RFP_009_2026 Natl Firm conduct baseline research, Lab analysis, Participatory

Agency: UNDP | Reference: UNDP-LAO-00727 | Type: Request for proposal

Name of Services: RFP_009_2026_National Consutlant firm to conduct baseline research, laboratory analysis and participatory research methodologies in selected pilot sites.Project: Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management (GARM) in Lao PDR.Contract duration: 10 Months.Scope of work:The selected firm willbe responsible forthe following tasks:Task 1: Inception, deskreviewand stakeholder engagementConduct a desk review of key project documents, the project safeguards instruments (ESMF/SES screening) and relevant national policy on agrochemical management, and refine themethodology, sampling design, laboratory-analysisprotocolsand work plan inan inceptionreport.Facilitate consultations and formalize written agreements clearly outlining the roles, responsibilities and commitments of local government authorities, sector departments, financial institutions (microfinance associations), national universities, regional vocational schools, agricultural technical working groups, community-basedorganizationsand other relevant stakeholders.Establish formal participatory environments and mechanisms for continuous stakeholder engagement,feedbackand monitoring of progress, ensuring active stakeholder participation and ownership throughout implementation.Task 2: Baseline research and laboratory analysisConduct detailed baseline surveys and assessments including laboratory testing and environmental analysis – to understand the existing agroecological potential, economic dynamics, cultural contexts, localperceptionsof agricultural practices and social structures in each pilot site.Laboratory analysis shall be conducted by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory (in-house or subcontracted).

The firm shall test for, at minimum, the POPs/HHP analytes the project isrequiredto report on (including chlorpyrifos, paraquat, carbendazim and site-relevant residues),statinglimits of detection/quantification and analytical methods for each.

Sampling shall follow documented chain-of-custody and QA/QC procedures.The firm shallestablisha household-level economic and agrochemical-use baseline capturing, per crop and per site: agrochemical application rates (kg active ingredient/ha), input expenditure, yield, farm-gatepriceand gross margin, to enable measurement of income and agrochemical-reduction changeAssess and document existing agricultural practices, particularly pesticide usage and plastic waste management practices such as the disposal of containers, mulchfilmsand other agricultural plastics.Implement systematic sampling and rigorous laboratory testing of soil,waterand crop samples from each selected pilot site to quantify pesticide residues, agrochemical contaminants and environmental impacts, using accredited laboratories and documented chain-of-custody and quality-assurance procedures.Map illegal pesticide trade routes and farmerperceptionsin and around the pilot sites.Consolidatefindings into a baseline assessment report for each pilot site, aligned to the project results framework indicators to enablesubsequentmonitoring and reporting (including PIR/GEF reporting).Task 3: Participatory research, action planimplementationand promotion of alternative practicesDevelop and implement site-specific participatory research training programs focused on IPM, organic farming, pesticide risk management, beneficial organism identification, precision agriculture technologies, and cost-benefit analysis for decision-making.Conduct participatory diagnostics toidentify,prioritizeand develop actionable plans addressing local agricultural challenges (environmental,economicand waste management), including cause-effect analysis, prioritization of solutions, assignment of tasks and monitoring arrangements.Facilitate farmer-led innovation to explore alternatives to hazardous chemicals and improve plastic waste management.Design and implement site-level awareness-raising and behavior-change campaigns promoting alternative practices to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals – including IPM, biological control, biopesticides, organic inputs and agroecological approaches – with key messages and IEC materials in Lao language tailored to farmers, women, youth and ethnic-minority groups, aligned with the projects national communication strategy.Establish demonstration activities and organize farmer field days, exchange visits and community events in the pilot sites to showcase alternative practices, providing clear evidence – including simple cost-benefit comparisons – that sustainable practices generate savings, create value for crops and can attract differentiated market prices.Implement action plans collaboratively developed with stakeholders, with clearly defined roles and structured working groups.Establish and nurture community networks among farmers, authorities, technicalexpertsand agribusiness actors to enhance long-term sustainability and connect sustainable production with sustainable consumers and markets at local level.Task 4: Monitoring,assess

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