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Terms of Reference (ToR) for Developing a Web-Based Data Visualization Platform for Food Security, Resilience, and Poverty Analysis
1. Introduction
The USAID-funded Rapid Feedback Monitoring System (RFMS), launched in 2020, functions as a comprehensive data collection and analysis framework. This framework is designed to enhance comprehension of resilience and well-being within the Malawian context. Operational until 2025, RMS leverages monthly household surveys to quantify vulnerability, resilience, poverty metrics, and overall well-being. This data serves as the foundation for real-time feedback mechanisms, fostering improved collaboration, adaptive management practices, and local capacity development initiatives. Additionally, it strengthens the data-driven foundation for evaluating Malawi’s resilience efforts.
The RMS project aligns strategically with the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) 2020 – 2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), specifically supporting Intermediate Result (IR) 3.1. This IR focuses on mitigating vulnerabilities arising from climatic and human-induced disruptions. Furthermore, RFMS complements Malawi’s National Resilience Strategy and various governmental tracking systems designed to monitor progress on established resilience plans.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) seeks to develop a cutting-edge web-based data visualization platform. This platform will leverage the power of data visualization techniques to facilitate exploration and analysis of the extensive longitudinal data set collected by the RFMS project. By providing an accessible and user-centric interface, the platform will empower stakeholders to glean valuable trends and insights related to food security, resilience, and poverty in Malawi.
2. Technical Objectives
The primary objective of this consultancy engagement is to design, develop, and deploy an interactive and user-friendly web-based data visualization platform. The platform should exhibit the following core technical functionalities:
- Temporal Data Visualization: Employ effective visual representations to depict trends and patterns within the data set over time. Consider utilizing advanced time series visualization libraries that enable users to explore seasonal variations and identify long-term trends.
- Interactive Data Exploration: Incorporate interactive features that enable users to drill down into specific data points for granular analysis. This may involve implementing filterable dashboards, enabling users to filter data by geographic location, demographic characteristics, or specific timeframes. Additionally, consider incorporating functionality for users to create custom visualizations based on their specific areas of interest.
- Actionable Insights: Highlight key insights derived from the data set, facilitating informed decision-making processes. This could involve employing statistical analysis techniques to identify correlations between different variables within the data set. The platform could then leverage these insights to generate automated reports or visualizations that highlight critical areas for intervention or policy development.
3. Scope of Work
The selected consultant will assume responsibility for the following tasks:
3.1. Needs Assessment and Data Integration:
- Conduct stakeholder engagement sessions to gather comprehensive requirements and user expectations.
- Document detailed functional and non-functional requirements for the platform, encompassing user roles, access control mechanisms, and robust data security protocols.
- Integrate the longitudinal data set into the platform, ensuring data integrity and consistency throughout the process. This may involve data cleaning techniques to address missing values or inconsistencies within the data set.
- Establish a scalable and robust data management system to accommodate data updates, ongoing maintenance requirements, and future scalability demands. Consider utilizing cloud-based data storage solutions to ensure data accessibility, security, and scalability.
- Develop ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes to facilitate seamless data ingestion from various sources. These processes may involve utilizing data integration tools to automate data extraction and transformation tasks.
3.2. Platform Design and Development:
- Design a user-centric and intuitive platform interface, encompassing layout, color schemes, and a user-friendly navigation system. Emphasize the principles of user-centered design (UCD) throughout the design process, conducting usability testing to ensure the platform is intuitive and efficient for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Develop low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes for stakeholder review and approval, ensuring alignment with CRS branding guidelines and user preferences.
- Implement a responsive and accessible design that adheres to established web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1).
This may involve employing accessibility testing tools to ensure the platform is usable by individuals with disabilities. - Leverage modern web development frameworks and technologies (e.g., JavaScript libraries like React or D3.js, Python data science libraries) to construct the platform.
- Consider the long-term maintainability of the platform when selecting technologies, ensuring the codebase is well-documented and adheres to best practices.
- Integrate interactive features such as dynamic filters, drill-down functionalities, informative tooltips, and data
3.3. Data Visualization and Analytics:
- Develop a comprehensive suite of data visualization elements tailored to the specific needs of the project. This may include various chart types (e.g., line graphs, bar charts, heat maps, geographical maps) to effectively represent different aspects of the data set.
- Integrate functionalities for data exploration and analysis. This could involve allowing users to filter and segment data based on various criteria, perform basic statistical analysis (e.g., calculations of means, medians, standard deviations), and potentially create custom visualizations.
- Consider incorporating advanced data visualization techniques, such as interactive time series visualizations or geospatial analysis tools, to provide deeper insights into the data.
3.4. Deployment and Training:
- Deploy the platform on a secure web server, implementing essential backup procedures and disaster recovery protocols.
- Deliver training sessions and comprehensive user documentation for both end-users and administrative personnel. Training should cover platform functionalities, data exploration techniques, and best practices for data analysis using the platform.
- Develop detailed user manuals and technical documentation to facilitate future platform maintenance efforts. This documentation should include details on the platform architecture, data management procedures, and API specifications (if applicable).
3.5. Maintenance and Support:
- Provide post-deployment support and maintenance services for a predetermined period (e.g., 12 months). This includes addressing bugs and security vulnerabilities identified after deployment.
- Implement enhancements and updates based on user feedback and evolving data analysis requirements. Utilize version control systems (e.g., Git) to manage code changes and ensure a stable development environment.
- Provide a support plan detailing response times and resolution processes for issues. This plan should outline the channels for users to report issues (e.g., ticketing system, email) and define Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for resolving critical and non-critical issues.
- Conduct preventative maintenance tasks at regular intervals to optimize platform performance and ensure data integrity.
This may involve tasks like database backups, system health checks, and security audits. - Stay current with the latest advancements in data visualization libraries and web development frameworks. The consultant should incorporate these advancements into the platform over time to maintain its functionality and user experience. This may involve periodic training for developers to ensure their skillsets remain aligned with evolving technologies.
4. Consultant Qualifications
The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications:
Technical Expertise
- Proven experience in designing and developing web-based data visualization platforms.
- Proficiency in modern web development technologies (e.g., JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular, HTML5, CSS3).
- Experience with data visualization libraries (e.g., D3.js, Tableau, Plotly).
- Familiarity with data analysis techniques and statistical software (e.g., Python libraries like Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn).
- Solid understanding of data security and privacy best practices.
Project Management
- Strong project management skills with a demonstrable track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Ability to effectively manage project scope, timelines, and resources.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
- Experience in agile development methodologies (preferred).
Domain Knowledge
- Understanding of food security, resilience, and poverty metrics and indicators.
- Experience working with longitudinal data sets.
- Familiarity with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and compliance requirements.
Proposal Submission
Interested consultants are invited to submit the following documents electronically:
Technical Proposal
- A detailed description of the proposed approach and methodology for the project, outlining the technical architecture and development plan.
- A comprehensive work plan with a timeline that clearly defines project milestones and deliverables.
Information on the team composition, including the qualifications and experience of key personnel involved in the project.
Financial Proposal
- A detailed budget breakdown outlining all project costs, including professional fees, software licenses (if applicable), and any other anticipated expenses.
- A proposed payment schedule linked to the project milestones.
Portfolio and References
- A portfolio showcasing relevant past projects with successful implementations of web-based data visualization platforms.
- Contact information for at least three references from previous clients who can provide feedback on the consultant’s experience and performance.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Technical Expertise and Approach (40%)
- Understanding of the project requirements and objectives.
- Alignment of the proposed methodology and technical approach with project goals.
- Experience and qualifications of the proposed team.
Cost Proposal (30%)
- Competitiveness and reasonableness of the proposed budget.
- Transparency and clarity in cost breakdown.
Experience and References (20%)
- Relevant experience in developing similar data visualization platforms.
- Positive feedback and references from past clients.
Project Management Plan (10%)
- Clarity and feasibility of the proposed work plan and timeline.
- Demonstration of strong project management skills.
8. Submission Deadline
Proposals must be submitted electronically to mw_bid@crs.org or be delivered in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Developing a Web-Based Data Visualization Platform for Food Security, Resilience, and Poverty Analysis” in the subject line, not later than 14:00 hrs on Monday 30th September 2024 to:
Internal Procurement Committee
Catholic Relief Services/Malawi,
Private Bag B319, LILONGWE.
This call for bid is open to both local and international consultants or firms.
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