Public Tender for selection of a service provider to develop an IT solution – open-source online search platform to assist journalists and analysts in conducting independent research and integrity assessments

The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), announces a public tender for for the development of an IT solution – open-source online search platform to assist journalists and analysts in conducting independent research and integrity assessments within the project “Ensuring integrity, efficiency and independence of the justice system in Moldova – #Justice4Moldova”, funded by the European Union and co-financed by Soros Foundation Moldova and implemented by IPRE in partnership with IWPR.

Tasks of the provider:

The selected provider will develop an IT solution – an open source online search platform that can be used by journalists, analysts and other persons interested in independent research activities of the integrity of justice actors.

The online search platform will be an integrated search engine based on keywords from public information available in the online environment on the websites of public institutions, mass-media and other specialized websites (i.e. websites of the National Integrity Authority, courts, Superior Council of Magistracy, Superior Council of Prosecutors, TV, radio and online media institutions, which will be decided upon in the technical specifications jointly agreed upon with the provider). The web interface of the platform will be available on a web page integrated on the project website https://ipre.md/justitie-pentru-moldova/

1. Basic technical specifications:

1. The backend part of the IT solution;
2. The frontend of the online platform available in Romanian language with basic search elements, including search field, search criteria, user guide, project information, cookie policy, privacy and data protection. The web interface could also include support solutions based on integrated artificial intelligence);
3. Web interface with results based on primary search criteria.

The detailed technical specifications of the online platform are to be decided upon by the selected provider in cooperation with the IPRE and IWPR team of experts at the first stage of the project, based on the methodology proposed by the provider at the competition stage.

1. Basic requirements and functionalities:

Given that the functional and non-functional requirements of this system can be implemented based on different hardware and software platforms (which involve different development and maintenance costs), it is considered appropriate for the project to choose exclusively free open source software solutions and open code most commonly used by companies offering web hosting services that fully correspond to the terms of reference submitted to the IT solution.

The developed IT solution will have to provide dynamic and accessible tools that will allow the total management of the frontend page: from structure to content, in an exclusively visual, dynamic and automatic manner. In this regard, a Content Management System accessible for use to users with computer operator knowledge (Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox, etc.) must be designed and developed.

The selected provider will achieve the following deliverables:

• Detailed technical specifications of the online platform;
• Developed open-source online search platform (backend solution, web interface in RO language and search results interface)
• Online platform functionality test report;
• Operational online platform launched;
• Technical support and maintenance services of the platform for a minimum period of 24 months with the possibility of extension..

Eligibility criteria:

The bidding provider must meet the following criteria:

• Experience in the field (e.g. development of sites, platforms, applications, etc.) minimum 5 years;
• Presentation of a portfolio with similar works performed;
• Outline of the technical proposal and plan for the presentation of works / schedule of activities taking into account the deadline of deliverables in accordance with the terms of reference;
• Providers, individuals and legal entities (IT companies / IR development teams / IT consultant) from the Republic of Moldova, Romania, as well as other countries are eligible.

Tendering procedure:

Bids may be submitted by legal entities or natural persons. Offers accompanied by a letter of intent will be sent by e-mail to [email protected] until December 17, 2023, 23.59 (Chisinau time), and will include:

1. Technical offer:
2. General information about the offeror, namely: name, contact details, website, customer portfolio, samples of similar work performed, contacts of previous customers, recommendations and other relevant data about the bidder;
3. Curriculum vitae of the offeror in case of individuals;
4. Copy of the registration certificate / Extract from the State Register of Legal Entities and CVs of the main experts of the company who will be involved in the provision of services;
5. Outline of the technical proposal with a plan for the presentation of works/schedule of activities taking into account the deadline of deliverables in accordance with the terms of reference.
6. Financial offer:

Financial offer: total cost of development and maintenance of the solution during the 24-month period indicated in EUR with cost splitting. Calculated with VAT 0% and NET amount for individuals. The indicative budget for developing the platform will be visible separately from the maintenance budget of the platform. The comparison of financial offers will be made in EUR. Bids submitted in another currency will be converted into EUR at the official exchange rate of the NBM on the deadline for submission of bids.

More details on eligibility criteria, application package, tender evaluation details and selection criteria can be found in the Terms of Reference available HERE.

All tenderers who will submit their applications will be notified of the decision on the selected offer after the tender selection process is completed.

Clarification questions and requests for additional information can be sent via email to Ms. Ecaterina Popșoi, Project Manager at: [email protected] by 15 December 2023.