CALL for Proposals for the Preparation of a Feasibility Study

The International Association “Interactive Open Schools” (MIOS Tuzla) invites proposals for the preparation of an independent feasibility study for the proposed project “Safe and Supportive Schools: Strengthening the Mental Resilience of Children and Teachers”. The study will assess the relevance, feasibility, institutional readiness and conditions for the development, piloting, validation and institutionalization of a whole-school model grounded in trauma-informed principles and aimed at developing safe, supportive and trauma-sensitive school environments in Tuzla Canton and Zenica-Doboj Canton.

1. Purpose and Objectives of the Feasibility Study

The feasibility study should provide evidence to test the assumptions underlying the project concept, assess the readiness of key institutions and other stakeholders, identify implementation opportunities and risks, and provide practical recommendations for improving the project design prior to implementation. Particular attention will be given to the feasibility of developing a whole-school model that links trauma-informed approaches and practices with the long-term development of trauma-sensitive schools, as well as to the conditions required for its sustainability, institutionalization, quality assurance and future scaling. The primary focus of the field research and institutional readiness assessment will be Tuzla Canton and Zenica-Doboj Canton, while also considering the broader educational, institutional and policy context of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2. Scope of Work and Tasks

The Terms of Reference (ToR), attached to this Call, provide a detailed description of the purpose and objectives of the study, research questions, methodology, expected results, deliverables and conditions of engagement.

LINK: Terms of Reference

3. Feasibility Study Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the outputs defined in the Terms of Reference: an Inception Report, data collection instruments, a Draft Feasibility Study Report and a Final Feasibility Study Report. The final report, not exceeding 50 pages excluding annexes, shall be submitted in English and in one of the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Among other things, the study should provide recommendations for future baseline data collection and key indicators; however, a separate baseline study is not part of this assignment.

4. Timeframe

The feasibility study is expected to commence on 8 September 2026. The assignment is expected to take place during September and October 2026, following the conclusion of the contract. The deadline for submission of the Draft Feasibility Study Report is 18 October 2026, and the deadline for the final version is 31 October 2026. The consultant may be invited to participate in a project design verification workshop between 1 and 15 November 2026.

5. Proposal Content

The proposal shall be prepared in English and should include a Technical Proposal and a Financial Proposal, in accordance with the requirements of the Terms of Reference. The Technical Proposal should not exceed 15 pages, excluding annexes, and should include:

1. understanding of the assignment and project context, including the objectives, expected results and key challenges of the study;
2. a detailed proposed methodology, including the approach to data triangulation, stakeholder engagement and quality assurance;
3. a work plan and timeframe for implementation of the assignment;
4. team composition and division of responsibilities, if the proposal is submitted by a company or consortium;
5. a description of the relevant experience of the consultant/team, particularly in the areas of education system strengthening, mental health and psychosocial support, trauma-informed/trauma-sensitive education and whole-school development, institutional development, research and evaluation;
6. at least three references for comparable assignments completed within the last five years. The Financial Proposal shall be submitted as a separate document and should include a detailed budget in BAM, including professional fees, the estimated number of working days, travel and other relevant costs, and taxes. The supporting documentation specified in the Terms of Reference should also be submitted with the proposal.

6. Deadline for Submission of Proposals

Proposals should be submitted by e-mail to: muios@ioskole.net no later than Monday, 31 August 2026 at 23:59, with the e-mail subject line: “Proposal – Feasibility Study”.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview via Zoom, after which the best proposal will be selected and a contract for the provision of services will be concluded.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection process no later than 7 September 2026.

All proposals received by the deadline will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria defined in the Terms of Reference. The evaluation will include a technical and financial assessment, with the Technical Proposal accounting for 80% and the Financial Proposal for 20% of the total score. MIOS Tuzla may invite shortlisted consultants to an interview before making the final decision.

Late and incomplete proposals will not be considered. MIOS Tuzla reserves the right to request clarification of a submitted proposal, as well as to accept or reject any proposal or cancel the procedure in accordance with the provisions of the Terms of Reference.

For any questions regarding this Call and the Terms of Reference, please contact the following persons exclusively by e-mail:

• Edina Malkić, MIOS Tuzla – muios@bih.net.ba
• Monika Kleck, Freudenberg Foundation – monivito@arcor.de