Download In order to implement the DRFM-B project, CED will

Baseline Research: Terms of Reference (ToR)
Title
Objective
Period
Location
Baseline Study of Digital RMG Factory Mapping in Bangladesh (DRFM-B)
To collect baseline information on the availability of data on Ready-made Garment
factories in Bangladesh
15 July – 30 September 2017
Dhaka, Chittagong, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Mymensingh
Background of Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), BRAC University
Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) of BRAC University started its journey in April
2011 under BRAC Business School (BBS), to encourage Bangladeshi entrepreneurs develop and
grow their own businesses by engendering entrepreneurial knowledge and skill. It works for engaging
potential Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in innovative thinking and to impart entrepreneurial knowledge
and skills so that they can systematically develop and expand their own businesses.
CED provides a platform for new and existing, whether micro, small, or medium-scale enterprise
through skills acquisition activities for the development and management of the enterprise. To
understand the enterprise better, CED emphasizes on research that will contribute to entrepreneurial
development in Bangladesh, advance education and skill acquisition along this line, and popularize
the idea of entrepreneurship.
Rationale for the consultancy assignment:
The export-oriented Ready-made Garment (RMG) industry is making a significant contribution to the
economy of Bangladesh. The sector is growing at a rate of 7 per cent (average) annually, and is
estimated to double in size by 2020. Despite the positive growth, the sector is facing a unique
challenge with regard to availability of credible data on the actual number of factories as well as
workers involved in this sector. Due to the absence of a comprehensive, credible, and dynamic data
archive of producers involved in the apparel supply chain, a lot of debates and misconceptions have
arisen based on conjecture and analysis of unauthenticated secondary information. Major concerns
regarding the industry’s complex supply chain, especially indirect sourcing, authentic factory data,
infrastructural standards, health and safety compliance, labour practices, working conditions,
transparency, accountability, amongst others, have emerged largely after the tragic incidents of the
Tazreen factory fire and Rana Plaza collapse. These unfortunate events severely damaged the
reputation of “Made in Bangladesh”.
The 4-year (2017-2020) project titled Digital RMG Factory Mapping in Bangladesh (DRFM-B) is
being implemented by BRAC University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), and is a
scale-up of the C&A Foundation-funded pilot which focused on collecting RMG data in two subdistricts. The purpose of the Project is to provide industry stakeholders with real time, credible RMG
factory data through an interactive online platform, enabling greater accountability for working
conditions, transparency in supply chains, and enhancing confidence in the ability of the sector to
contribute to equitable development in Bangladesh.
The beta version of the map and pilot results were shared with stakeholders, including trade unions,
donors, brands, civil society organizations, and the BGMEA (Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers &
Exporters Association), who are strongly supportive of the Project’s expansion. The BGMEA has
notably agreed to play a key role in the DRFM-B, which is likely to accelerate progress of the Project
considerably. This initiative taken by CED-BRAC University and the C&A Foundation is an
important first step of collecting and disseminating credible information among all stakeholders; the
Project will make an unprecedented contribution towards the transformation of the RMG industry in
Bangladesh, and resolving misconception and misinformation that may have detrimental effect to its
growth.
In order to implement the DRFM-B project, CED will collect baseline information related to the
availability of data in RMG factories in Bangladesh. Key concerns of the baseline study are as
follows:
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Total number of sources (databases) for RMG factory information available in Bangladesh,
including both Government and private sources.
Identifying databases that include information on brands and buyers.
Identifying databases that include labour rights, worker conditions, building safety
information, emergency facilities, social safety net services, etc., including those identified by
Alliance and Accord.
Clustering data according to district, thana, upazila etc. and classification of data according to
any other parameter such as size, product, capacity, etc.
The extent of accuracy of information on RMG factories based on these databases (data
discrepancy).
State of current status of digitizing the industrial sector, especially for RMG sector; whether
or not digital map is available for RMG factories.
Exploring who is supporting databases and what activities, if any, are being done with the
data once it is collected.
Any available database on number and type of workers (gender disaggregated data) employed
in the non-listed/subcontracting factories
Study Questions:
1. How many sources (digital map/database) exist that include information on RMG factories in
Bangladesh?
a. What type of information do these sources include? (This should include the date of the
sources (if recent or dated))
b. Who is using the data once it is collected?
c. What is the data being used for?
d. Are the sources free? Or is there is a fee to pay to access information?
e. How are the databases accessed?
f. Who is able to contribute to the information that is collected? Is it only high level
managers?
2. What is the level of accuracy of the information collected on the databases?
3. Who is funding those RMG research activities? Which sources are sponsored by the Government,
or the private sector?
4. What is the current status of Bangladesh regarding digitizing the industrial sector?
5. Extent and availability of knowledge on the number and/or percentage of nonlisted/subcontracting factories
6. Any available database on number and type of workers (gender disaggregated data) employed in
all listed or non-listed/subcontracting factories
7. Is there any existing public disclosure and/or transparency mechanism in Bangladesh RMG
industry? If there is data on the number and type of transparency mechanism accessed by the
industry?
Methodology and Tasks:
Above listed information need to be collected from the respective authority through key information
interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGD). The databases need to be collected from the
appropriate authority and a separate database needs to be created having all the information collected.
The newly created database must contain all the factory related information listed below (A). There
should be a report explaining the variables/information on the database along with summary statistics.
The report must also contain information on buyers and factories listed in section B.
A. Study must deliver information availability on the following issues:
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Name and address of existing factories related to RMG sector in Bangladesh
Operational status of factories (active/inactive/shut down, etc.)
Registration Status of factories (Registered with/member of BGMEA/ BKMEA/ Export
Promotion Bureau (EPB), etc.)
Type of production (production capacity, if applicable)
Type of factory building structure (shared, standalone, etc.)
Number of workers (with male-female ratio)
Zone/countries where products are exported
Major buyers/brands working with a particular factory
Distance of the nearest hospitals and fire service stations
Workers Participatory Committee (WPC), Safety Committee, etc.
Affiliation with and information on having trade unions, and
Certifications [National Action Plan (NAP), Accord, Alliance, ISO, OEKO-TEX, LEED,
WRAP, SEDEX, etc.]
B. The study requires gathering information from the buyers’ side as well. This must include:
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Type of factory information (production, certification etc.) that buyers/brands need to procure
before finalizing the order;
Process of collecting information on potential factories/buyers and potential source by the
buyers and factory owners respectively.
Type of information factories require in terms of outsourcing (backward and forward
linkage).
Responsibilities of the Consultancy Firm/Individual:
The specific responsibilities of the consultancy firm/individual include:
▪ Develop proper tools for the study, incorporating feedback from the Project management;
▪ Finalize the methodology in consultation with the Project management;
▪ Hire and train capable field research team who are experienced in similar types of studies;
▪ Perform proper supervision and internal control during data collection, and provide a proper
quality control plan during the proposal development phase to ensure the quality of the
information gathered;
▪ Ensure a transparent and responsive management system throughout the assignment;
▪ Analyze data, and present the initial findings;
▪ Finalize the report, incorporating feedback from the Project management.
Qualification of Consultant:
The baseline study will be conducted by an experienced consultant from a reputable consultancy firm
who will lead a team of qualified field researchers. The consultant/consultancy firm will form a team
to collect/restore/map/analyze data on RMG factories, and meet the following requirements:
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Masters level academic background in Social Sciences, Business, Economics or similar;
Intimate understanding of the RMG sector in Bangladesh;
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Demonstrated experience of field research skills, including research management and
implementation;
Excellent analytic, verbal and written communication skills with meticulous attention to
detail;
Professional demeanor and ability to interact successfully with a wide range of individuals,
including maintain positive relations with key stakeholders in the RMG industry, including
the Government, BGMEA, BKMEA, other relevant associations and departments;
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work on a team in relevant studies;
Creative and strategic thinker with strong capacity to execute.
Consultancy Proposal:
Interested and qualified consultant(s) are requested to submit a proposal to CED, BRAC University.
The proposal should be divided into two components:
 Technical Component: Clearly demonstrate a thorough understanding of this ToR and
including the following:
▪ Demonstrate previous experience in coordinating and administering studies of a
similar nature, including experience with the implementation of field research
activities;
▪ Proposed plan for the study including the secondary information collection, data
gathering plan, KII plan and mapping, data analysis and report writing;
▪ Proposed steps to be taken for translation of transcripts, data collection, spot checking,
data entry and management;
▪ Team composition and level of effort of each proposed team member, as applicable.
 Financial Component: must include a detailed breakdown of costs for the study:
▪ Itemized consultancy fees/costs;
▪ Itemized field data collection expenses;
▪ Itemized administrative expenses;
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Validity period of quotations.
Other mandatory attachments are as follows:
✓ Curriculum Vitae(s) of all proposed staff outlining relevant experience.
✓ A copy of a previous report(s) of a research undertaken on RMG sector issues
✓ A Consulting Firm profile (if applicable)
Final Output:
The consultant will submit a draft report to CED and deliver a presentation one week before the
deadline. After incorporating the feedback from the presentation, the final report will include the
following elements:
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Background of the study
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Objectives
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Report on the research method applied to collect and analyze data, including the data
management process
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Review of collected information for the baseline study of the project
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Elaboration of key data gathered, including graphs, tables, relevant visuals and supporting
narratives
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Recommendations and Conclusion
Timeline:
This assignment must be completed within 2.5 months of commissioning of the work, with a proposed
period between 15 July to 30 September 2017.
Communications:
The consultant will be required to work closely with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development
(CED) of BRAC University Office for the DRFM-B baseline survey. The consultant/consultancy firm
will be directly accountable to the focal person of DRFM-B Project. The consultant/consultancy firm
will keep the focal person continually informed on the progress of the assignment.
For further information on the study, please contact: [email protected]