VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program

(An HCL Group Company)

Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd. (An HCL Group Company)
invites Proposals from NGOs for the ‘Women Empowerment and
Livelihoods’ theme under the flagship program ‘Dadri Development
Program’

RFP released by Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd.

(An HCL group company)
Program name Dadri Development Program (DDP)
Date of posting 21st October’2023
Last Date to Apply 1st November’2023
Location Dadri, Gautam Buddha Nagar

Dadri Development Program team is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to

design, implement, and evaluate a 14+month (approximately) pilot program focused on
upskilling rural women engaging in handicrafts business. The goal of this program is to
empower rural women with the necessary skills and knowledge to build their capacities and
enhance their craft-making abilities, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the
economic development of their communities.

Request for proposal (RFP) from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working in the
Women empowerment and livelihoods sector.
RFP Code: DDP/WEP/01/2023
 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

DISCLAIMER

I. This document is being published to enable the applicant to make an offer for the selection
of an implementation partner /NGO for a project on empowering women
entrepreneurs/artisans through digital technology in the rural areas of Dadri, Uttar Pradesh

II. This document neither constitutes nor should it be interpreted as an offer or invitation for
the selection of the Implementation Organization described herein.

III. This document is meant to provide information only and upon the express understanding
that recipients will use it only for the purposes set out above. It does not purport to be all-
inclusive or contain all the information about the ‘Implementation Partner’ (IP) or be the
basis of any contract. No representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is or will be
made as to the reliability, accuracy, or the completeness of any of the information contained
herein. It shall not be assumed that there shall be no deviation or change in any of the
herein-mentioned information. While this document has been prepared in good faith,
neither the Dadri Development Program (DDP) team, nor any of HCL Corporation Ltd.
officials or subscribers make any representation or warranty or shall have any responsibility
or liability whatsoever in respect of any statements or omissions here from.

IV. By acceptance of this document, the recipient agrees that any information herewith will be
superseded by any subsequent information on the same subject made available to the
recipient by or on behalf of the Dadri Development Program team. DDP team reserves the
right, at any time and without advance notice, to cancel or annul this RFP process, change
the procedure for the selection of an Implementation partner or any part of the interest, or
terminate negotiations before the signing of any binding agreement/contract with successful
bidder. There shall be no requirement on the part of the DDP team to communicate the
reasons for annulling the RFP process nor shall it be liable to any party on any account.

V. Accordingly, interested recipients should carry out an independent assessment & and
analysis of the requirements of the information, facts, and observations contained herein.

VI. This document has not been filed, registered, or approved in any jurisdiction. Recipients of
this document should inform themselves or/ and observe any applicable legal requirement.

VII. This document constitutes no form of commitment on the part of the Dadri Development
Program team. Furthermore, this document confers neither the right nor an expectation on
any party to participate in the proposed process

VIII. When any proposal is submitted under this RFP, it shall be presumed by the DDP team that
the implementation partner has fully ascertained and ensured its eligibility to provide
required services, under the respective governing laws and regulatory regimen, and that it
has the necessary approvals and permission, and suffers no disability in law or otherwise to
act as such.
 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

Table of contents
DISCLAIMER...........................................................................................................................................2
About Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd.:.............................................................................4
Background.............................................................................................................................................4
About Women Empowerment Program (WEP)............................................................................................4
About the project.....................................................................................................................................5
Objectives................................................................................................................................................5
Invitation for the proposal.........................................................................................................................5
NGO eligibility criteria........................................................................................................................6
Intervention areas and result indicators for women’s livelihood program in Dadri...........................6
Key Project Success Indicators...........................................................................................................7
Evaluation and Selection of Implementation Partner /NGO..............................................................7
Proposal Submission.................................................................................................................................7
Terms & Conditions..................................................................................................................................8
Annexure A: Cover Page Info.............................................................................................................8
Annexure B: Budget...........................................................................................................................9
Annexure C: Approach, Methodology, and GANTT Chart................................................................10


 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

About Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd.:

Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Private Limited is sincerely committed to its Corporate Social
Responsibilities in many ways. The management has a strong belief that the Company should share
its gains/profits with the society in which it is operating. The Management has an outstanding
record of undertaking various social /developmental initiatives aimed at empowering communities.
In pursuit of its mission under its CSR Policy the Company has outlined a community development
program for Dadri Region.

Spearheaded by the HCL leadership team, Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd. CSR initiative -
Dadri Development Program (DDP) is aimed at making Dadri comprehensive development of Dadri
Block of Gautam Buddha Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh. The objective of DDP is to drive positive
transformation in beneficiaries of target communities thereby creating healthier and empowered
communities in the Dadri region. To execute this, the Vama Sundari Investment (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd.
focuses on a range of sectors: education, health, youth skilling, agriculture, social safety and
security (special focus on women), livelihood, and nature conservation.

Background

Women in rural areas or rurban* areas often face challenges such as limited access to education &
and training opportunities, lack of market access, digital upskilling, and insufficient resources to
improve their skills and products. This pilot program aims to address these challenges by providing
targeted upskilling opportunities.

About Women Empowerment Program (WEP)

Despite the economic growth and an increase in general education levels, female labour force
participation remains a growing challenge. Even while the over labour force participation rate
(LFPR) has registered an increase (PLFS Annual Report, 2022-23), the difference between the male
and female LFPR persists. The difference remains greater in urban areas (male LFPR: 74.5%; female
LFPR:25.4). In rural areas as well the gap continues to be concerning (male LFPR: 80.2; female LFPR:
41.5)1.

A livelihood-focused women empowerment initiative in Uttar Pradesh could catalyze change in the
state with its persistent gender disparities. These initiatives include skill development programs,
digital inclusion/ online market linkages, microfinance, vocational training, and entrepreneurship
support.

These livelihood-focused women empowerment initiatives are gradually transforming the socio-
economic landscape of Uttar Pradesh, offering women the means to break free from historical
constraints and contribute significantly to their families and communities. Through these
endeavors, women in Uttar Pradesh are gaining not only economic independence but also the
confidence and agency to shape their destinies and challenge entrenched gender inequalities.

1
https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/Press_note_AR_PLFS_2022_23.pdf
* Rurban = Rural+Urban
 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

Due to growing demand in local and international markets, handicrafts have evolved from sporadic
activities in rural areas into thriving businesses. According to the International Trade Centre, women
make up 70% of the global handicraft workforce. It states, ‘In some countries, such as India and
Bangladesh, women make up more than 80% of the handicraft workforce 2. Therefore, livelihood
focused income generating activities can contribute to financial independence and improve the
standard of living for not just the women in marginalized communities, but also their households.

About the project

The Dadri Development Program team recognizes the zeal of women to engage in small businesses
and earn a livelihood while giving impetus to the rich handicrafts tradition, which can thus be
leveraged to improve the socio-economic status of women. In this endeavour, a two-fold strategy is
envisaged to be adopted such as the identification and mobilization of women beneficiaries from
existing self-help groups/federations in Dadri and secondly, engagement of women who showcase
entrepreneurial abilities or actively engaged in any crafts production business(es).

The program team through an NGO partner plans to implement a project that empowers the
women from urban, rural, and/or rurban areas of Dadri and provides sustainable livelihood by
responding to their unique challenges, including limited access to economic opportunities, financial
education, and lack of socio-emotional skills. By supporting women in their existing craftwork and/or
skilling them in craft-works thus who are budding ‘craftpreneurs’ and connecting them to local and
global markets, this project aims to address these challenges and thus promote sustainable
development.

Objectives
The primary objectives of this program are as follows:

 To enhance the economic & and social empowerment of women in select villages/rurban
areas of Dadri block through skill development/ upskilling & and income generation
activity(ies)
 To promote and preserve the traditional handicrafts and cultural heritage of the Dadri
region
 To facilitate access to local and international markets (through both offline & online
platforms) for products created by local women engaging in craft-making
 To create sustainable livelihoods that improve the quality of life for women and their
families.
 To enhance the skills and knowledge of women from rural or rurban areas engaging in
craft-works
 To empower women engaging in handicraft businesses through various Govt. schemes to
become self-reliant

Invitation for the proposal

Inviting proposals for executing women empowerment and livelihood program for 125+ women
engaging in handicrafts businesses from select villages in Dadri region by handholding them on
2
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/the-reign-of-women-artisans-of-india/
 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

gaining relevant vocational, digital inclusion, access to government entitlements and relevant
schemes and enterprise development skills aiming to enhance their income.

We are looking at organizations with below-mentioned criteria:

NGO eligibility criteria

 Demonstrated experience (min. 5 years) in implementing similar projects, particularly those
focused on women's empowerment & livelihood development in similar geographies,
particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh
 Expertise in handicrafts, women empowerment & skill development, digital upskilling of
women engaging in craft-works, Govt. scheme linkages, and market exposure linkages with
availability of mapped master resource persons/trainers having the ability to converse in
local language
 Financial stability and capacity to manage project funds effectively

Scope of Work

The selected organization/ NGO will be responsible for

 Conduct a need assessment survey to understand the geography and women

entrepreneurship landscape and existing cluster/ cohort of women-led producer
organization
 Designing & implementing a comprehensive upskilling curriculum tailored to the needs of
rurban women
 Establishing and managing resource centres and/or workshops for women groups in areas
of select handicrafts
 Delivering training sessions, workshops, and mentoring programs to participants
 Facilitating access to market opportunities and assisting women engaging in handicrafts or
emerging ‘craftpreneurs’ in marketing their products
 Linking with women beneficiaries’ s with government schemes
 Monitoring and evaluating the program's progress and impact
 Providing regular reports to the core program team/ DDP on program activities and
outcomes

Intervention areas and result indicators for women’s livelihood program in Dadri
Intervention Areas Result Indicators

1. Increased income of women who are
currently engaged in one or more
livelihood activities
2. Increased exposure to digital platforms
pertinent to income-generating activities
3. Increased financial inclusion for
women under the program
• Percentage increase in monthly/seasonal income of women target
group as a result of the program
• Number of additional income-generating activities around handicrafts
started by women in the target group as a result of the program
• Percentage of women from the target group who started using their
own UPI account for their income-generating activities
• Percentage of women with access to online payments
• Percentage of women from the target group who started using digital
social media platforms (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) for
promotion and marketing their products
• Percentage of women gaining access to e-commerce platforms
• Percentage of women having access to bank accounts
• Percentage of women who have their debit card as a result of the
 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

program.
• Percentage of women enrolled in social security insurance scheme
• Percentage of women gaining access to credit facilities
4. Exposure to upgraded skills around • Percentage of women who have started applying upgraded skills to
handicrafts for women under the improve their productivity and quality of work
program • Percentage of women involved in the program gaining recognition at
different platforms (Eg: awards, certification, etc.)
5. Increased decision-making for women • Percentage of women who reported an increase in the number of
under the program times they gain autonomy on their incomes earned. (Eg: Allocation of
money earned through sale, changes in personal savings, investment in terms
of asset purchase, etc.
6. Access to government • Percentage of women/Households gaining access to relevant
entitlements/schemes government entitlements and availing schemes.
• Percentage of women attaining awards and recognition in the
handicrafts sector

Key Project Success Indicators

The success of the program will be measured through the following output and outcome indicators:

 Percentage increase in the skilling status of participating women in craft-making and related
activities
 Number of women who are successfully able to map their products with relevant markets.
 Percentage increase in the income of participating women
 Percentage of women enrolled in project locations who complete the program.
 Participant satisfaction with the program

Evaluation and Selection of Implementation Partner /NGO

Organizations interested in submitting a proposal must meet the following eligibility criteria:

 Demonstrated experience in providing skills training and development programs for women
beneficiaries
 Alignment with the Dadri Development Program's mission and objectives
 Proven experience in working with rural or rurban or urban communities, especially women
groups/federations in the handicrafts sector (women empowerment program)
 Ability to deliver training and support services in the specified (craft/ apparel or industry)
 Capacity to monitor and evaluate program outcomes effectively
 Relevance and clarity of the proposed project plan
 Adequate financial and administrative capacity to manage program funds. Financial viability
and efficiency of the proposed budget
 Ability to deliver measurable and sustainable impact

Proposal Submission
Interested organizations are invited to submit their proposals by 1st November’23. Proposals should
include the following:

 Cover letter outlining the organization's or individual's qualifications and interest

 Detailed program design and implementation plan
 Need Assessment/ Baseline, end line, human impact stories, Impact assessment plan
 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

 Budget proposal, including a breakdown of costs (as per the template shared in the RFP
annexure)
 Resume or profiles of key personnel involved
 References from previous similar projects

Contact Information: All inquiries regarding this RFP and submission of the proposal in response to
this RFP should be made to Reeti Mahobe via email to reeti.mahobe@hcl.com (CC:
ddevelopmentprogram@gmail.com)

Selection Process: Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the program objectives,
feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the qualifications of the proposing organization. Shortlisted NGOs
may be invited for a detailed presentation.

 Submission Details & Deadlines: All proposals must be submitted as per the prescribed
Proposal Format along with Annexure A (Cover page info), Annexure B (Budget), and
Annexure C (Gantt Chart)

Terms & Conditions

 Duration of the project: Duration of the pilot project will be approximately 14+ months
 Deadline: Proposals received after the designated deadline may be subject to rejection by
Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd.
 Validity: The proposal must remain valid for a minimum of eight (8) months from the date
of receipt by Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd.
 Reputed NGOs must submit their proposal as per the prescribed Proposal Format along
with:
- Annexure A (Cover page info), Annexure B (Budget), Annexure C (Gantt Chart)

Annexure A: Cover Page Info

Proposal format
Cover Page: The following details are to be included in the proposal (document to be submitted
wherever applicable:

i. Organization Name (as per registration certificate)

ii. Registered Address (as per registration certificate)
iii. Correspondence Address
iv. Website
v. Contact Person
vi. Mobile no / E-mail ID of Contact Person
Registration details: Registration No., Act under which registered, State, date of
v. registration

vi. Unique CSR Registration Number

vii. PAN Number

ix. Does the organization have 80G Certificate

x. Does the Organization has a 12A Certificate

xi. Does the Organization has an FCRA Certificate

 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

xii. Does HCL & your organization have had any previous partnership?
Does the organization have audited Accounts & Balance Sheets for the last three years,
xiii.
indicating receipts, payments, closing balance, income-expenditure statements
xiv List of Trustee and Directors and Board members and Managing Committee

XV Provide prior experience in reaching out to

communities in Uttar Pradesh please mention details
XVI Mention any prior experience in reaching out / addressing the communities for similar
interventions. please explain/ attach report
XVII Share details of the organizations where work for similar interventions has been
concluded.

Annexure B: Budget
Budget must be submitted as per the attached template. Please provide a detailed break-up of each
line item and all sub-line item costs with clear budget explanatory notes. The terms of payment
along with a tentative timeline must also be attached. Proposals not shared in the given format are
liable for rejection. Proposals received after the due date and time will not be considered
BUDGET FORMAT
Sr. No Budget Item Total Budget Remarks (e.g.)
(INR)
I Non-Recurring
A.1 Infrastructure setting up cost Includes machinery, tools, IT
equipment, and furniture.
Complete details of all equipment
(Make/Model/Count/Ageing etc.) to
be mentioned including applicable
AMC charges if any.

A.2 Please share a clear cost breakup

with complete details. Add other cost
a Non-recurring training cost heads if required
b Content curation charges based on
Needs Assessment
c Partner Capacity Building Costs
d Charges for Training of Trainers/Team
Members
Total
-
II Recurring
B Salaries
B.1 /Program management and resources This has to be mentioned in sub-parts
like charges for Program Manager,
Program Coordinator, Trainers,
Mobilisers, and Communications
expert. Please note that offer letter,
salary slips, and bank transfer details
need to be shared by the selected
partner

Total
-
 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

C Program Activity Costs

C.1 Market linkages *List of items/materials to be shared

separately with clear specifications
and rates.
*All specifications and quantity for
handouts/books, flex, banners, and
C.2 Government and financial linkages other supplies should be provided.
C.3 Cost of raw materials and other expenses *Impact video duration should be
mentioned.
*Any other program activity cost
need to be mentioned like incentives
to beneficiaries.

C.4 Need Assessment/ Baseline/Midline and

Endline Assessment, Impact and
Assessment Report
C.5 Communications cost
C.5.1 Internal cost for hand-outs/books etc for
beneficiaries
C.5.2 Development of promotional material for
outreach activity-flex, banners etc.
C.6 Impact Video
Total
D Travels
D.1 Travel cost for Program staff Travel expenses for the entire project
team for the duration of the program.
Need to specify the mode of
transport, applicable distance, and
Expense Limit as per designation

E Centre running & maintenance cost Please share a clear cost breakup
with complete details. Add other cost
E.1 Rent heads if required
E.2 Electricity
E.3 Water
E.4 Internet connectivity
Total
F.1 Miscellaneous cost
F.2 Administration Charges Please specify the applicable % and
value of both
-
Total
BUDGET TOTALS
-

Annexure C: Approach, Methodology, and GANTT Chart

Organizational Understanding of the Objectives of the Project. Detailed approach & and
methodology to execute the project including work steps, and Gantt chart.

The Gantt Chart must detail the comprehensive list of activities proposed in the proposal along with
a tentative timeline. An indicative list of activities is given in the table below. NGOs may make the
required changes as needed.
 VAMA SUNDARI INVESTMENTS (DELHI) PRIVATE LIMITED Dadri Development Program
(An HCL Group Company)
Corporate Office: A9, Sector 3, Noida - 201301, U.P, India

S No. Activities
1 Site selection
2 Identification and selection of existing SHGs/formation of SHGs
3 Baseline survey
4 Orientation session for selected SHG women on project outline and scope
Phased training sessions on:
5  Vocation skills (select handicrafts)
 Entrepreneurship skills
 Socio-emotional learning (life skills) skills
 Business management (bookkeeping)
 Access to Govt. schemes/entitlement
6 For the trained beneficiaries - Identify opportunities - create a roadmap,
enablement, and market linkage
7 Procurement of raw materials
The market for finished products
Participation in fairs etc.
8 End-line assessment to measure and assess the progress of the project
against the desired outcomes.

Contract/Project Award: The contract will be awarded to the organization whose proposal best
meets the criteria outlined in this RFP.

The most competitive proposal is requested. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded based
on merit of the proposal. However, Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt Ltd. reserves the right to
request responses to questions and conduct negotiations with any NGO before awarding a contract.

Rejection of proposal: This document is a request for proposals only, and in no way binds Vama
Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt Ltd. to make an award. Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt Ltd.
reserves the right to reject any and all offers received and/or to cancel the RFP. Vama Sundari
Investments (Delhi) Pvt Ltd. will not be obliged to either inform or provide a justification for
rejection of proposals.
Incurring costs: Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt. Ltd. will not be liable for any cost incurred
during preparation, submission, or negotiation of an award for this RFP.
Financial responsibility: Proposals must certify the financial viability and adequacy of resources of
the agency/organization to complete the proposed assignment within the agreed time frame and in
conformity with the agreed terms of payment. Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Pvt Ltd. reserves
the right to request and review up to the last three financial statements and audit reports including
schedules and annexures, as part of the basis of the award if required.

All inquiries and submissions should be directed to reeti.mahobe@hcl.com (CC:

ddevelopmentprogram@gmail.com)

The DDP team looks forward to receiving proposals from qualified candidates and working together
to empower women in rural and rurban areas to engage in handicrafts and emerging as
craftpreneurs through this pilot program.

Proposal Submission deadline: 1st November’2023