REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: Market Assessment and Cold Chain Consultant

REQUEST FOR CONSULTANT PROPOSAL

RFP: 009/2026

International- Market Assessment & COLD-CHAIN MAPPING CONSULTANT

ISSAUANCE DATE: February 27, 2026

LAST APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: March 15, 2026

Terms of Reference

Components of this solicitation are as follows 

    Appendix A: Evaluation Criteria 

    Appendix B: Budget   

Timeline and Reporting: 

Title Or Proposed Position/Work: Market Assessment & Cold-Chain Mapping Consultant

Location: Lalitpur, Nepal (remote and field work). Field visits required across 14 districts in 5 provinces through 5 NGO clusters (Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini), Nepal.

Reporting to: Chief of Party (CoP), Aquaculture Development in Nepal Project (ADNP) Technically coordinated with Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP) and Aquaculture Technical Team

Anticipated Start Date: TBD

Anticipated End Date: Within 3–4 months from contract signing

Consultancy Type: Open to Individual Consultant or Consulting Firm

LOE: – 25 Days (field based)

Background

Corus International is implementing the USDA-funded Aquaculture Development in Nepal Project (ADNP) across 14 districts in five provinces. The project seeks to increase aquaculture sector profitability, strengthen financial services, improve sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance, and promote safe fish consumption.

Under Component 1: Address SPS and Trade Facilitation Issues, the project supports improvements in post-harvest handling (PHH), quality standards, and market systems to enhance domestic and regional trade. 

Under Component 2: Increase Aquaculture Sector Profitability, the project works with producers, hatcheries, feed mills, and private-sector actors to improve production efficiency and market linkages.

While aquaculture production is increasing, market access, cold-chain infrastructure, aggregation systems, and reliable market intelligence remain limited. Seasonal price volatility, inadequate cold storage and transport, and fragmented distribution channels reduce competitiveness and constrain the sector’s ability to respond to growing demand.

To support a market-led growth strategy, the project requires a comprehensive market assessment and cold-chain mapping exercise. The findings will inform strategic investments, identify high-potential market segments, analyze demand and pricing dynamics, and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen post-harvest systems and stimulate sustainable “market pull” across the aquaculture value chain.

Further details about the organization can be found at: https://corusinternational.org

Objective

The primary objective of the above consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive market assessment and cold-chain infrastructure and facilities mapping to identify opportunities for market-led growth in Nepal’s aquaculture sector. This analysis will work to support the project’s strategy to leverage "market pull" as a driver for increased production and trade of aquaculture products. Furthermore, the consultant will build local capacity by developing a Training of Trainers (TOT) module to enable project staff and local partners to utilize the findings effectively.

Click on the link below for the detailed RFP:

Market Assessment and Cold Chain Consultant

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A short cover letter (maximum one page)
• Updated CV
• Proposed daily rate
• Brief description of similar assignments completed
• Applications are to be submitted through the online application no later than the Last Application Receipt Date, which is defined as Dated; March 15, 2026. Electronic applications must be addressed and delivered to email: lwrnepalprocurement@lwr.org
• Attention: The email subject must begin with “Market Assessment & COLD-CHAIN MAPPING CONSULTANT’’