Establishment of a National Biodiversity Data Management, Knowledge Management and GIS Platform Covering All 11 Project Sites

Project: Conserving terrestrial and marine biodiversity and restoring ecosystem services in globally relevant and vulnerable sites in Somalia

Project Number: 01005518

Contracting authority	Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), Federal Government of Somalia
Collaboration / technical oversight	United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Somalia
Relevant project result	Outcome 1.2 – Strengthened institutional and technical capacities for PA management and integrated land-use planning; Output 1.2.2 – GIS-enabled knowledge management platform
Contract modality	Institutional contract: qualified firm, company, or NGO
Expected duration	Up to 4 months; completion by 31 December 2026 unless otherwise agreed

Mogadishu, Somalia | 2026

1.     Background

Somalia contains globally significant terrestrial, coastal, and marine biodiversity, but formal protection, mapped boundaries, management systems, and long-term biodiversity monitoring remain limited. The project will support the legal establishment and improved management of 11 protected areas – five terrestrial, four marine, and two integrated terrestrial/marine sites – and will strengthen the institutions, information systems, and community-led governance required to manage them.

Outcome 1.2 of the Project Document addresses institutional and technical capacities for protected area management and integrated land-use planning. Output 1.2.2 requires a national knowledge management platform, including a Geographic Information System (GIS), to manage, exchange, and present information about terrestrial and marine areas. The Project Document envisages: (i) a data and capacity gap analysis; (ii) compilation of geospatial and biodiversity baseline information; (iii) acquisition or development of a national GIS and knowledge management platform; (iv) user training; and (v) piloting and operational deployment.

The platform should also serve as the national repository for biodiversity information generated under the project and future conservation initiatives, ensuring long-term institutional memory and supporting evidence-based policy making, reporting to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (CBD, Ramsar, CITES, CMS), and national planning processes.

The LOA requires MoECC to hire an expert firm to establish the data management platform covering all 11 sites. The results indicator is one biodiversity information management platform, including GIS, established, operational, and regularly utilized by FGS and FMS decision-makers.

The platform shall serve as an institutional system rather than a one-time website. It must support evidence-based planning, protected area boundary and zoning work, METT performance tracking, biodiversity monitoring, restoration tracking, management planning, stakeholder learning, and reporting. It must be practical in Somalia’s low-connectivity and security-constrained context and must be maintainable by MoECC and FMS counterparts after handover.

1.      Assignment Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of the assignment is to design, develop or configure, populate, pilot, deploy, and hand over a secure and sustainable national biodiversity knowledge management and GIS platform that covers the 11 project sites and can be regularly used by authorized FGS, FMS, community, and partner stakeholders.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess existing biodiversity, spatial, institutional, and technical information systems and define user, data, infrastructure, and governance requirements.
2. Establish a harmonized data architecture, metadata standards, data-sharing rules, and quality assurance procedures for protected area information.
3. Develop or configure a secure web-based platform with integrated GIS visualization, data management, document management, dashboards, and reporting functions.
4. Compile, clean, document, and load available baseline datasets and initial site profiles for all 11 protected areas, while clearly recording data gaps and confidence levels.
5. Enable interoperability with relevant national and UNDP-supported systems, including practical use of open-source spatial datasets and the UN Biodiversity Lab where appropriate.
6. Develop a scalable platform capable of integrating future biodiversity monitoring systems, protected area management tools, remote sensing products, mobile data collection applications, and environmental reporting systems without major redevelopment.
7. Build the capacity of MoECC, FMS authorities, protected area stakeholders, and designated administrators to use, maintain, update, and govern the platform.
8. Pilot the system, correct defects, place it into operational use, and complete full technical and administrative handover.

2.     Scope of Work

2.1.Inception, Stakeholder Mapping, and Gap Assessment

• Hold an inception meeting with MoECC, the Project Management Unit, UNDP, relevant FMS institutions, the project GIS/METT and biodiversity specialists, and other designated stakeholders.
• Confirm intended users, decisions to be supported, sensitive-data restrictions, existing ICT infrastructure, connectivity constraints, and arrangements for government ownership and administration.
• Inventory available spatial and non-spatial datasets, databases, maps, reports, METT records, management planning information, restoration and monitoring data, and existing portals.
• Assess data completeness, provenance, licenses, update frequency, geographic coverage, duplication, quality, and risks related to personal data, sensitive species, tenure, boundaries, and enforcement.
• Prepare a requirements specification, prioritized minimum viable product, stakeholder engagement plan, risk register, and realistic implementation schedule within the contract ceiling.

2.2.Data Architecture, Governance, and Standards

• Design a logical data model for sites, boundaries and zoning, habitats and species, biodiversity observations, management plans, METT, restoration, patrol/enforcement records, stakeholders, documents, indicators, and knowledge products.
• Define metadata templates, naming conventions, coordinate reference systems, version control, data quality rules, validation workflows, and archiving procedures.
• Prepare a data governance and sharing framework defining data custodians, roles, permissions, approval processes, public/open data, restricted data, retention, backup, and breach response.
• Design update workflows that allow FGS and FMS users to submit and validate information while maintaining national consistency and traceability.
• Specify how customary and community knowledge may be recorded with consent and appropriate access restrictions, without exposing culturally sensitive or personally identifiable information.

2.3.Platform Design, Development, and Configuration

• Propose and implement a cost-effective architecture using open standards and, where suitable, open-source or low-cost components to minimize long-term licensing and vendor lock-in.
• Provide a secure, responsive web interface that functions on common computers and mobile devices and remains usable under low-bandwidth conditions.
• Implement role-based access for public users, registered viewers, data contributors, validators, FMS focal points, national administrators, and system administrators.
• Develop an interactive GIS viewer, site profiles, dashboards, searchable document and knowledge libraries, structured data-entry forms, upload/download functions, and standard reports.
• Configure development/test and production environments; secure domain and certificates if required; and implement backup, restore, logging, monitoring, and incident-response procedures.
• Develop automated backup schedules, disaster recovery procedures, and business continuity plans to minimize risks of data loss.
• Ensure the architecture can be expanded during the six-year project to incorporate new boundaries, management plans, ecological surveys, METT rounds, restoration monitoring, and community-generated data.
• The platform shall support offline data collection and synchronization once internet connectivity becomes available, particularly for protected areas with limited network coverage.

2.4.Data Compilation and Initial Population

• Compile and organize available project, government, partner, remote-sensing, and open-source datasets relevant to the 11 sites.
• Use available satellite imagery, participatory mapping outputs, field verification information, and open-source layers to prepare initial site maps and profiles. Where field access is unsafe or not authorized, use remote methods and stakeholder validation.
• Load provisional and approved spatial layers with clear status fields so that draft, validated, and gazetted boundaries are not confused.
• Load available biodiversity baselines, species/habitat information, management records, METT information, restoration data, and key knowledge products, with complete metadata and source attribution.
• Prepare a data-gap register and a prioritized plan for later surveys and data updates. This contract does not replace the project’s future ecological surveys and formal boundary processes.
• Develop standardized templates for biodiversity records, protected area profiles, species observations, ecosystem services, management effectiveness assessments, and restoration activities.

2.5.Testing, Pilot, Deployment, and Handover

• Prepare and execute functional, usability, security, performance, backup/restore, and user-acceptance tests.
• Pilot the platform with MoECC and selected FMS/site users and document issues, decisions, fixes, and remaining enhancements.
• Train system administrators, data managers, validators, and end users through practical sessions and job aids.
• Deploy the approved production version and conduct a stabilization period before final acceptance.
• Hand over source code, database schemas, system configurations, credentials, data dictionaries, licenses, training materials, manuals, backup copies, and an operations/maintenance plan.
• Provide a final technical report and a prioritized, costed roadmap for post-contract improvement and sustainability.

1.      Expected Outputs, Deliverables, and Schedule

The final work plan shall be confirmed at inception. The indicative schedule below assumes a 16-week assignment. All deliverables must be submitted in editable and final formats, in English, with key user materials in Somali where requested. A deliverable is accepted only upon written approval by MoECC, with UNDP technical concurrence where applicable.

Deliverable	Main contents	Indicative due date	Acceptance criteria	Payment link
D1. Inception and gap assessment report	Confirmed scope and work plan; stakeholder and user map; data/system inventory; ICT and capacity assessment; risk register; data sensitivity review; functional and technical requirements; proposed architecture and minimum viable product.	End of Week 3	Approved methodology and requirements; realistic delivery plan; complete inventory and risk/assumption log.	Included in Milestone 1
D2. Detailed design and working prototype	Data model and metadata standards; data governance/sharing framework; interface mock-ups; configured prototype; hosting/security plan; migration plan; test plan; preliminary admin/user manuals.	End of Week 6	Prototype demonstrates core GIS, user roles, data entry, search, and site profile functions; design documents approved.	Milestone 1: 50% (USD 37,500) after acceptance of D1 and D2
D3. Beta platform and populated pilot dataset	Beta platform in test environment; 11 initial site profiles; available spatial and biodiversity data loaded with metadata; dashboards/reports; data-gap register; user acceptance testing and issue log; draft training package.	End of Week 11	Core requirements operational; data traceable and quality checked; testing completed with prioritized fixes.	Included in Milestone 2
D4. Operational production platform, capacity building, and handover	Production deployment; administrator and end-user training; finalized datasets and documentation; security/backup test; source code/configuration/credentials handover; operations and maintenance plan; stabilization report; final technical report and enhancement roadmap.	End of Week 16 and no later than 31 Dec 2026 unless amended	One operational GIS-enabled platform covering all 11 sites; trained administrators; defects resolved; full handover accepted.	Milestone 2: 50% (USD 37,500) after acceptance of D3 and D4

2.     Assignment Performance Indicators

• One GIS-enabled biodiversity information management platform established, operational, and covering all 11 project sites.
• Approved data architecture, governance framework, metadata catalogue, and site/data update procedures adopted for use by designated FGS and FMS users.
• All available initial datasets and site profiles loaded with clear provenance, status, sensitivity, and quality information.
• Designated MoECC and FMS administrators and end users demonstrate ability to access, update, validate, search, map, and report information.
• User acceptance tests, backup/restore test, security checks, and stabilization are completed and documented.
• Usage analytics are enabled so regular utilization by FGS/FMS decision-makers can be monitored after deployment.

3.     Implementation Arrangements and Reporting

• The firm will work under the overall authority of MoECC and the day-to-day supervision of the designated MoECC Project Coordinator/Project Management Unit, with technical quality assurance by UNDP and designated project specialists.
• A small Technical Review Group may be constituted with MoECC, UNDP, FMS focal points, GIS/METT and biodiversity specialists, ICT staff, and the Knowledge Management/Communications function.
• The firm shall nominate one authorized Team Leader as the single point of accountability and shall submit concise biweekly progress updates and maintain a live action, risk, decision, and issue log.
• The firm shall participate in review meetings, demonstrations, and user acceptance sessions and shall incorporate consolidated written comments within the agreed review period.
• All contact with communities, FMS institutions, external data providers, and other partners must be coordinated with MoECC and respect approved engagement and security protocols.

4.     Cross-Cutting Requirements and Compliance

4.1.Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, and Participation

• Apply gender-responsive and inclusive methods throughout design, consultation, testing, training, and reporting.
• Ensure meaningful participation of women, youth, customary and religious leaders, community-based structures, persons with disabilities, marginalized groups, and relevant civil society organizations.
• Use sex-, age-, location-, and stakeholder-category-disaggregated data wherever personal data are collected, while applying data minimization and informed consent.
• Use accessible formats and reasonable accommodations, and avoid reinforcing barriers related to literacy, connectivity, language, disability, clan affiliation, displacement, or geographic location.

4.2.Environmental and Social Safeguards and Conflict Sensitivity

• Comply with the project ESMF, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Gender Action Plan, project-level grievance mechanisms, and applicable UNDP Social and Environmental Standards.
• Apply a do-no-harm and conflict-sensitive approach, particularly when handling land-use information, customary tenure, PA boundaries, enforcement information, and stakeholder participation across FGS and FMS jurisdictions.
• Do not disclose information that may expose communities, sensitive species, culturally important places, or enforcement operations to harm. Publication of sensitive spatial information requires written clearance from MoECC and UNDP.
• Immediately report any safeguarding incident, serious stakeholder complaint, security issue, or potential adverse impact identified during the assignment.

4.3.Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment

The firm and all personnel shall comply with applicable UNDP and United Nations standards on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, child safeguarding, non-discrimination, and respectful conduct. The firm shall brief all personnel, maintain confidential reporting channels, and promptly notify MoECC/UNDP of allegations in accordance with applicable protocols.

4.4.Confidentiality, Personal Data, and Cybersecurity

• Use project information and personal data only for the approved purpose and restrict access to authorized personnel with a demonstrated need to know.
• Implement appropriate access control, encryption where appropriate, secure storage, backups, incident response, and protection against loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure, or misuse.
• Obtain informed consent before collecting names, contact details, images, recordings, or identifiable views; provide a practical method for withdrawal or correction.
• Immediately notify MoECC and UNDP of any suspected data or security breach and take corrective action as directed.
• At handover, transfer all approved data, credentials, configurations, and records to the designated government/UNDP custodians and remove unauthorized copies.

4.5.Intellectual Property and Use of Names and Emblems

All deliverables, source code, databases, configurations, manuals, curricula, graphics, maps, learning objects, and other works produced specifically under the contract shall vest in UNDP in accordance with the LOA, with operational custody and use by MoECC as agreed by the parties. The firm shall disclose and properly license any pre-existing or third-party components. The names, emblems, and official seals of the United Nations, UNDP, and the Government may be used only with prior written authorization.

4.6.Professional Standards, Records, and Audit Trail

• Deliver work that meets the highest professional standards and is technically accurate, traceable, reproducible, and suitable for government use.
• Maintain a clear audit trail of consultations, datasets, licenses, decisions, versions, testing, participant attendance, expenditures, and approvals.
• Make assignment records available to MoECC and UNDP for review, quality assurance, audit, or HACT assurance processes as applicable.
• Comply with applicable anti-fraud, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorist-financing obligations.

5.     Required Qualifications of the Firm and Key Personnel

• Legally registered firm, company, or NGO with authority to provide the required services and demonstrated financial and operational capacity.
• At least seven years of institutional experience in GIS, spatial data infrastructure, knowledge management, environmental information systems, or comparable digital platforms.
• Successful completion of at least three comparable assignments, preferably involving biodiversity, protected areas, natural resources, land-use planning, marine/coastal information, or government systems.
• Demonstrated experience in user-centered system design, low-bandwidth environments, data governance, cybersecurity, training, documentation, and institutional handover.
• Experience working with national and sub-national government institutions; experience in Somalia or another fragile/conflict-affected setting is highly desirable.
• Ability to deploy Somali-speaking personnel or partners for stakeholder engagement, validation, user training, and support.

6.     Duration, Duty Station, Travel, and Logistics

• Expected duration: up to four months from contract signature, with all work completed no later than 31 December 2026 unless the LOA or contract is formally amended.
• Duty station: primarily home/office based, with meetings in Mogadishu and remote or in-person engagement with FMS and site stakeholders as approved.
• Travel and field verification shall be undertaken only with prior authorization, approved security arrangements, and conflict-sensitive stakeholder protocols.
• The firm is responsible for the equipment, software development environment, connectivity, insurance, and operational arrangements required for its personnel unless specifically stated otherwise in the contract.
• The final hosting and operational environment shall be agreed with MoECC/UNDP and must be fully documented and transferred.

7.     Proposal Requirements and Evaluation

7.1.Required Technical Proposal

• Understanding of the assignment, including key risks, dependencies, and assumptions.
• Detailed methodology, technical approach, stakeholder engagement plan, quality assurance process, and sustainability/handover approach.
• Work plan and deliverable schedule showing personnel inputs and dependencies.
• Proposed team structure, roles, level of effort, CVs, and availability of key personnel.
• Evidence of relevant institutional experience, including at least three comparable assignments and client references.
• Description of proposed technology, tools, hosting/licensing model, data protection measures, and support arrangements, as applicable.
• Risk register covering security, access, connectivity, coordination, data availability, safeguarding, and delivery continuity.

7.2.Required Financial Proposal

An itemized, all-inclusive financial proposal in United States dollars. It shall clearly identify professional fees, system development/configuration, travel, stakeholder consultations, workshops, translation, hosting or licenses during the contract period, materials, taxes/charges, and any proposed third-party services. Any cost expected to be provided directly by MoECC or UNDP must be expressly identified and is subject to prior written agreement.

7.3.Indicative Evaluation Method

The solicitation may apply a combined technical and financial evaluation. An indicative method is 70 percent technical and 30 percent financial, with a minimum technical qualifying score of 70 percent. MoECC and UNDP may adapt the criteria in the final solicitation document.

1.1.Indicative Technical Evaluation Criteria

Criterion	Indicative weight
Understanding, methodology, stakeholder engagement, and implementation plan	20
Proposed architecture, functionality, interoperability, security, and sustainability	25
Relevant institutional experience and comparable assignments	20
Qualifications and suitability of key personnel	25
Quality assurance, risk management, local capacity, and handover approach	10
Total technical score	100