CALL FOR TENDERS

FOR THE PROVISION OF FIRST AID KITS FOR UKRAINIAN JOURNALISTS 

20/05/2024

Context 

Founded in 1985, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ensures respect for the freedom of information enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that « Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers ». The organization works for the freedom, pluralism, and independence of journalism, and defends those who embody these ideals. By combating censorship and defending journalists and media outlets in difficulty, persecuted because of their work, it supports one of the foundations of democracy.

In the aftermath of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, RSF opened two Press Freedom Centers in Lviv and Kyiv to provide journalists and media with the necessary equipment to pursue their work in spite of hostilities. 

In 2022 and 2023, RSF has implemented a dozen of Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) sessions in Lviv, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Dnipro, for close to 200 journalists in total. Into 2 years of war, RSF still identifies high needs and interest in first aid training for Ukrainian journalists and media professionals. At each training session, journalists receive first aid kits.

In the context of the intensification of Russian strikes on Ukrainian territories, media outlets and journalists face the problem of working in dangerous areas, such as close to the area of hostilities. Currently, providing journalists with first aid kits is an important contribution to their safe work. 

Objective of the services

RSF is currently looking to contract with a supplier for the procurement of the first aid kits  assessing market availability for products that meet the following specific requirements. 

Local procurement with a supplier based in Ukraine is preferred.

The maximum envelope for this tender will not exceed 24 000 €.

Technical characteristics of equipment needed

RSF intends to procure the following items, for which we anticipate ordering approximately:

Applicants are asked to submit a financial proposal stating unit costs.

RSF expects delivery to its RSF Press Freedom Center in Kyiv (Yevhena Chykalenka 39 (former Pushkinska street) office 19, 02000, Kyiv, Ukraine):

• a maximum 5-day delivery time for the first 30 kits ordered (before 4 June);
• a maximum 10-day delivery time if possible for the rest of the ordered quantity.

Financial elements and payment modalities

The selected service provider will sign a framework contract with RSF agreeing on unit costs (flat rates) for each product and additional costs (delivery, administrative/bank fees). 

On the basis of this contract, 

1. RSF will place an order by email.
2. Advance payment is possible up to 50% of the total amount due, to secure the order.
3. The contractor will confirm the order by email.
4. The contractor will have the equipment delivered in the location determined by RSF, on Ukrainian territory. Possible locations for delivery could include (but are not limited to) the following cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia or Dnipro.
5. Upon delivery, RSF will check the conformity of the delivery with the order and sign a delivery note.
6. Upon delivery, the contractor will issue an invoice in the name of RSF for payment.
7. As part of the framework contract, RSF intends in a first phase to purchase 300 units. But the framework contract between RSF and the supplier is meant for at least 6 months renewable for the purchase of additional medkits.

Applications

Offers are to be sent by 27th May 2024 (end of the day) at lvivpfc@rsf.org. 

Applications must include : 

• Detailed technical characteristics of each equipment
• Delivery times
• A formal quotation including a detailed budget (financial offer) in EUR or USD, detailing : 

        Unit cost per item purchased (in EUR or USD)

        Delivery costs (in EUR or USD)

        Administrative or bank fees if any (in EUR or USD)

This quotation should be established in the name of « Reporters sans frontières (RSF) », registered at « CS 90247 75083 Paris Cedex 02 France » and indicate whether an advance payment (up to 50%) is needed when placing the order.

• A copy of the legal registration document as a company. The applicants will undergo RSF’s screening of the relevant list of sanctions.
• Banking information
• (Optional) a list of  non-profit organisations or NGOs to which the supplier sold similar equipment, if any

Due to the high urgency of the media needs, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. RSF does encourage applicants not to wait the deadline to submit their applications. RSF reserves the right to close the call for tenders before the deadline mentioned above.

For further information please contact lvivpfc@rsf.org.