SwitchON Foundation, established in 2008, serves as a catalyst for the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices. We work at the intersection of climate-resilient agriculture, clean energy, and green livelihoods with a dedicated team of over 175 professionals operating across 10 states in India. Our mission is to transform 10 million lives by empowering communities with climate-smart solutions, fostering improved livelihoods, enhanced well-being, and a thriving planet for all.

This RFP invites experienced software development firms and independent developers to submit proposals for developing an integrated software solution—both desktop and mobile-based—to track and monitor our operations, especially in the areas of social development, farming, distributed renewable energy, and climate-resilient agriculture.

1. Objective

We invite proposals from qualified software developers to design and develop an integrated software solution (desktop and mobile) to track and monitor our field operations in: Our operations are mostly around:

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture (Farmers)
• Farmer Engagement (FPO)
• Distributed Renewable Energy
• Skills (Youth)
• Gender (Rural Women Entrepreneurs)

2. Scope of Work

Key Deliverables:

• Platform Development:
  • Desktop Application: Compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux
  • Mobile Application: For both Android and iOS
• Real-Time Operations Tracking:
  • Monitor field activities, project progress, and community engagement.
• Data Management & Reporting:
  • Capture, store, and analyze data with secure reporting dashboards for Key Indicators.
• Integration:
  • Seamlessly integrate with existing databases and APIs.
• Security:
  • Implement role-based access control, data encryption, and industry-standard security measures.
• Deployment & Training:
  • Support deployment, user training, and provide comprehensive technical documentation.
• Post-Deployment Support:
  • Offer maintenance and troubleshooting support as per agreed SLAs.

3. Deliverables

A. Activity and Task Tracking

• Project & Program Indicators:
  • A module to track day-to-day tasks, milestones, and key indicators across different projects and programs.
  • Users should be able to update status, add notes, and attach relevant files or documents.
• Progress Monitoring:
  • Clear visualization of project timelines, tasks, and deadlines to ensure activities remain on track.

B. Data Collection Tools

• Target vs. Achievement Tracking:
  • Each user should be able to view assigned targets (prefilled in the system) and input their actual achievements against these targets.
• Prefilled Data View:
  • The system should allow users to see relevant prefilled data (e.g., project details, baseline figures) when filling forms, minimizing duplicate data entry.
• Form Creation & Deployment:
  • Administrators or authorized personnel should have the ability to create, edit, and deploy various data collection forms to users in the field or at the office.
  • Forms should support multiple question types (text, numeric, dropdown, attachments, etc.).

C. Data Storage

• Centralized Repository:
  • All collected data should be stored securely in a centralized database with appropriate user access controls.
• Download & Export Options:
  • Users and administrators must be able to export data in multiple formats (CSV, Excel, PDF, etc.) for offline analysis or reporting.
• Data Backup & Recovery:
  • The system should include automated backup and recovery mechanisms to prevent data loss.

D. Data Analysis and Dashboards

• Automated Analysis Reports:
  • The software should generate summary and detailed reports from the collected data, highlighting trends, progress, and gaps.
• Interactive Dashboards:
  • Real-time dashboards with charts, graphs, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Users should have the option to create or customize dashboards and charts, selecting from various data pointers or metrics.
• Filter & Drill-Down Functionality:
  • Ability to filter data by region, project, date range, etc., and drill down for more granular insights.

E. Communication and Collaboration Tools

• Group Chat:
  • In-app group chat functionality allowing teams to discuss project updates, clarify tasks, and share quick feedback.
• Push Notifications & Messaging:
  • Managers and team members can send push notifications or direct messages to specific users or groups.
  • Alerts for upcoming deadlines, new form deployments, or important updates.

F. Additional Functionalities

• Modular Expansion:
  • Option to add new modules or features (e.g., custom fields, advanced analytics, or integrations) as organizational needs evolve.
• User-Friendly Interface:
  • Intuitive design that minimizes training requirements and supports quick adoption by diverse user groups.
• Security & Compliance:
  • Role-based access control, data encryption, and compliance with relevant data protection regulations.

These deliverables aim to ensure a robust, user-friendly, and scalable solution that effectively supports SwitchON Foundation’s operational needs and drives informed decision-making.

4. Proposal Submission

Requirements:

• Company Profile: Brief background and relevant experience in similar projects.
• Technical Approach: Proposed technology stack, system architecture, and development methodology.
• Project Plan & Timeline: Detailed phases, milestones, and expected completion (ideally within 6–12 months).
• Commercials: Detailed cost breakdown, including development, testing, deployment, training, and support.
• References: Case studies or examples of past projects in the social development/technology domain.

Submission Details:

• Format: PDF
• Contact Details: All details
• Subject: “RFP Submission – Integrated Software Development”
• Deadline: 31st March 2025 (by 12:00 Mid-night IST)

5. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Technical Competence: Quality of the proposed solution and innovation.
• Relevant Experience: Proven track record in similar projects.
• Timeline Feasibility: Realistic project milestones.
• Cost Effectiveness: Clear and competitive pricing.
• Support & Maintenance: Quality of post-deployment support.

6. Timeline Overview

• Proposal Submission Deadline: 20th March 2025
• Evaluation & Shortlisting: Post submission, by end of March 2025
• Vendor Presentations (if required): Early April 2025
• Award Notification: 31st March, 2025
• Project Kick-Off: April 2025

7. Terms & Conditions

• Confidentiality: All proposal information and subsequent project details must remain confidential and are solely for the use of evaluation and project planning by SwitchON Foundation.
• Intellectual Property: The developed software, including all source code, documentation, and related materials, will be the sole property of SwitchON Foundation.
• Right to Reject: SwitchON Foundation reserves the right to reject any or all proposals without assigning any reason.
• Contract Negotiations: This RFP does not obligate SwitchON Foundation to award a contract. Final terms will be subject to negotiation with the selected vendor.
• Clarifications: All clarifications regarding this RFP should be submitted in writing to pc@switchon.org.in. Answers to all queries will be circulated to all potential bidders.

8. Contact Information

For submission of the proposal, any queries or further information regarding this RFP, please contact:

Email: pc@switchon.org.in 

9. Acknowledgement

We appreciate your interest in partnering with SwitchON Foundation. We look forward to receiving a comprehensive proposal that meets our technical and operational requirements and helps further our mission of promoting sustainable practices and empowering communities.