RFP Strategic Plan on Fashion Industry by TTCSI

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP):

Development of a Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago

TENDER DOCUMENT

Table of Contents Notice of Request for Proposals ………………………………………… 3

1.0

2.0

Terms of Reference ……………….……..…………………..……………… 6

1. Background 2. Scope of Works 3. Deliverables & Reports Guidelines for Proposal Preparation ………………………………….. 11

3.0

Instructions to Tenderers ……………….….……………………………… 12

4.0

Characteristics of the Service …………………………………..………… 13

5.0

Payment Schedule …………………………………………………………… 14

6.0

7.0

Evaluation Criteria …………………………..……………………….…….. 15

Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago 1.0 NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment invites:

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Proposals for the Provision of Consultancy Services for the preparation of a Strategic Plan for the local Fashion.

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This invitation is open to individuals, partnerships and corporations registered in Trinidad and Tobago as well as foreign individuals, partnerships and corporations (hereinafter referred to as the “tenderers”).

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Any questions and queries regarding the Scope of Works must be directed to, no later than 2.00 p.m. Wednesday September 6th 2013: Mr. Nirad Tewarie Chief Executive Officer TTCS 45 Cornelio Street Woodbrook Port of Spain Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Tele: 868‐622‐9229 Fax: 868‐622‐8985 Email: ntewarie@ttcsi.org

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Proposals from tenderers incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago must include:

A valid certificate from the Commissioner of the Board of Inland Revenue, not more than six (6) months old on the date that the respective Proposals are submitted, showing that the tenderer has complied with the provisions of and has fulfilled all its obligations under the Income Tax Act of Trinidad and Tobago, Chapter 75:01 (as amended) to the satisfaction of the Commissioner;

A valid Value Added Tax (VAT) Certificate;

A valid Certificate of Compliance issued in accordance with the National Insurance Act of Trinidad and Tobago, Chapter 32:01 (as amended);

A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Continuation or Certificate of Business Registration (whichever is applicable) along with a current copy of the Notice of Directors identifying the principal officers of the business, if the tenderer is a lawfully incorporated limited liability company, or if the tenderer operates as a sole proprietorship or partnership;

similar/comparable

certification

those

abovementioned at [insert number] above, should be submitted if the tenderer is from a country other than Trinidad and Tobago.

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The two envelope system will be utilized for purposes of tendering for this consultancy. One original and three copies each along with one soft copy of the Technical and Financial proposals respectively are to be submitted in two separately sealed envelopes. The envelopes must be clearly marked on the outside as follows:

“Tender for the Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago”

Envelope #1 ‐ Technical Proposal

Envelope #2 ‐ Financial Proposal

The name and address of the consulting firm must be printed on both envelopes. 

Envelopes must be addressed to:

The Chief Executive Officer TTCSI 45 Cornelio Street Woodbrook Port of Spain Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Proposals must be delivered to the receptionist at the TTCSI office 45 Cornelio Street, Woodbrook, no later than: 1:30pm (local time) on Friday 20th September, 2013.

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Late proposals will NOT be considered under any circumstances.

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The Committee does not bind itself to accept any proposal(s).

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The Evaluation Committee reserves the right to cancel the bidding process either in its

entirety or partially without defraying any cost incurred by any individual, firm or company in submitting their proposal.

Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago 2.0 TERMS OF REFERENCE 1. Background History Trinidad and Tobago has long been recognized as a leader in the fashion industry in the Caribbean. This reputation is built on a tradition that includes skilled tailors, seamstresses and patternmakers although much of these earlier successes remain undocumented. During the period 1960‐1985 there was a vibrant garment industry in Trinidad and Tobago. In 1978, 130 garment‐manufacturing firms were registered with 7,000 persons being employed in the sector. Simultaneously, the economy experienced a burgeoning fashion industry, with a range of successful local fashion designers emerging in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Notable brand names emerging in the industry include Maurice Sedwell, Bespoke Tailor of Savile Row, Heather Jones Designs, Claudia Pegus Designs, Meiling, Radical Designs, The Cloth, Millhouse Clothing, Zadd & Eastman, Earth Member 4 Life, Peter Elias, Francis Hendy, Ria’s Handbags by Ria Ramkissoon, Janouras Custom Design, Sacha Cosmetics, Cher Mere and more recently, Anya Ayoung Chee, winner of Season 9 of the “Project Runway” Lifetime TV programme. Currently, there are a host of other designers who are developing their skills and expertise and many of them have experienced varying levels of success both regionally and internationally. Institutional Framework The Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) has recently established a new state enterprise under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment called CreativeTT with the mandate to stimulate and facilitate the business and export activities of the Creative Industries in Trinidad and Tobago to generate national wealth. Under the auspices of CreativeTT, a subsidiary company called FashionTT with drive the development of this sector of the creative industries in Trinidad andTobago. Sector Profile The fashion industry in Trinidad and Tobago generates in excess of US$60 Million annually and employs more than 11,000 persons directly or indirectly (NIHERST, 2006).

Port of Spain is being positioned as a fashion district and the fashion capital of the Caribbean since the city has a thriving retail district and the only cloth district in the region which spans numerous locations between Frederick and Charlotte Streets. The fashion industry in its current form is stratified. There are different levels of production co‐existing and catering to a wide array of clientele. Small designers and fashion labels produce for the niche markets and cater mostly to private clients and the domestic market. The established designers with several years of experience in the industry cater to the domestic, regional and international markets. Larger firms such as Radical Designs, Micles, West Port and Catwalk generally produce for the local and regional mass market. The fashion industry is diverse and has linkages to sectors such as beauty, cosmetics and perfume manufacturing, model management, fashion and image consulting, retail, fashion photography, beauty culture and event management. There are also cross‐ sector linkages between the local fashion industry and the entertainment and tourism industry. Identified niche markets for Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion products are in the areas of textile design, Carnival costume design, bespoke tailoring for men and women, high‐end fashion merchandise, resort wear including beach wear and accessory design including handbags, belts, jewellery and crafted leather items. Government Policy Pillar five (5) of the Medium Term Policy Framework 2011 ‐ 2014 speaks to a more diversified, knowledge intensive economy – building on the native genius of our people. In light of this the fashion industry was identified as a priority sub‐sector for development under the creative industries. Cabinet has appointed a Fashion Industry Development Committee (FIDC) to oversee the development of a Strategic Plan for the local fashion industry, reporting directly to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment. Purpose The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment is therefore seeking the services of a qualified Consultant (individual, partnership or corporation), with an established reputation, to prepare a Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago in order to assess its viability and guide Government intervention through the Fashion Company of Trinidad and Tobago (FashionTT) towards the further development of the industry. Problem Statement No study has been done to determine the viability of the Fashion Industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Data has not been collected to determine its size or contribution to the national economy in order to inform national policy decisions. Objective To determine the economic potential of the Fashion Industry inclusive of:  Job creation and employment

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Revenue generation Contribution to diversification Business opportunities Export potential Knowledge transfer

2. Scope of Work The following components will be required for this Consultancy, including but not limited to:  Conduct a Literature Review: A Literature review must be undertaken by the Consultant of a wide array of documents including studies on Fashion at the local, regional and international levels. This should also include an analysis of policy statements such as the National Budget and the Medium Term Policy Framework for the period 2011‐2014.  Definition of the Fashion Industry in its widest context with an identification of the specific sub sectors within which Trinidad and Tobago can develop a competitive advantage in and should pursue  Indentify the various target groups and linkages in the industry  Conduct an Environmental Scan: The external environment analysis should: o analyse the regional and global environment reviewing market trends, best practices, technological advancements, trade and employment, as well as market access limitations.

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The internal environment analysis should: o Assess the economic value of “spillover” effects of the Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Industry on the Tourism, Entertainment and other Creative Industries as well as backward and forward linkages and cross section linkages and synergies created; o Provide a comprehensive evaluation of the contribution of the fashion industry to the economy; o Identify the direct impact of the T&T fashion industry in terms of employment and the employment patterns in the industry; o Identification of the consumer market and expenditure patterns; o Determine the wider value of the T&T fashion industry inclusive of Corporate Social Responsibility and the Environment. Conduct a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of the Fashion Industry

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The SWOT Analysis should identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats emanating from the external and internal environment. This analysis should include: o The identification of potential cluster initiatives within the Industry (stakeholders, buyers, retailers, suppliers, distributors, packagers, transportation, rivals, substitutes, finances, strategic segments) o An outline of synergies that exist between Fashion and other subsectors of the local creative Industry inclusive of Film and Music and the identification of strategies to exploit these interactions o An analysis of the value chain of the strategic segments of the Fashion Industry o The identification of potential markets for products and services of the strategic segments within the Fashion Industry which Trinidad and Tobago should pursue o The identification of the human capital requirements for the industry over the next 5 years o An evaluation of the economic value and sustainability of the Fashion Industry in the future over the next five years o Identify those opportunities that could be readily pursued based on the current strengths of the industry and which could further the vision or meet the needs of the industry and stakeholders. o Identify the gaps that exist in the industry which would prevent or challenge it from achieving the vision or satisfy the needs of the industry and stakeholders. Review of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s vision, goals and objectives for the Fashion Industry. Identification of Strategies to overcome challenges, take advantage of opportunities, achieve objectives and the overall vision for the industry.

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Identification of clearly defined projects and activities to execute strategies. Development of an implementation plan for the projects and activities including: o Time duration including possible start and finish dates o Estimated Budget o Responsibility matrix Establishment of key performance out put and outcome indicators to track performance as it relates to the development of the local Fashion Industry. The performance indicators should include: o Objectives o Measures o Targets

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Outline a five (5) year plan for the development of the Fashion Industry.

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The five (5) year plan must include an Export Strategy which is focused on capturing a larger share of the global market and includes: o An overview of the global fashion market o An assessment the existing and potential export capacity to markets regionally and internationally o An assessment of the existing standards and quality requirements in these markets o Support requirements of current and potential exporters o An outline of the Fashion Industry’s trade support network o A list of impediments to the expansion of the present export volume, bureaucratic problems and mechanisms/strategies to rectify problems experienced o A detailed Action Plan with specific targets and timelines  Outline a long‐term plan for the Fashion Industry 3. Deliverables & Reports The key deliverables expected from the Consultancy are: 1. An Inception Report outlining their approach to the assignment including a detailed work plan and Gantt chart. The Consultant should clearly indicate the methodology they will adopt and the means by which other stakeholders and associations will be consulted during the course of the preparation of the Strategic Plan. The Inception Report should also include an outline of the Strategic Plan. 2. An Interim Report on the progress made, findings, issues and limitations. 3. A Draft Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry outlining the findings as per scope of works. 4. A Final Strategic Plan reflecting amendments based on feedback by key Stakeholders. The Timeframe for deliverables are outlined in the table below: Name of Report Inception Report

Interim Report

Draft Strategic Plan Report Final Report

Timeframe No later than the 4th week from the commencement of the contract. No later than the 22nd week from the commencement of the contract. No later than the 36th week from the commencement of the contract. No later than the 40th week from the

commencement of the contract.

3.0 GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION The Technical Proposal shall detail the following: 

Methodology for conducting the Consultancy: This section of the Technical Proposal should include the detailed approach to be used by the Consultant in undertaking the Scope of Works. It should include details on, but not be limited to, the strategic review, formulation and implementation methodologies and the research methodology to be utilized. The time frame required to complete the Consultancy: This timeframe should be in the form of a Project Plan and Gantt chart. It should identify the relevant outputs and the activities required to undertake the Consultancy, durations of the activities, start and finish dates and milestones.

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Specific Company Experience: This section should detail the organization’s work experience in undertaking consultancies of a similar type in developed or developing countries, as well as their experience in the global fashion industry.

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Names and CVs of key personnel allocated to the Consultancy.

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List of References: Three (3) current corporate references having performed similar types of services including the organization’s name, name of contact, designation of contact, contact’s e‐mail address, address, telephone number and client relationship synopsis.

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The following documents must be submitted with the proposal: o

A valid certificate from the Commissioner of the Board of Inland Revenue, not more than six (6) months old on the date that the Proposals must be submitted, to the effect that the tenderer has complied with the provisions of and has fulfilled all its obligations under the Income Tax Act of Trinidad and Tobago, Chapter 75:01 (as amended) to the satisfaction of the Commissioner; A valid Value Added Tax (VAT) Clearance Certificate;

A valid Certificate of Compliance issued in accordance with the National Insurance Act of Trinidad and Tobago, Chapter 32:01 (as amended);

If the tenderer is a lawfully incorporated limited liability company or if the tenderer operates as a sole proprietorship or partnership, a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Continuation or Certificate of

Business Registration (whichever is applicable) along with a current copy of the Notice of Directors identifying all the principal officers of the business. o

A Company Profile, which must include the company’s official registered name (corporate, partnership or sole trader, its registered address, main telephone number, facsimile number, key contact’s name, key contact’s designation, address (if different from the above address), direct telephone number and facsimile number, name of the person(s) authorised to contractually bind the organization, brief history of the organization including the year of its establishment and the number of years the individual, partnership or company has been offering the relevant services.

One year audited financial statement not older than one year.

The Financial Proposal shall detail the following: o

Estimated total cost of the project: This section should state the estimated total cost of the project, including a detailed breakdown of the various costs (fixed and variable) for undertaking the Consultancy. This section should also indicate the number of man‐hours to be expended on the project. All prices for the tender must be stated in Trinidad and Tobago Dollars (TT$) and be inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT).

4.0 INSTRUCTIONS TO TENDERERS Each tenderer is expected to:  Note and agree that its intellectual property rights including copyright (with all data supplied) are to be assigned to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.  Guarantee that the proposed costs be valid for a period of at least 90 days from the date of submission of the proposal.  Note that the Evaluation Committee is not bound to accept any Proposal.  If selected, submit four copies of all reports/documents to the Chief Executive Officer of the TTCSI. Any changes requested must be made and incorporated into the final report. These reports are to be property of the said Ministry.  Note that it may be required to make a formal presentation of its proposal at a location to be selected by the TTCSI. The resource personnel proposed to be assigned to this project by the tenderer should be in attendance at the said formal presentation.

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If for any reason it becomes necessary to replace any of the Key Personnel, the Consultant shall provide as a replacement a person of equivalent or better qualifications.

5.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SERVICE Type of Consultancy This proposal requires the consulting firm to prepare a Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago. Given the nature of the proposed Consultancy, consultations will be required to consult with public and private stakeholders in a wide range of organizations across all sectors involved in the industry. Transfer of Knowledge It will also require periodic meetings and consultations with the MTII and other stakeholders in the Industry as arranged by the Ministry or its Agents at each stage of the Consultancy. Required Expertise The Consultant must be suitably qualified and have extensive knowledge of the global fashion industry. Qualifications and skills of the Consultant or its personnel:  Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and/or Master of Science in Economics with expertise in the Fashion Industry or Creative Industries.  Experience in cluster mapping value chains.  As least five years experience in the Fashion Industry  Fluent in oral and written English.  Knowledge and experience in the Services sector at a regional and international level as well as trading options will be an asset. Reporting Relationships The Consultant will report to the CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services industries who will in turn report to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment or any representative of the Ministry designated by the Permanent Secretary.

A Project Coordinator would be appointed to oversee the preparation of a Strategic Plan for the Creative Industry that comprises subsector plans for the music, film and fashion subsectors. The Consultant selected to prepare the Strategic plan for the fashion subsector would therefore be required to work closely with this Project Coordinator who will be responsible for ensuring that the subsector plans for the Creative Industry are appropriately harmonized. Thus the Fashion Consultant would need to confer with this individual at regular intervals to ensure that the deliverables to be met are in agreement with the Government’s strategic direction for the Creative Industry. The Consultant will be required to liaise closely with the FashionTT in the execution of this engagement. The Consultant will submit all deliverables and reports identified in the Terms of Reference, by 4:00 p.m. on the required date. Four copies of the relevant deliverables and reports should be addressed and submitted to the TTCSI’s authorized representative. A soft copy of all deliverables and reports should also be delivered to an e‐mail address to be specified by the TTCSI and the said delivery must occur within the relevant timeframe. The TTCSI will provide comments to the Consultant on relevant deliverables/reports/outputs by 4:00 p.m. within 10 working days of receipt of the said deliverables/reports/outputs. Should there be any need for Consultations with stakeholders, the TTCSI and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment will assist. The Consultant must be in the country to personally present the Final Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Place of Work The Consultant’s office and field work. Starting Date/Duration Proposed starting date is one month from the execution of the contract. The maximum expected duration of this assignment is 10 months. Language All deliverables/reports/outputs will be in English.

6.0 PAYMENT SCHEDULE Payment will be made in tranches, in TT Dollars, and based on successful completion, submission and acceptance of the identified deliverables, reports and outputs of the consultancy by the Ministry as follows:

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15% of the Consultancy Fees within 30 days of the signing of the Contract 15% of the Consultancy Fees on the timely submission and acceptance of the Initial Report by the Ministry.

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20% of the Consultancy Fees on the timely submission and acceptance of the Interim Report by the Ministry. 25% on the submission and acceptance of the Draft Final Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

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25% of the Consultancy Fees on the submission and acceptance of the Final Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry in Trinidad and Tobago by the Ministry.

Acceptance of each deliverable, report or output will be communicated via letter from the Permanent Secretary or her authorized representative to the Lead Consultant on the Consultancy.

Final payment will only be made if and when the deliverables, reports or outputs have been completed to the full satisfaction and accepted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment. If the Consultant shall be guilty of any misconduct or any breach or non‐observance of any of the requirements of the Scope of Works and the Request for Proposal, or shall neglect or fail or refuse to carry out the duties assigned to it, the Ministry shall be entitled summarily to terminate the Agreement without notice and without payment in lieu of notice. The Ministry will also be entitled to receive a refund of the fees paid to the Consultant on signing of the contract.

7.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Item Criteria

% Technical Evaluation

Specific Experience

10%

Specific experience of the consultants in the field of the assignment (similar projects in similar countries) Methodology

35%

Adequacy of the proposed methodology, including quality management and work plan in responding to the Terms of Reference Key Professional Staff

35%

Qualification and competence of Team Leader and other key staff proposed for the assignment Transfer of Knowledge

10%

Adequacy of the proposed methodology with regard to the transfer of knowledge during the assignment. Local Participation

10%

Participation by nationals among proposed key staff

Technical Evaluation Total

100% Financial Evaluation

Cost

100%

Adequacy of the proposed estimated total cost of the project A weighting of 80% technical and 20% financial will be applied to arrive at the overall score.