Consultant -Technical Feasibility Assessment for IVR-Based Early Warning Dissemination in Nepal

Technical Feasibility Assessment for IVR-Based Early Warning Dissemination in Nepal

The Government of Nepal, through the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), disseminates multi-hazard early warning information using SMS, social media like Facebook, Twitter and Viber and other communication tools. However, these modalities face significant limitations in reaching marginalized populations due to low literacy rates, language diversity, limited smartphone access, and digital divide challenges. To address these barriers, DHM plans to explore Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology as an inclusive communication channel to support Early Warning System (EWS) communication and dissemination. This initiative is being undertaken under the Resilience, Adaptation and Inclusion in Nepal (RAIN) Programme, supported by the British Embassy Kathmandu. The RAIN Programme focuses on strengthening Nepal’s Early Warning Systems (EWS), enhancing early action, and improving risk communication mechanisms, particularly for vulnerable communities. IVR supports these objectives by enabling voice-based alerts in local languages, supporting two-way communication, and improving reach across remote, low-literacy, and marginalized populations. This ToR outlines the technical feasibility assessment of IVR implementation aligned with CAP adoption, legal frameworks, and national disaster risk communication strategies.

To conduct a comprehensive feasibility study assessing the legal, technical, operational, and financial viability of implementing IVR-based early warning dissemination in Nepal in alignment with DHM’s adoption of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), government Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), and telecom regulatory frameworks.

Primary objectives include:

       Analyze existing communication systems and evaluate integration requirements for adoption of IVR.

       Assess legal and regulatory compliance related to IVR deployment.

       Assess IT requirements at DHM and at Telecom.

       Evaluate infrastructure, connectivity, language localization, and voice-content design.  

       Recommend feasible implementation models, partnerships, and architecture.

       Assess options and cost estimates for scalable IVR rollout including the operation and maintenance

Technical Assessment:

         Review DHM’s EWS communication and dissemination systems.

         Propose IVR system architecture and functions.

         Conduct system architecture analysis for integrating IVR with CAP, SMS, radio, TV and digital channels.

Legal and Policy Analysis:

       Review existing laws and regulations related to telecommunication and data protection.

       Assess CAP compliance and modifications needed in SOPs.

Stakeholder Mapping:

       Engage with DHM, NDRRMA, MoHA, MoCIT, telecom operators, and private service providers.

Costing and Implementation:

       Estimate costs for setting up and maintenance and preparing financial sustainability models.

       Develop different options, including pilot and scaling phases along with supporting the development of the ToR for the scaling phase.

      Workplan finalization with DHM and PIN

     Technical Feasibility Report with different options of viability

      Presentation of the options to DHM, NTA-NTC, NCELL and RAIN program team

       Proven expertise in ICT4D, telecommunication, and IVR systems.

       Familiarity with CAP, EWS, and Nepal’s telecom infrastructure.

       Knowledge of Nepal’s legal frameworks on ICT, data protection, and voice-based accessibility.

        Experience working with government and development partners.

The assignment duration is expected to be 3 weeks, including consultations, assessments, reporting, and presentation.

The consultant will work under technical supervision of DHM and PIN, and coordinate with NDRRMA, MoHA, telecom operators, and NTA.

All findings and recommendations must comply with data protection regulations, DHM security standards, and ensure confidentiality. Voice data, call logs, and consent must be safeguarded and used solely for EWS purposes.

10. Evaluation method (performance of evaluation criteria):

Price (40%)

The evaluation result of this criterion equals the following formula: Price A/Price B * criteria weight.

Price A = lowest price from all submitted offers; Price B = actual price offered by the tenderer.

Quality (60%)

The bids will be evaluated by a procurement committee considering the following criteria for a technical proposal. The total marks of the technical evaluation will be 60 whereas the weightage is given below.

The evaluation result of this criterion equals to the following formula: Points B/Points A * criteria weight. Points A = highest points score from all; Points B = actual points score received from committee.

11. Financial and Payment Terms

PIN will provide the consultancy fees in two installments, the first installment (30%) will be provided immediately after the signature of the agreement, the second installment (70%) will be provided after the submission of the final report as mentioned above in deliverable section. As per GON policy, tax shall be deducted from the contractual amount. PIN will provide the logistics arrangements as per its policy (i.e. transportation, accommodation, per diems, etc.)

12. Application procedure

The applications should submit the following documents in hard copy:

·         Profile of the institution with CVs of key Personnel or your CV in case of individual.

·         Technical proposal with proven experience, key deliverables, plan of action, and timeline.

·         Financial proposal budget breakdown

·         A copy of the Company Registration certificate (where applicable)

·         A copy of VAT certificate and/or PAN details (obligatory)

·         A copy of tax clearance for the last fiscal year (where applicable)

 Interested individuals/firms are requested to send their application by 8^th December to eoi.nepal@peopleinneed.net