“ICT for Education: Mobile Broadband in Myanmar”: Development of English mobile learning content for Grades 8 to 11 students in Myanmar

United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) hereby invite qualified companies to submit sealed tenders as follows:

Background

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Ericsson, UNESCO is implementing a project “ICT for Education: Mobile Broadband in Myanmar” to connect schools to mobile broadband networks, allowing teachers and students to benefit from access to 21st century learning and applications. Through the project, selected schools will be provided with proven Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions such as laptop computers, tablet computers and projectors delivered in tandem with a comprehensive in-service teacher professional development program to enable teachers to best utilize this technology in the classroom. The project also includes an English language programme and life skills programme using mobile technology to develop English language and life skills, particularly for girls, as a means of empowerment and a pathway to increased secondary school retention. The project period will last till 31 March 2017.

UNESCO is the lead partner for coordination with the Ministry of Education as well as the development and delivery of three key project components, utilizing mobile technology for:
• Teacher professional development,
• English language development, and
• Life skills, with an emphasis on girls’ empowerment.

Brief descriptions of the assignment

The work undertaken through this assignment will contribute to the project “ICT for Education: Mobile Broadband in Myanmar”. In particular, the organization will develop English learning content and mobile learning applications relevant to Grades 8 to 11 students across 31 selected schools under the English component of the project. 17 schools are located in Mandalay Region while the other 14 schools are located in Mon State and Bago Region.

Expected outputs

The contractor is required to submit the following expected outputs to UNESCO, according to the timeframe agreed upon in the work plan:

1. a work plan indicating relevant activity milestones and a curriculum plan for English with indication of main learning outcomes and proposed activities
2. an on-site consultation to meet with the project team including UNESCO and some project schools in Myanmar to discuss and confirm localization and cultural/curriculum harmonization requirements/plans
3. a specific mobile application to access the interactive digital learning resources by teachers and students
4. interactive digital learning resources with lesson activity instructions
5. a series of training screencasts on using the specific mobile application and content developed under this project

Timing

The work should be completed by 31 March 2016.

Qualifications/experience

The contractor (firm/institution) should have:
• at least five years of prior experience successfully implementing international projects;
• demonstrated experience in developing high-quality interactive digital learning resources on English in Asia and the Pacific;
• demonstrated experience in developing high-quality interactive digital learning resources on English in countries other than Asia and the Pacific; and
• knowledge and understanding of the context of UNESCO and/or international organizations.

The key personnel should have:
• a minimum of five years of experience in projects on interactive digital learning resource development; and
• work experience with international organizations.

The purpose of this notice is to provide general information on the requirements for the procurement process and to inform interested suppliers how to obtain a copy of the Solicitation Documents.

Interested companies who wish to participate in the OIC must request for a complete set of Solicitation Documents, available free of charge, from UNESCO contact person at the address shown below.

The sealed tenders must be delivered to the Head of Office, UNESCO Yangon, UN Building, No. 6 Natmauk Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon, Myanmar or be submitted electronically to yangon@unesco.org on or before 13 January 2016 at 17:00 hours (Yangon time), in strict compliance with the instructions as stipulated in the Solicitation Documents.

UNESCO reserves the right to amend the documents at any time during the solicitation process. Any amendments or clarifications will be communicated directly to all Bidders who have requested for a complete set of solicitation documents and officially confirmed their intention to submit a sealed tender. No remuneration will be made to companies for preparation and submission of their tenders.

UNESCO Contact Information:
UNESCO Yangon
Attn: Mr. Sardar Umar Alam, Head of Office
Fax: +951 544531
E-mail: su.alam@unesco.org