Request for Expression of Interest

CREDIT GUARANTEE DATABASE ENHANCEMENT
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
FIRM SELECTION

GR/GIRSAL/CS/003/2024

1. Background

GIRSAL Limited, established in 2019, is a non-banking financial institution dedicated to de-risking agricultural financing and boosting agricultural sector lending by Ghanaian financial institutions. Through its Credit Guarantee Scheme, GIRSAL provides credit risk guarantees to financial institutions, thereby encouraging increased lending to the agricultural sector in Ghana. By the end of May 2024, GIRSAL had partnered with thirty-four (34) financial institutions under its Credit Guarantee Scheme and issued credit risk guarantees for agribusiness loans totaling over GHS 1 billion.

To streamline and manage its Credit Guarantee operations, GIRSAL employs a custom-built database application. With the company’s growth and evolving needs, there is a need to extend the database’s functionality and add new features. We seek to upgrade the existing database system or develop a new database that replicates the existing one while incorporating the necessary enhancements and additions.

The existing database application was developed using the Laravel platform and utilizes a MySQL database. It is securely hosted online and includes a browser-based interface and content management system.

2. Assignment Objective

This Request for Expressions of Interest (REoI) invites submissions from software development firms with proven organizational, functional, and technical capabilities in enhancing/developing customized database applications. The objective of the database enhancement/development is to improve user experience, introduce new features, and decentralize content management while implementing robust data validation and approval workflows. The enhanced database will also seek to automate some processes and activities involved in the Credit Risk Guarantee Scheme operations.

3. Scope of the Assignment

a. Database Development: Upgrade the existing database or develop a new database application that replicates the existing one while incorporating the necessary enhancements and additions. The revamped/new database is expected to have the following features/functions. (Please note that some of the features are already present in the existing database):

I. User Access and Security

- A secure authentication system to ensure only authorized users have access.
- A multi-level access control system with tailored permissions for different user roles, such as admin, editor, and viewer.
- A comprehensive tracking system for logged-in user activities, featuring an audit and activities log.

II. Dashboards and Reports

- High-level dashboard with real-time data visualization and insights on key indicators, including drill-down capabilities.
- Standard reports based on predefined templates, available in interactive charts and graphics as well as tables with data sorting, filtering, and export options for sharing.
- A user-friendly report builder for creating custom reports, with the ability to save and share custom report templates

III. Triggers, Notifications, and Alerts

- An automatic notification based on predefined business processes.

- Ability for users to create custom alerts to monitor specific business processes and events, with features to assign dates and responsible persons.

IV. Credit Guarantee Application Processes

- Track credit guarantee applications and related documents/data through various assessment stages in accordance with GIRSAL procedures.

- Manage workflows for guaranteed projects, including credit monitoring, risk monitoring, project activities, ESG, and project impact indicators.

- Implement a risk scoring/rating and tracking system based on a predefined framework to monitor the risk levels of guaranteed projects throughout their lifecycle.

b. Migrating Data and Documents: Transitioning all current data and documents from the existing database to the new system to ensure continuity and integrity of information.

c. User Training: Conduct comprehensive training sessions for users to ensure a smooth transition and effective adoption of the new database system, enabling them to utilize all new features and functionalities proficiently

d. User Acceptance Testing: Developing and implementing user acceptance testing (UAT) to validate that the new database system meets all user requirements and performs as expected in real-world scenarios

e. Post-Development Support: Providing ongoing support and maintenance for the new database system to ensure its reliability, security, and optimal performance over time.

4. Submission of Expression of Interest

4.1. Eligible Organizations:

We invite expressions of interest from qualified software development firms, technology consulting companies, and IT service providers with demonstrated expertise in database development and enhancement for financial institutions.

4.2. How to Submit:

Expressions of interest shall be in English and must be submitted through the application form by Friday, August 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM.

Fill Out the Expression of Interest Form: Expression of Interest Form
Attach Required Documents:
- Recent Assignments: Details of three comparable assignments.
- Company Background: Information about your company and relevant experience.
- Implementation Team: Overview and CVs of key team members.

5. Follow-up Information Session- For Short-Listed Applicants

Firms shortlisted after submitting expressions of interest will be invited to attend a detailed briefing session. The purpose of this session is to provide further clarity on the project requirements, address any questions or concerns, and guide applicants on preparing a comprehensive full application. This session will also cover important aspects such as the project timeline, expectations, and evaluation criteria, ensuring that all participants have the necessary information to proceed.

6. For Further Clarification:

Interested firms may obtain further clarification by email: elijah.somuah@girsal.com from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday (except on public holidays).

Deadline for submissions is Friday, August 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM.