on the basis of a pooled funding arrangement, follows a multi-sectoral programme-based approach and is implemented using an area-based methodology. With the current project, it is a unifying interventions framework for 16 projects funded by 11 international partners.

In October 2018, four UN agencies (UNDP, UN Women, FAO and the UNFPA) have countersigned a new joint project document, funded by the European Union. The overall objective of the project is to restore effective governance and promote reconciliation in crisis-affected communities of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine thereby enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of local governments in the government-controlled areas of the regions. It will contribute to peacebuilding and the prevention of further conflict in Ukraine through effective and accountable decentralization, gender-responsive recovery planning and equal access to services, as well as enhanced community security and social cohesion.

This endeavor will be achieved through the pursuit of the following specific objectives:

1. To enhance local capacity for gender-responsive decentralization and administrative reforms to improve governance, local development and the delivery of services.
2. To stimulate employment and economic growth by assisting to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development through demand-driven business development services and professional skills training.
3. To enhance social cohesion and reconciliation through promotion of civic initiatives.
4. To support sector reforms and structural adjustments in health, education and critical public infrastructure to mitigate direct impacts of the conflict.

One of the priorities of the project is to support the creation of modern systems for emergency warning, monitoring and response. It involves the development of modern ICT solutions to strengthen community and personal security and promote adaptable emergency services.

II. Main objectives of the assignment

The main goal of the assignment is to develop a mobile application for emergency warning, monitoring and response in Donetsk Oblast and a mobile application management system that will allow to support and manage the application. The mobile application “Rescue Service 101” (further – “mobile app”) is aimed at providing emergency support to local population and tailored to the needs of different groups, especially the most vulnerable ones (children, people with disabilities, etc.). The mobile app will allow bringing the services provided by the Rescue Service closer to the users, without direct involvement of the call center.

Duties and Responsibilities

III. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES / SCOPE OF WORK

Under the supervision and day-to-day coordination with the UN RPP, the consultant should perform the following tasks:

• Assess the technical facilities of the Rescue Service on its technical capabilities for launching and administering a mobile app;
• Prepare an inception report on technical capabilities for launching and administering a mobile app with a detailed description of the technical needs of the Rescue Service in Donetsk Oblast. The report should also provide a description of a content of mobile app, visual design, technological solution itself and a detailed execution plan for the development stage;
• Develop a mobile app and a mobile application management system to it, in coherence with the concept of visual design and content of mobile app, approved by the UN RPP;
• The mobile app should be available for both Android and iOS and is expected to have the following functions:

• to receive customized notifications based on the emergency situation in the area;
• to receive text recommendations as well as direct instructions from the rescue call center operator on how to handle emergency situations;
• to submit direct emergency requests to the Rescue Service;
• to submit photos of suspicious items and unexploded ordnances with automatically identified geolocation information to the data center of the Rescue Service; 
• to include a map with locations of the nearest bomb shelters and other protective facilities in the area;
• to include an information card that will have relevant health data of the user and his/her emergency contacts; 
• to allow people with disabilities to report emergency via voice-activated systems and other means.

Detailed description of the functionality of the mobile application is provided in Annex 1.

For successful completion the assignment, the selected Consultant is expected to undertake the following activities:

• Read, understand and follow the needed software requirements received from the UN RPP and the Rescue Service in Donetsk Oblast;
• Prepare an inception report on technical capabilities for launching and administering a mobile app with a detailed description of the technical needs of the Rescue Service in Donetsk Oblast. The report should also provide a description of a content of mobile app, visual design, technological solution itself and a detailed execution plan for the development stage;
• Develop a mobile app and a mobile application management system to it;
• Complete all the deliverables on time and in accordance with the working schedule agreed with the UN RPP;
• Provide regular progress updates to the UN RPP on the process of software development;
• Develop and deliver all necessary software and source codes to ensure a final working version of the software is of high quality;
• Design, develop, code, test, and debug a mobile app and a mobile application management system;
• Perform initial application testing and debugging;
• Incorporate the feedback received from the UN RPP and the Rescue Service in Donetsk Oblast during the development stage;
• Ensure a stable connection between the server and the mobile application management system; 
• Test run mobile app and provide test log to the UN RPP;
• Provide mobile operators’ subscription for registration of three thousand users;
• Develop user guidelines and technical documentation for the mobile app and the mobile application management system to it;
• Train staff members designated by the beneficiary (up to 25 employees with different access rights) on how to use both the mobile app and the mobile application management system;
• Being ready to work on a host server to put the developed version and any new software changes on a daily basis (remotely);
• Provide post-development support services during the period of one year to ensure timely software improvements.    

It is expected that the developed mobile application management system for the mobile app “Rescue Service 101” will be installed in the telecommunication facilities of the Rescue Service in Donetsk Oblast and the application will be published on App Store and Google Play for free downloading.

All above-mentioned works will be implemented by the consultant in close collaboration with the UN RPP team and the Communications unit of the Rescue Service in Donetsk Oblast. Copyright ownership on developed mobile app will belong to the UN RPP and further will be granted to the Rescue Service in Donetsk Oblast as a final beneficiary of the project.

IV. Deliverables

The following deliverables will be provided by the Consultant:

V. Proposed Payment Schedule

UNDP will pay the negotiated amount in 4 tranches as per delivery of the outputs outlined above:

• 20% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverable 1
• 60% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverable 2
• 10% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverable 3
• 10% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverable 4

The payments will be processed upon the full completion and acceptance of deliverables in accordance with certificate of payments provided by the Rule of Law and Community Security Specialist.

VI. Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

The Consultant will report to the Community Security and Social Cohesion Component Lead of the UN Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme who accept and approve deliverables specified above.    

The Consultant must adhere to the system of monitoring, evaluation and quality control implemented by the UN RPP and provide the necessary information, reports and tools according to the preset schedule or as soon as possible (within a reasonable time).

All reports to the UN RPP shall be submitted electronically (Formats of: * .docx, * .xlsx, * .pptx, * .pdf) on electronic source or in the form of electronic communication with the attached final product. The reports should be prepared in Ukrainian or English. 

Competencies

VII. Experience and Qualifications Requirements

1. At least Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or any related field. 
2. At least 5 years of relevant experience in software and mobile application development on Android and iOS. 
3. At least 3 years of experience in Information Management Systems or as IT expert or IT Manager.
4. Confirmed knowledge in deploying mobile applications on Android and iOS platforms using Java and other development tools;
5. Asset: Proven experience in developing responsive and inclusive web designs (especially for persons with disabilities);  
6. Asset: Hands-on experience in software development for the bodies of the system of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine or other national and local authorities would be an asset;
7. Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken both Ukrainian and Russian is required. Knowledge of English would be an asset.

VIII. Documents to Be Included When Submitting the Proposals

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

 IX. Financial Proposal

Lump sum contract

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount in USD, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in instalments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days).

 Travel costs

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the Individual Consultant wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Required Skills and Experience

X. Evaluation Criteria

Technical evaluation Criteria max 70 points:

1. Relevant Bachelor’s Degree - 5 points, Master’s degree – 7 points;
2. At least 5 years of practical experience in mobile application development on Android and iOS - 16 points, over 7 years of practical experience in mobile application development – 20 points;
3. At least 3 years of experience in Information Management Systems or as IT expert or IT Manager – 10 points, over 5 years of experience in Information Management Systems or as IT expert or IT Manager – 12 points;
4. Confirmed knowledge in deploying mobile applications on Android and iOS platforms using Java and other development tools - 3 examples of mobile applications developed by the consultant provided – 16 points, over 3 examples of mobile applications developed by the consultant provided – 20 points;
5. Asset: Proven experience in developing responsive and inclusive web designs (especially for persons with disabilities) – 3 points;
6. Asset: Hand-on experience in software development for the bodies of the system of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine or other national and local authorities – 3 points;
7. Knowledge of Ukrainian and Russian –2 points, Knowledge of Ukrainian, Russian and English – 5 points;

Maximum available technical score - 70 points.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation

For those offers considered in the financial evaluation, the lowest price offer will receive 30 points.

XI. Evaluation Method

Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the candidate whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the cumulative highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weight: 70%

* Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum 70% from the maximum available technical score would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer and will be awarded a contract.

Annex 1

Detailed Description of Features of the Mobile Application:

In addition to the key features mentioned in the ToR, the mobile app is expected to have the following characteristics:

• Platform: Native mobile applications for both Android and iOS;
• Font: the text should be available in high-contrast font, Official UN font is Noto Sans, secondary - Arial, both for Android and IOS;
• Language: the app should be available in three languages (Ukrainian, English and Russian);
• Inclusivity: the app should contain the necessary functionality for visually impaired people;
• Scalability: in case of successful piloting, the app should be capable for scaling to other oblasts of Ukraine;
• Responsiveness: the feedback from the consultancy center of the Rescue Service in Donetsk Oblast should be incorporated during the development phase;
• Simplicity for the user: convenient user interface/ user friendly interface. Must adhere to platform specific UI standards provided by Apple and Google respectively.
• Mobile Application Management System: a web management system with options to manage the Mobile Apps data must be developed using latest combination of technologies.
• Good performance/Loading Speed: speed of loading mustn't keep users waiting.  

1. User Info: the users will be asked to provide the following information about themselves:

• surname, name, patronymic;
• mobile phone number which will be used later as a login;
• password and password confirmation;
• acknowledgement of registration will be made by means of SMS message;
• e-mail;
• location;
• health issues (blindness, deafness, drowsiness, disability, paralysis, chronic diseases, blood type, allergies, etc.);
• emergency contact information

3. The first screen of the mobile app “Emergency Call” is expected to contain the following info:

• geolocation data with indication of the current address;
• for people who indicated the health problem while registration the button for “Emergency call” and fire notification or other emergency should contain a special functionality;
• warning about the responsibility for false calls;

3. The second screen of the mobile app “Report on emergency” is expected to contain the following info:

• fire;
• traffic accident;
• an explosive object;
• ambulance call;
• gas service call;
• other

For any of these items there should be a possibility to attach more detailed description of the event and photos, videos or sound files. Upon report on emergency, the user should receive detailed instructions on how to behave in case of a particular situation.

4. The third screen of the mobile app "Feedback" is expected to contain the following info:

• "Call me back please" button;
• contact phone numbers of the duty unit with the possibility of calling from the application;
• citizens reception schedule;
• The "submit complaint" button, when pressed, displays information about the complaint with the "Received" button;

5. The fourth screen of the mobile app “Map of the area” is expected to contain the following info:

• a map of Donetsk Oblast with the locations of the nearest State Emergency units, protective structures, hitting points, humanitarian assistance points with the telephone numbers and addresses. The users should be able to apply filters to this information;

6. The fifth screen of the mobile app “Updates” is expected to contain the following info:

• news, warnings or other information;

7.The sixth screen of the mobile app "My Profile" is expected to contain the following info:

• profile setting with the ability to change user data, the ability to select a language, change the password and other relevant settings.

8. The seventh screen should contain detailed information about the application.