The Australian Water Partnership (AWP) is seeking to appoint suitably qualified and experienced water modelling and training facilitation experts to support the Lao PDR Department of Water Resources (DWR) to deliver water modelling training across multiple departments responsible for the management of different aspects of Lao PDR’s water resources.
Activity Background
DWR has identified the need for support with water modelling training, across multiple departments responsible for water management. Some initial training has been undertaken but there continues to be both need and interest in an expanded training program to include a larger number of individuals and different elements of water modelling.
DWR has identified the need for a more strategic approach to training which is collaborative and participative. There is a need to ensure new knowledge becomes embedded in multiple departments, and individuals are aware of how to generate and use data. This type of strategic support will ensure long term sustainability of knowledge building and increase institutional and individual capacity.
The activity forms a component of Australia’s long-standing collaboration with the government of Lao PDR and builds on support related to river basin planning and groundwater management.
Activity Description
This activity addresses an identified need for technical training in modelling within DWR. Given the range of available models used for water resource management, the training will include an overview of modelling for decision making, as well as the application of a model for a case study basin. DWR have also requested specific training in use of the eWater Source model, with some training having already been delivered through other projects. A program of training and mentorship would offer the opportunity to build on the existing knowledge of team members who had previously received training, and to introduce new concepts and approaches to additional team members thereby expanding and embedding knowledge.
Further description of the activity is provided in Annex A – Terms of Reference.
End of Activity Outcomes
The end of activity outcomes include:
- Improved climate resilient management of water resources under conditions of uncertainty, with established processes for improved decision-making.
- Increased technical capacity across multiple departments to deliver climate resilient management of water resources.
- Partnerships between Australia and Lao PDR will be strengthened through ongoing collaboration with DWR and other Lao government departments.
The expected outputs include:
- Quarterly Progress Reports that include (but are not limited to): co-developed workplan; identification of knowledge facilitators; co-developed training materials; and outcomes from the engagement.
Application Procedure
Interested partner/s should submit a proposal via the online form by Friday 19 May 2023 at 5:30pm (AEST) using the AMWF Proposal Template provided.
Late applications will not be accepted.
The proposal should include a description of the relevant experience of the partner/s, as well as proposed daily remuneration rates based on the AWP Partners Remuneration Framework. Proposals should be a maximum of ten pages, plus annexes for Curriculum Vitae (CV). Appendices and CVs should be included within your application document (max 1 file upload allowed).
The formation of partner consortiums is encouraged.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be assessed against the following selection criteria:
- Meeting the expertise and experience requirements outlined in the ToR at Annex A, including demonstrated experience in water modelling including the use of eWater Source model, and training, mentorship, and knowledge brokering/facilitation on principles and practices related to water modelling.
- Incorporation of Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approaches and outcomes throughout the activity. Please refer to the Addressing GEDSI in AWP concepts, proposals, and tenders: Guidance for partners for integration of GEDSI approaches into the activity design and implementation.
- Including effective approaches for information/knowledge sharing, including engagement of local partners.
- Clear strategy for capacity development of individuals, organisations, and governments.
- Demonstrated Value for Money.
Contact
For any questions, please contact Lucy Chilver, AWP Program Officer by Friday 12 May 2023 at 12:00pm (AEST). All questions received will be compiled and presented with answers on this page below.
Notes
1. The Asian Institute of Technology have noted their interest in working with partners in a consortium for this project. Contact person: Dibesh Khadka.
2. The funding arrangements for this activity have been modified to accommodate a request from DWR for specific training on Source, consistent with the eWater Customer Licence Agreement. AWP has decided to split the activity into two agreements in the interests of transparency, and will sole-source eWater for the training component, in accordance with the Conflict of Interest policy. The successful applicant will be required to develop and coordinate a program of training, within which specialist training on eWater Source will be provided by eWater staff through a separate contract with AWP. The lead individual or agency will be required to work collaboratively with a trainer from eWater to ensure technical training and mentorship on Source is integrated into the training program which addresses the use and value of water modelling more broadly. The new activity value is up to $108,500 AUD (ex GST), and an updated Terms of Reference has been provided.
Printable documents
Call for Proposals – Water modelling for climate resilience in Lao PDR (PDF, 295KB)
Annex A – Terms of Reference (PDF, 177KB)
Note that AWP reserves the right to not proceed with the outlined activity and is not liable for any costs incurred by partners in preparing proposals.
Questions and Answers
Q: We note that the activity budget has been reduced by around $80,000 but there appears to be very limited change in the description of the activity or scope. Whilst we understand that this budget has been re-assigned to eWater to provide Source training (as required in the Source Licence Agreement), it appears that the activity partner is still required to run the overall training and mentor program design and delivery of two trainings of one week each, but with a drastically reduced budget. So that we can better understand the change in scope and how aligns with the reduced budget, are you able to provide more clarity on what is included in the eWater component of the activity (so we know what we can exclude from our budgeting)? For example, will they attend both weeks of training, and what role are they expected to play in the broader design of the program?
A: The eWater component of the activity will include input to the training workplan and learning approach, delivery of water modelling training and providing remote support post training. eWater will also contribute to the deliverables prepared by the Australian partner (i.e., progress reports and the final report). The eWater trainer will attend both weeks of training in Lao PDR. Expenses for eWater travel and time will be covered in the agreement with eWater.
Q: Is AWP able to work with partners to connect with other partners to bring together required skills, or are you looking for respondents to connect independently?
A: AWP encourages partners to create a consortium to bring together the required expertise for the activity. AWP can provide the names of partners looking to form a consortium on the Call for Proposals webpage upon request. The formation of a consortium needs to be done by partners independently of AWP.
Q: With respect to eWater’s role, is there an expectation that respondents need to formally approach and partner with eWater in their response or does eWater’s role sit outside of the scope of the response you are expecting?
A: Partners are not required to formally approach or partner with eWater in response to the Call for Proposals. eWater’s role and tasks are separate to the Australian partner requirements and we therefore do not expect partners to include extensive detail outlining eWater’s contribution to the activity or allocate any of the budget to this component of work. eWater will be contracted directly by AWP to work with the selected Australian partner.
