Call for Applications/ Terms of Reference (ToR) - Development of an Interactive Risk Monitor Platform

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. 

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 (Security Sector Reform) 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 analyses and policy briefs. It also runs more than 200 public events including conferences, roundtable, debates, and lectures in Kosovo also in collaboration with regional and international partners. 

Purpose of Service

KCSS invites experienced and innovative IT companies to submit proposals for the development of an interactive risk monitor platform, which aims to track and analyze socio-political and inter-ethnic volatility in Kosovo. 

The Interactive Risk Monitor takes inspiration from platforms like CrisisWatch but is specifically tailored to address and monitor inter-ethnic relations in Kosovo. This web-based tool provides a comprehensive, real-time overview of socio-political dynamics, helping to identify and respond to emerging risks that could escalate tensions between communities.

The Interactive Risk Monitor is designed to function as an early-warning system, monitoring and analyzing the state of inter-ethnic relations in Kosovo. The platform’s goal is to support government institutions, justice institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders by providing them with timely and actionable insights to address and mitigate potential conflicts. Finally, the platform is also aimed at helping counter disinformation efforts that seek to exploit instability, incite hatred among ethnic communities in Kosovo and weaken trust between government institutions and all communities in the country.

The ToR below includes detailed project objectives, scope, deliverables, milestones, and timelines to ensure clarity and compliance with Kosovo procurement legislation.

1. The main objectives of the project are:

To develop a web-based platform that provides real-time data processing and analytics related to inter-ethnic incidents.

• To create an interactive map that identifies and visualizes conflict hotspots.
• To compile socio-political volatility indices and present incident frequency analysis.
• To implement an alert and notification system for rapid response.
• To offer policy recommendations and detailed reporting tools for stakeholders.

The selected company/individual will be responsible for the following tasks:

Design and develop the Interactive Risk Monitor platform, including a user-friendly interface and data visualization tools.

• Integrate real-time data processing capabilities and analytics algorithms.
• Create a geospatial analytics module for hotspot mapping.
• Develop a comprehensive volatility index and incident frequency analysis tools.

The platform will be developed in the context of the project “Promoting Government Transparency and Accountability in Interethnic Dialogue” supported by National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and implemented by the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS). 

Key features and deliverables:

• Real-Time Data Processing and Analytics:
  The platform continuously collects and processes data related to inter-ethnic incidents, using sophisticated algorithms to detect patterns and trends. It offers up-to-date information on the frequency and nature of incidents affecting inter-ethnic relations.
• Hotspot Mapping:
  Using geospatial analytics, the platform identifies and visualizes conflict hotspots on an interactive map. This feature enables stakeholders to pinpoint areas of rising tensions and track developments over time, providing a clear geographical perspective on socio-political volatility.
• Socio-Political Volatility Indices:
  The platform compiles a range of socio-political indicators, such as public protests, hate speech incidents, economic disparities, and political rhetoric, into a comprehensive volatility index. This index helps gauge the stability of inter-ethnic relations and assess the likelihood of conflict escalation.
• Incident Frequency Analysis:
  The platform monitors the frequency and intensity of incidents related to inter-ethnic tensions. This data is presented in dynamic visualizations, allowing users to understand whether certain areas or issues are becoming more or less volatile over time.
• Alert and Notification System:
  To ensure rapid response, the Interactive Risk Monitor offers a customizable alert system that notifies stakeholders when volatility indices reach critical thresholds or when new hotspots are detected. Alerts are delivered in real-time via email or the platform’s integrated messaging system.
• Policy Recommendations and Reporting:
  The platform provides policy recommendations based on data analysis, helping stakeholders implement targeted interventions. In addition, users can generate detailed reports that compile incident data, trends, and maps, supporting both strategic planning and crisis management.

Benefits to stakeholders:

• Government Agencies: Access to up-to-date risk assessments to inform decision-making and crisis response strategies.
• Justice Institutions: Tools to monitor and intervene in conflicts, ensuring legal and protective measures are timely and effective.
• Community Leaders: Insights to facilitate dialogue and promote peacebuilding initiatives in high-risk areas.

Milestones and timelines:

The project is expected to be completed within a period of 5 months, starting January 3^rd , 2025, and ending May 30^th , 2025. The key milestones and timelines are as follows:

• Month 1 (January):
  • Project initiation and requirement gathering.
  • Platform design and prototype development.
  • Development of core functionalities and integration of data processing capabilities.
• Month 2 (February):
  • Implementation of geospatial analytics and volatility indices.
  • Development of alert and notification system.
  • User training and documentation preparation.
• Month 3 and 4 (March – April):
  • Collect, categorize, and update on the compiled incident data, trends, and maps, supporting both strategic planning and crisis management.
• Month 5 (May):
  • Final deployment and project closure.

Requirements and qualifications:

Proven experience in developing web-based platforms with data analytics capabilities.

• Expertise in geospatial analytics and data visualization.
• Experience in implementing alert systems and user notification features.
• Strong understanding of data security and privacy regulations.
• Ability to provide user training and technical support.

The selected company also needs to ensure that:

• The platform should be developed based on KCSS directions and suggestions.
• The procurement process will adhere to the relevant Kosovo procurement laws and KCSS internal regulations. All submissions must comply with these legal requirements, including documentation, evaluation criteria, and selection procedures.
• The platform should be user friendly and easily managed to measure and monitor the frequency and intensity of incidents related to interethnic tensions.
• Provide training for KCSS staff and administrators on the utilization and management of the platform.
• Deliver detailed user manuals and technical documentation.

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.

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 criterion will be evaluated with 25 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. 30 points. 

• Team Qualifications:

Experience and qualifications of the project team. 25 points. 

• Cost-Effectiveness: 
  Competitive pricing and value for money. For evaluation of this tender, KCSS will use criteria of lowest price and economically favourable offers for the implementation.20 points.

Submission deadline:

All applications must be submitted by 20^th of December, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

Submission process:

Applications should be submitted electronically to [email protected] with the subject line "Proposal for the Development of an Interactive Risk Monitor Platform." 

• All attachments should be in PDF format.
• KCSS will not accept other forms of communication related to this tender.

Contact information:

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

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 tracking, analyzing, and addressing socio-political and interethnic volatility in Kosovo. 

This platform will be developed in the context of the project “Promoting Government Transparency and Accountability in Interethnic Dialogue” supported by National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and implemented by the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS).