Contract for Developing a Secure Database and Mapping Freedom of Expression (FoE) Violations in Sri Lanka
Contract for Developing a Secure Database and Mapping Freedom of Expression (FoE) Violations in Sri Lanka
Background
In Sri Lanka, the absence of a comprehensive mapping of Freedom of Expression (FoE) violations poses a significant challenge to developing evidence-based strategies and solutions for identified vulnerable locations and communities. The development of a secure and locally owned database would help better identify affected communities and groups and shape policy-driven solutions and target legal assistance.
For this purpose, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is seeking a qualified individual consultant or consulting company to design, develop, and operationalize a secure database for the comprehensive mapping of Freedom of Expression (FoE) violations in Sri Lanka.
The proposed secure database would be handed over to a suitable local organization to maintain, document, and map incidences of FoE violations based on verified reports received from civil society partners, serving as a vital participatory tool for advocacy, public awareness, and legal reform efforts.
Objective of the Consultancy
To design, develop, and operationalize a secure database for mapping FoE violations in Sri Lanka. The database will:
Document verified FoE violations reported by civil society members, CSOs, and other agencies.
Provide a sortable map of violations by location, type, and affected community/sector (e.g. journalists, protesters, religious group, ethnic minorities etc.).
Generate anonymized monthly reports for stakeholders.
Serve as a secure, sustainable archive of FoE violations to inform advocacy and action at national level.
Scope of Work
The consultant or company will be responsible for the following:
Database Design and Development
In consultation with selected local civil society members, design a secure and user-friendly database architecture, ensuring confidentiality and scalability, with all features available in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Develop functionalities to sort data by violation type, location, and community/sector.
Integrate mapping tools to visualize violations geographically.
Data Integration and Reporting
Incorporate user-friendly tools to enter standardized data.
Develop tools to generate anonymized monthly reports and mappings based on database inputs.
Capacity Building and Mentorship
Provide hands-on training for civil society partners entering data, ensuring the training is available in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Mentor civil society members to securely collect, store, verify, and tag FoE violation data.
Sustainability and Handover
Ensure the database is robust for long-term use, with proper documentation and user guides available in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Support the transition of ownership and maintenance to a selected local civil society partner upon completion.
Key Deliverables
Deliverable | Anticipated Due Date |
Secure and fully functional database launched with integrated mapping and report generating tools. | 31st May 2025 |
User manuals and training materials for database users completed | 30th June 2025 |
Completion of capacity-building training and handing over of website maintenance and updating to a selected local civil society organization. | 31st August 2025 |
2 months of ongoing technical support and troubleshooting assistance | 31st October 2025 |
Final report summarizing database development process, training outcomes, technical and troubleshooting support provided and recommendations for sustainability. | 30th November 2025 |
Duration: The consultancy is expected to extend 10 months from 01st February 2025- 30th November 2025.
Payment Schedule: Payment will be made in three installments as follows:
Payment Phase | Percentage of contract value | Trigger |
First installment | 40% | Launch of database meeting criteria mentioned in the deliverable table above |
Second installment | 40% | User manuals, training materials for database users and capacity building training sessions completed. |
Third installment | 20% | Completion of hand over and follow-up technical/troubleshooting support, and submission of final summary report |
Reporting and Oversight: The selected consultant will report to the Program Director for ABA ROLI in Sri Lanka. Regular meetings will be conducted by ABA ROLI to ensure the successful implementation of the activities. The consultant will also coordinate with assigned local civil society partners during the consultancy period.
Selection Criteria: The following selection criteria will be applied to all complete applications received:
Criteria | Description | Points /100 | Awarded |
Professional Qualifications | Relevant professional qualifications, certifications, or proven capacity in Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field. | 20 | |
Prior Experience | 3-5 years of work experience in Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field. | 20 | |
Technical Skills | - Demonstrated expertise in data visualization tools and mapping software. | 20 | |
Network | Evidence of strong networks with local civil society organizations (CSOs), community leaders, and other stakeholders that can support Freedom of Expression (FoE) advocacy efforts. | 20 | |
Cost competitiveness | The submitted fee estimate shows realistic and reasonable costing for the proposed scope of work. | 20 |
Application Process: Complete applications should include:
A cover letter of no longer than 2 pages elaborating how the candidate (individual or company) meets all the above criteria of expertise, highlighting relevant past qualifications and work achievements.
A proposal of no longer than 2 pages outlining how the candidate proposes to carry out the scope of work.
A list of similar database development work was undertaken previously and at least 2 references.
A quotation including all costs.
All applications should be sent via email including the above information, addressed to: [email protected] with the email subject line “Application- Consultancy for Mapping FOE.”
The deadline for receipt of all proposals is 4 PM, Colombo time, on 15th January 2025.