Institution: Inter-American Development Bank
Country: IDB Caribbean Countries: Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago
Project: The Caribbean Digital Transformation Institute
Sector: Private Firms and SME Development
Abstract: The consulting services aim to advance digital technology adoption among Caribbean MSMEs in sectors such as tourism, agro-processing, and manufacturing, by designing tailored digital adoption and innovation policies and strategies. This initiative, with an implementation period of six months, includes assessing digital maturity, identifying gaps in digital skills, and analyzing barriers to technology adoption. The consultancy will engage with Business Support Organizations, provide customized country recommendations, and develop a roadmap with specific action steps and performance indicators. Additionally, the consultancy will compile a database of regional digital service providers to support the establishment of a two-sided marketplace, further promoting digital transformation within the region.
Grant No.: ATN/OC-19079-RG
TC No.: RG-T3992
Deadline: 19th November 2024

The Caribbean Export Development Agency has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of The Caribbean Digital Transformation Institute and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include conducting a comprehensive assessment of digital technology adoption needs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Caribbean, particularly in tourism, agro-processing, and manufacturing sectors. This involves analyzing digital maturity and identifying gaps in digital skills using tools like the Digital Check-up Tool, along with surveying barriers that hinder technology adoption. Additionally, the services encompass engaging with Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and local representatives to align with country-specific contexts, designing tailored policies and strategies to support digital integration, and developing an implementation roadmap with clear timelines, responsibilities, and performance indicators. The final deliverables include a detailed report with best practice recommendations and a dissemination plan, alongside a classified list of digital service providers in the region to support a digital marketplace framework. The implementation period for these services is six months.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Please view the terms of reference below.

The shortlist shall comprise five to eight firms with a wide geographical spread.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-15 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of a Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection Based on the Consultants’ Qualifications (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 19th November 2024.

Jonathan Seecharan
Attn: Innovation and Digital Business Officer
1st Floor Baobab Tower Highway 2 Warrens St. Michael
BB22026
Bridgetown
Barbados
Tel: +1(246) 436-0578
Fax: +1(246) 436-9999
E-mail: [email protected]