Request for Proposals (RFP) Individual(s) or Firm to conduct research and analysis (Pre-award phase)

Job title: Request for Proposals (RFP) Individual(s) or Firm to conduct research and analysis (Pre-award phase)

Company: Viamo


Job description: Request for Proposals (RFP) Individual(s) or Firm to conduct research and analysis (Pre-award phase)Introduction This RFP invites qualified individuals or organizations to submit proposals to design and implement a research evaluation, in support of a HPV vaccination behaviour change campaign using the Viamo Platform in Pakistan. About Viamo Mobile technology is revolutionizing how organizations engage with populations they serve. More than 96% of the world’s population has access to a mobile phone, meaning it is now possible to reach nearly every single person on the planet. Yet, three billion people still lack access to relevant and timely information in local languages – their voices remain underheard. The organizations that serve them lack the technology and capacity to reach them, and many are unaware of the power of mobile technology to meet their organizational goals. Viamo connects individuals and organizanizations using mobile technology to close this gap, reaching 27 million users globally in 2024.Viamo has been registered in Pakistan since 2017 and launched the Viamo Platform nationally in 2024. Our work focuses on using inclusive, accessible voice-based services to support health system strengthening and behavior change initiatives.Research Project OverviewThe research will assess the feasibility, acceptability, quality, and cost-effectiveness of a generative AI (GenAI)-powered hotline integrated within the Viamo Platform during Pakistan’s national HPV vaccine rollout in 2025. The research involves a collaboration between Viamo and the successful Research Partner. The Research Partner will be responsible for:

• Developing a research methodology grounded in behavior change and public health evaluation best practices.
• Designing mixed-methods data collection tools for both IVR (quantitative) and conversational GenAI surveys (qualitative).
• Leading impact measurement for key learning areas: user satisfaction, changes in knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) related to HPV vaccination, system costs, and service uptake.
• Comparing the GenAI hotline performance against the human-staffed 1166 government hotline, where feasible.
• Producing rigorous, actionable insights to inform future government and partner programming.

Research activities must be conducted through the Viamo Platform’s digital infrastructure, with Viamo providing airtime and technical support.A preliminary concept note has been developed, accessible here, outlining the timeline, project goals, and key parameters. Notably, all data collection will be conducted through the Viamo Platform and covered by Viamo.Please note that Viamo has not yet been awarded this grant, but if successful, will begin work in June 2025.Research GoalsThe Research Partner will help answer the following questions, as defined in the approved Concept Note:

• What is the feasibility of implementing a GenAI-enabled hotline to support the HPV vaccination campaign in Pakistan?
• What is the acceptability of the GenAI-enabled hotline among target users (e.g., caregivers, adolescent girls, out-of-school populations)?
• What is the perceived quality of information provided through the GenAI-enabled hotline compared to a human-staffed hotline (1166)?
• What are the operational costs associated with delivering GenAI-enabled hotline services compared to traditional human-staffed services?
• What operational and programmatic lessons emerge from the implementation that can inform the scalability and sustainability of GenAI-enabled digital health services in similar settings?

The evaluation must produce disaggregated findings for different user segments, including but not limited to caregivers, adolescent girls, and out-of-school populations.Deliverables * Inception report and detailed research methodology

• Draft and secure IRB approvals (Pakistan-based and international; if applicable)
• Design a behavior insights survey for content adaptation
• Finalized survey tool for IVR and conversational GenAI evaluation
• Supervision of Viamo-led data collection
• Data cleaning, management, and analysis, including cost-effectiveness analysis
• Midline and endline learning briefs
• Pre-print: Impact evaluation report/paper suitable for journal publication
• Co-led dissemination event(s) with Viamo and partners

Offer requirements1. Technical offer Applications should include:

• A concise technical narrative proposal outlining proposed approach, tools, methodologies, and data analysis techniques
• Note: Applicant(s) may (and are encouraged to where they see fit) propose additions and changes to the scope in order to improve outputs.
• Expertise: relevant experience, including but not limited to: experience working in Pakistan, behaviour change research, public health and HPV vaccination work, mobile technology and generative AI evaluation experience.
• Key personnel bios
• Three professional references

2. Financial offer

• Budgets should be itemized by major activity categories, and submitted in USD.

3. Administrative documentsApplicants should submit bank details and evidence that the individual or firm is duly registered and up to date with obligations with local tax authorities.Evaluation Criteria1. Technical Competence

• Demonstrated familiarity with relevant tools and data analysis techniques.
• Evidence of technical capabilities in handling project requirements.

2. Methodology

• Soundness and clarity of the proposed methodology.
• Alignment with outcome and output measurements.

3. Expertise and Experience

• Relevance of the proposing organization’s experience in qualitative research, UX evaluation, and similar international development or health-related projects.
• Past experience working with under-connected populations, related to: Pakistan, behaviour change research, public health, and HPV vaccination work, public health, experience with mobile technology and generative AI
• Evidence of successful completion of similar projects. 4. Team Qualifications

4. Team QualificationsSummary of qualifications and expertise of the proposed project team members, including relevant educational background and professional experience.5. Cost-Effectiveness

• Clarity and coherence of financial offer.
• Cost-effectiveness of the proposed budget in relation to anticipated outcomes and impact.
• Any innovative cost-saving measures proposed by the organization.

6. Ethical Considerations, Inclusion and Diversity

• Demonstrated commitment to ethical research practices, including confidentiality and data security.
• Adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in the field of qualitative research, including IRB approvals as necessary.
• Strategies proposed to ensure inclusivity and diversity in the research process.

Submission GuidelinesViamo will accept applications from individuals or companies. Reservation of Rights Viamo reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, to cancel the solicitation process at any time, and to award the contract in whole or in part, or not at all. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee award of a contract. Viamo may also negotiate changes to proposals or seek additional information from any offeror at its discretion.Viamo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are invited to submit their technical proposals before Friday 2, May 2025. Confidentiality and Data Security At Viamo we take data privacy and security seriously.

Expected salary:

Location: Pakistan

Job date: Thu, 01 May 2025 22:26:51 GMT

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