Consultancy for Integration of Virtual Reality for Implement...

Request for proposals (RFP)

Consultancy for Integration of Virtual Reality for Implementing STEAM Initiatives

Date: July 30, 2024

Purchase Request Number: 617

Serial Number: RFQ-24-101 458

• Deadline for offers:                                        August 5th, 2024
• Type of Appointment:                                    firm Service Contract
• Period of assignment:                                    August 2024 – September 2024 (3 weeks)

Organizational Background

The East Jerusalem Young Men's Christian Association (EJ-YMCA), founded in 1948, is a vibrant and integral part of the Palestinian social movement and a leader among Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations. It is an independent, neutral, and professional organization affiliated with the global YMCA movement. As a member of the World Alliance of YMCAs, the EJ-YMCA is committed to a unique vision of community, based on the universal values of human dignity, peace, and justice.

Driven by its mission “to develop and empower youth and communities to reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit based on Christian values,” the EJ-YMCA has become deeply rooted in Palestinian society. It runs a variety of programs based on local priorities in areas such as athletics, employment, rehabilitation, advocacy, youth participation, and women empowerment.

The EJ-YMCA operates three Community Centers in East Jerusalem, Beit Sahour, and Ramallah. These centers enhance the physical health of their members by providing access to sports facilities and activities. The revenues from these community centers contribute to the overall service provision of EJ-YMCA’s programs targeting youth, women, and children. Additionally, the EJ-YMCA manages a Vocational Training Center in Jericho, a Rehabilitation Center in Beit Sahour, the Women Development Program in Ramallah, and the Joint Advocacy Initiative, which reach different Palestinian cities and villages. The EJ-YMCA also runs a Career Advancement Center in Jerusalem, focusing on empowering youth of the Holy City and upskilling them to access the labor market.

Project Background/Description

Within the framework of the “Inclusive Access to Quality Education Program” that is being supported and funded by the Belgian Development Agency (ENABEL) in West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, The East Jerusalem YMCA, Burj Al Laqlaq in association with Al Quds Open University are implementing a project title “Enhancing STEAM culture among Jerusalemite students through several extracurricular activities” for a duration of 18 months.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The aim of this consultancy is to minimize group field visits for young students in light of safety considerations in East Jerusalem. Instead, the goal is to integrate VR technologies to facilitate immersive learning experiences for awareness activities targeting young STEAM learners. This initiative aims to increase knowledge on local and global challenges impacting five local communities in the city: the Old City, Silwan and Ras Al Amoud, Al Tur and Al Siwaneh, Wadi El Jouz, and Sheikh Jarrah. The purpose is to implement community initiatives and provide solutions utilizing their STEAM skills.

Therefore, the EJ-YMCA seeks to outsource consultancy services for developing VR productions to present to approximately 100 STEAM learners. These productions will provide in-depth knowledge and experience regarding these challenges, enabling the students to propose ideas and innovations to address critical issues facing the target communities.

 Application Requirements:

Closing Date: Proposals must be submitted no later than 3:00 pm, Saturday, August 5th, 2024.

Submission Method: Proposals must be submitted electronically through the following link: https://public.ej-ymca.org/

 Important Notes

• Candidates with disabilities and females are strongly encouraged to apply.
• EJ-YMCA reserves the right to reject all bids, and to decide not to pursue this procurement.
• EJ-YMCA reserves the right to split the bid.
• EJ-YMCA is not obliged to procure the lowest priced offer, when the lowest price does not offer the best overall value and all other factors considered.
• EJ-YMCA has the right to cancel or re-tender this TOR without explaining the reasons.
• EJ-YMCA reserves the right to interview candidates, request supporting documentation for experience and expertise, and/or request additional information or documentation that could facilitate the selection. Should EJ-YMCA determine interviews are needed, only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted for an interview.
• In addition to reviewing the financial and technical applications, EJ-YMCA will review the qualifications of the specific individual(s) wishing to fulfill the role.
• EJ-YMCA may select more than one consultant to complete the full scope of this TOR.
• All Documents must be submitted signed and stamped.

For more Information, please contact us through the following email: [email protected]