Westminster Foundation for Democracy (“WFD”) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. Operating internationally, WFD works with parliaments, political parties, and civil society groups as well as on elections to help make political systems fairer, more inclusive and more accountable. 

. We are a problem-solving, practitioner-led organisation that offers:  

• High quality and impactful regional and country programmes that directly support the full spectrum of institutions in political systems to develop inclusive political processes, more accountable political systems, protection of rights and freedoms, and more pluralistic societies;  

• Specialist analysis, research, and advice to inform UK policy makers on a range of democratic governance issues through our Centre of Expertise; and   

• International elections observation on behalf of the UK.  

Aim of this Request for Quotes  

WFD is issuing this Request for Quotes (“RFQ”) to a range of potential suppliers of goods and/or services and would welcome a proposal or quote from your organisation. 

WFD is inaugurating the “Strengthening Accountability in Laos”, strive to support the Laos National Assembly and the People’s Provincial Assemblies to conduct meaningful oversight. The primary change to which WFD aims to contribute is the increased use of PLS within NA committees and two PPAs. In order to create this change, two NA Committees (the Social and Cultural Committee and the Economy, Technology and Environment Committee) and the two PPAs (Luang Prabang and Khammouane) must be supported to engage in PLS practices, using the newly developed PLS Guide, to undertake scrutiny of national laws and sub-laws that fall under their remit.  

Frequent travel to Luang Prabang is expected for both WFD staff and consultants not only for this program but for all other Lao programs. Thus, WFD is looking for hotels for accommodation in the Luang Prabang city center that offer rooms of international standard, and preferably small meeting room arrangements with coffee break and lunch. 

Quote submission 

All proposals or quotes should be submitted by 23:59 on 1 December 2023 in writing and include:  

• The supplier’s name, status, company number, and registered office address  
• An overview of the supplier’s relevant experience, expertise, capability and capacity 
• A description of the good(s) or service(s) to be provided and clear explanation as to how this meets the specification in this RFQ 
• A transparent quotation of the charge for the good(s) or service(s), in [LAK or USD], to include: a clear breakdown of all costs; any proposed discount applied for WFD as a not-for-profit organisation; and a separate identification of any VAT charges (and/or any other applicable tax, excise or other charges). 

The proposal or quote should be sent electronically and addressed to: noumvina.senkhamty@wfd.org.  

The same email address should be used for any questions related to this RFQ.  

By submitting a proposal or quote, you agree to comply with WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies, which are found here, and WFD’s Code of Conduct.  

Detailed Specification 

Objective 

WFD’s governance programming in Laos has focused on supporting the National Assembly and the People’s Provincial Assemblies to become stronger and more active governance actors that are able to discharge their primary roles – as the representative organ of the people and as the body holding the executive accountable for its actions – in a more meaningful way. Our programming has been focused on specific key parliamentary practices that can enhance accountability and inclusive representation – pre- and post-legislative scrutiny, gender-sensitive scrutiny of legislation, gender-responsive budgeting and budgetary oversight, judicial oversight and operation of the public petitions system. 

WFD is inaugurating the “Strengthening Accountability in Laos”, strive to support the Laos National Assembly and the People’s Provincial Assemblies to conduct meaningful oversight. The primary change to which WFD aims to contribute is the increased use of PLS within NA committees and two PPAs. In order to create this change, two NA Committees (the Social and Cultural Committee and the Economy, Technology and Environment Committee) and the two PPAs (Luang Prabang and Khammouane) must be supported to engage in PLS practices, using the newly developed PLS Guide, to undertake scrutiny of national laws and sub-laws that fall under their remit. 

As Luang Prabang is one of the focal points for the ongoing program, a more frequent travel to the province is anticipated. Hotel accommodations with a good international standard while demonstrating good value for money are the main target to ensure safety and effective working environment for all WFD staff, consultants and delegates.  

Scope of work 

WFD is procuring hotels with international standard in Luang Prabang to accommodate WFD staff, experts and delegates travelling to fulfil the objectives of WFD’s Lao programs. On average, there will be five trips to Luang Prabang per year and each trip will accommodate five guests.  

Deliverables 

• Provide individual double or single bedded room of international standard for each guest, 
• Provide rooms equipped with secured door locks and a safe 
• Available Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner options 
• Meeting room and facilities with coffee break 

Timeline 

The timeline is upon the termination of the contract. 

Payments 

Payments will be made based on the invoices submitted upon each stay. A minimum of 30 days is required for WFD to process the payment.