R&D Group, in partnership with Hybrid Designs and the Mastercard Foundation under the EDGE Program, is seeking qualified consulting firms to develop globally accepted domestic standards for Ethiopian outsourcing enterprises.

TENDER INVITATION Assignment Title: Consulting Assignment: National Outsourcing Standards Tender Reference No.: R&D/EDGE/RFP/009/2026 Issuing Organization: R&D Group (in partnership with Hybrid Designs and the Mastercard Foundation under the EDGE Program) Original Date Issued: July 23, 2026 Re-advertisement Date: August 17, 2026 1. Assignment Objective & Scope The EDGE Program invites qualified consulting firms to develop globally accepted domestic standards for Ethiopian outsourcing enterprises covering service quality, data-security readiness, ethical business conduct, fair payment, safeguarding, and HR practices. The overall assignment aims to position Ethiopia as a competitive outsourcing destination and establish a credible accreditation pathway. Task 1 — Needs Assessment & Benchmarking: Assess domestic sector practices, benchmark international BPO/ITO standards, and map applicable Ethiopian laws. Task 2 — Standards Development: Draft proportionate, enterprise-ready national standards with clear, measurable compliance criteria and an implementation/capacity-building plan. Task 3 — Stakeholder Validation: Host validation workshop(s) with key stakeholders (including the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association and relevant government bodies) to finalize the documents. 2. Contract Duration & Payment Structure Duration: 45 days (excluding the validation workshop). Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price. Payment Schedule: 30%: Upon contract signing and approval of Inception Report. 30%: Upon approval of Mid-term Report. 30%: Upon approval of draft national standards and delivery of validation workshop(s). 10%: Upon final sign-off of validated standards and Final Report. 3. Key Deliverables D1 — Inception Report: Methodology, stakeholder mapping, and detailed workplan. D2 — Draft National Outsourcing Standards: Comprehensive standards text with adoption, accreditation, and compliance frameworks. D3 — Stakeholder Validation Workshop & Proceedings: Facilitated workshop and final val