Thirrje për Aplikim /Termat e Referencës

3/07/2024

Development of Online Platform to Coordinate Kosovar Civil Society Organizations and the Ministry of Internal Affair’s P/CVE and R&R Activity Support

About KCSS

The Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) is an independent policy research centre founded in April 2008 and based in Prishtina - Kosovo. KCSS is dedicated to security sector development and reform in Kosovo and Western Balkans. It proactively promotes principles of good governance, integrity, and resilience.  

Founded in 2008, KCSS’s main interest remains to be development of security sector in Kosovo and Western Balkans based on the good governance. In the past 15 years, KCSS has been building and offering alternative expertise in security studies, by filling a void in a limited academic contribution in the field in Kosovo.

KCSS aims to enhance the effectiveness by supporting the SSR programs through its research, events, training, advocacy, and direct policy advice. Advancing new ideas and social science methods are also core values of the centre. Each year, KCSS publishes numerous reports, policy analysis and policy briefs. It also, runs more than 200 public events including conferences, roundtables, and debates, lectures – in Kosovo, also in collaboration with regional and international partners. A wide-range of activities includes research, capacity-building, awareness and advocacy.

Purpose of Service  

KCSS invites experienced and innovative IT companies to submit proposals for the development of an online platform designed to enhance the coordination of activities implemented by institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in Kosovo in the area of Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) and Rehabilitation and Reintegration (R&R). The platform’s main aim – among others- will be to serve as a resource centre for security institutions (namely Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kosovo Correctional Service and the Kosovo Probation Service) and CSOs to coordinate and share information on the type of projects and activities they implement in the realm of P/CVE and R&R.

The selected company will be responsible for:

Design: User-friendly interface with accessibility standards compliance.

Development: Secure and scalable back-end architecture that can be integrated across different servers.

Deployment: Cloud-based solution with high availability and disaster recovery capabilities.

Maintenance and Support: Ongoing maintenance and technical support post-deployment.

The platform will be developed in the context of the project "Professional Support for the Kosovo Probation Service (KPS) in tackling violent extremism and radicalism" supported by the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Kosovo, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by the Kosovo Center for Security Studies (KCSS)

1. Scope of the service

The online platform will serve as a comprehensive system for managing various functions related to preventing radicalization. This includes organizing and monitoring the work of multiple stakeholders, facilitating communication, tracking activities, and reporting outcomes. The platform must be user-friendly, secure, scalable, and able to integrate with existing systems within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

2.   Expected Engagement

Preliminary Analysis

Conduct thorough analysis to gather detailed requirements of the client regarding the preparing and design of the online platform.  

Collaborate with MIA and other  stakeholders to understand needs and objectives of the database, mainly focused in mapping and monitoring work of different stakeholders in Kosovo related to tackling radicalism and terrorism and implementing RRR activities.

Platform Design

Design an intuitive and responsive user interface platform which would give opportunities to monitor and measure the work of stakeholders in Kosovo on implementing R&R projects and activities.  

Develop detailed architecture and system design needed to reach MIA and its stakeholders objectives  

Development

Implement core functionalities, including user management, data processing, and reporting of the activities and projects related to PCVE and R&R conducted by different stakeholders in Kosovo  

Ensure platform scalability and performance optimization.

Integration

Integrate with existing systems and third-party applications as required.

Implement secure API interfaces for data exchange.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Conduct comprehensive testing (unit, integration, system, and user acceptance).

Address and resolve all identified issues prior to launch.

Post-Launch Support

Offer ongoing support and maintenance for a specified period post-launch.

Provide options for extended support services.

Security Implications

Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data.

Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards of data protection, privacy, or against any cyber security threats.

The company also needs to ensure that:

The platform should be developed based on MIA and KCSS directions and suggestions.  

The platform should be user friendly and easily managed to measure and monitor the work conducted by R&R and PCVE stakeholders in Kosovo.  

Provide training for MIA staff and administrators on the utilization and management of the platform.

Deliver detailed user manuals and technical documentation.  

3. Submission Requirements

Interested companies are requested to submit the following:

Overview of the company, including background and core competencies.

Relevant experience in developing similar platforms. The company should also send the CVs of the staff and experts who will be engaged in developing of this product.

Examples of previous work that demonstrate capability and expertise.

Detailed cost breakdown, including all phases of the project and any additional costs including a detailed action plan.

4. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Technical Expertise and Experience

Proven track record in developing similar online platforms. Proven experience and expertise of the company and development team in implementing similar projects in the past. This criteria will be evaluated with 20 points.  

Quality of Proposal

Clarity, comprehensiveness, and feasibility of the proposed approach. The company should demonstrate a clear strategy, methodology and approach on how they will develop this product which should meet KCSS expectations and project objectives. 15 points.

Team Qualifications

Experience and qualifications of the project team. 15 points.

Cost-Effectiveness

Competitive pricing and value for money. For evaluation of this tender, KCSS will use criteria of lowest price and economically favorable offers for the implementation.  

5.Submission Deadline

The deadline for applications has been postponed. All applications must now be submitted by 16th July 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.  

6. Submission Process

Applications should be submitted electronically to [email protected]  with the subject line "Proposal for Online Platform Development." All attachments should be in PDF format.

KCSS will not accept other forms of communication related to this tender.  

7.Contact Information

For any questions or further information, please contact: [email protected]  

8. Disclaimer

KCSS reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, and to annul the call for applications process and reject all proposals at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected applicant(s) or any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds for KCSS's action.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and potentially working together to create a powerful online platform that will drive our mission forward in preventing radicalization.

This activity is organized within the project "Increasing the skills of the Probation Service of Kosovo in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism" supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the British Embassy in Prishtina.