REQUEST FOR QUOTATION- SUPPLY OF ORANGE-FLESHED SWEET POTATO CUTTINGS OF C1 IRENE VARIETY

Reference: SR112095 Supply of Orange-Fleshed Sweet potato (OFSP) Cuttings/Vines of CI Irene variety and quality control from the multiplication center to the target farms in Machakos County Section 1: Introduction to Concern Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization committed to reducing hunger and working towards the elimination of extreme poverty. Concern operates in some of the world’s most vulnerable and disaster-prone countries, with programs focused on emergency response, health and nutrition, livelihoods, education, and climate resilience. Concern is currently implementing a program in collaboration with Machakos County Government to strengthen the Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) value chain, with a particular focus on increased OFSP production, value addition and strengthening of market linkages. As part of the initiative, the program seeks to enhance access to certified, drought-tolerant Irene OFSP seed varieties for smallholder farmers within the county. The OFSP variety is a critical crop in addressing food security and nutrition (Vitamin A-Beta Carotine) ensuring the availability of quality planting materials is Machakos County. Orange-Fleshed Sweet potato (OFSP) has a precursor of Vitamin A and has been promoted as a key intervention in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. Section 2: Purpose Concern would like to identify a Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) certified government or private organization and/or entity that can produce and distribute clean and certified Irene variety OFSP vines cuttings to farmers in Machakos County, build the capacity of the government officers on the OFSP farming and products, provide technical support in the establishment of community level vine multiplier and banking systems, and provide after sale support. Section 3: Output and deliverables The supplier to be engaged in a period of one year with the following key deliverables: Multiply and distribute OFSP vine cuttings to 220 farmers in Machakos county distributed across Kathiani (55), Kangundo (55), Yatta (55) and Masinga (55) sub-counties as guided in the table below. The cuttings should be multiplied in Machakos or similar context to enhance local adaptation. Train the County and Sub County Agricultural technical extension officers and agronomists on the appropriate climate smart technologies applicable for the Irene Variety of OFSP vines. Provide technical support to the farmers at critical stages of the crop cycle – planting and pest management. Section 4. Key quality standards in the OFSP vines cutting Supplier The OFSP vines cuttings supplier will be responsible for propagating and transporting the Irene variety of OFSP cuttings (seedlings) and should provide proof that: The supplier must provide evidence of certification or quality assurance from KEPHIS or a recognized seed inspection authority The varieties are officially released and approved by the national agricultural research system or relevant authorities. All required inspections, sampling, and laboratory testing must be conducted, with appropriate documentation provided. Provision of germination testing certification for Machakos micro-climate condition The OFSP vine cuttings must be produced under controlled conditions, through open field nurseries with regular phytosanitary supervision. The OFSP vine cuttings must be delivered in bundles of uniform size, visibly healthy, and free from pests, diseases, or mechanical damage. The OFSP should be at least 30 cm in length with a minimum of four nodes. Section 5. Qualifications The identified supplier must meet the following requirements: Registered and recognized by KEPHIS as a OFSP vines propagator in Kenya Proven experience in propagating and supplying large quantities of OFSP in Machakos County. Attach relevant references Capacity to propagate and distribute 704,000 OFSP vine cuttings within 2.5 months from the date of order Willing to offer technical support services to the farmers at critical stages of the crop - during transportation, distribution, transplanting and disease/ pest control process. Provide proof of seed origin as per the below checklist: The Seed suppliers must provide verifiable evidence of the source of the OFSP vines, including: Original Breeder Documentation: Certified records identifying the recognized breeder or institution from which the original OFSP variety (mother seed) was acquired. The supplier must also submit evidence of patent production rights for OFSP Vines being supplied. Basic Seed Certification: Valid proof that the basic seed was obtained from, or maintained by, an accredited seed production institution. Pre-Basic Seed Multiplication Records: Documentation confirming access to multiplication of pre-basic seed from an approved source. All records must be current, traceable, and conform to standards set by KEPHIS or another officially recognized seed inspection and certification body. The physical status of the OFSP vines must comply with both pre-certification and post-control quality benchmarks as defined under the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap 326). Preference will be given to OFSP varieties that have demonstrated strong performance and high yielding potential and have a history of supply to Machakos county farmers. In addition to the above, the following documents should also be submitted with the quotation. Certificate of incorporation. Copy of PIN Certificate Valid Tax Compliance Certificate Other relevant licenses/certificates Certificate of Incorporation PIN Certificate Valid Tax Compliance Certificate Certificate/reference information of previous undertakings of similar contracts with INGOs, corporate institutions, etc. Other relevant licenses/certificates A detailed company profile, including proof of registration and regulatory compliance References and contact details of at least three (3) clients. A financial proposal detailing costs, payment terms, and any applicable discounts.

Interested suppliers/bidders, who meet the above requirements, should submit their financial proposal- inclusive of tax by email to; [email protected] with the subject line “SR112095 Supply of Sweet Potato Cuttings/Vines in Machakos County” by 4pm on Wednesday 27th August 2025.