REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) RFP Reference Number: NEST/RFP/QSR/2025/001; Issue Date: July 15, 2025 Submission Deadline: July 25, 2025, 5:00 PM (WAT)

Subject: Offer of Grant for Research on Environmental Challenges in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Industry, with a Focus on Operations in Abuja.

1. Background

The Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST) issues this RFP following an expression of interest from a prominent QSR chain with multiple outlets across Abuja. This chain faces significant waste disposal and environmental management challenges impacting operations. NEST, a leader in environmental research and advocacy, offers a grant for a comprehensive study into these critical problems within the QSR industry, focusing on Abuja operations, to identify sustainable solutions.

2. Objective

This Call for Proposals seeks a comprehensive research study to provide actionable insights into environmental challenges faced by the QSR industry in Nigeria, specifically focusing on the aforementioned QSR chain's Abuja operations:

· Identify Impediments: Examine environmental/operational barriers in waste management (food, plastic, oils), energy/water use, supply chain impacts, and regulatory compliance.

· Map Sustainable Solutions: Identify global/local best practices for waste reduction, energy/water efficiency, and sustainable sourcing applicable to QSRs in Nigeria.

· Identify Gaps & Capacity Needs: Pinpoint knowledge, operational, and institutional gaps to enhance environmental performance, leading to specific capacity-building recommendations.

· Develop Actionable Strategies: Propose practical recommendations for implementing sustainable environmental management, including frameworks, training, monitoring, and stakeholder collaborations.

3. Scope of Work (SOW)

The selected research entity will undertake: 3.1. Industry Analysis: Review relevant literature, regulations, and best practices in QSR environmental management. 3.2. Waste Stream Assessment (Abuja Focus): Characterize/quantify major waste streams (e.g., food, packaging, plastics, oils, water) from Abuja operations. Assess current collection, segregation, and disposal. 3.3. Broader Environmental Issues (Abuja Focus): Evaluate energy consumption, water usage, wastewater management, and supply chain environmental impacts. Identify other pertinent challenges in Abuja. 3.4. Impact Analysis: Analyze environmental, operational, and financial impacts of practices and proposed solutions. 3.5. Sustainable Solutions: Propose concrete solutions for waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal. Recommend energy/water efficiency and sustainable sourcing. Provide cost-benefit analysis and implementation strategies. 3.6. Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct confidential interviews with the QSR chain's management, staff, waste service providers, and FCT environmental agencies.

4. Deliverables

The successful proposer will submit:

· Inception Report: Within one (1) week of contract signing, outlining methodology, work plan, and timeline.

· Draft Research Report: Comprehensive report of findings, analysis, and preliminary recommendations.

· Final Research Report: Polished, comprehensive report incorporating feedback, suitable for internal/public dissemination.

· Executive Summary: Concise summary (maximum 5 pages) of key findings and recommendations.

· Presentation of Findings: Professional presentation to NEST and the QSR chain's management.

5. Timeline

All research activities and deliverables, including the Final Research Report, must be completed within thirty (30) days of official receipt of grant funds/contract signing.

6. Budget

The budget for this is not more than a total of NGN 4,000,000.00 (Four Million Naira), including all taxes. Proposals must include a detailed financial breakdown demonstrating how activities will be achieved within this budget, covering all research costs.

7. Eligibility

This call is open to qualified research institutions, environmental consulting firms, NGOs, academic bodies and individuals with proven expertise in economic research, environmental research, waste management, and/or sustainability in Nigeria. Strong methodology, high-quality track record, and deep understanding of the Nigerian context are essential. Collaborative proposals are encouraged.

8. Submission Requirements

Interested applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal including:

· Cover Letter: Project title, applicant/lead applicant contact, brief interest/capability statement.

· Technical Proposal: Research plan (methodology, scope, timelines, deliverables), problem understanding, team expertise (CVs, roles), data collection/analysis, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.

· Financial Proposal: Detailed, justified budget breakdown within the NGN 4,000,000.00 limit.

· Curriculum Vitae (CVs): For all key research team members.

· Organizational Profile (for organizations): Legal registration, operational capacity, and relevant past projects.

· Letters of Support (if applicable).

9. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

· Relevance & Alignment (15%): Addresses objectives.

· Technical Merit & Methodology (30%): Rigor and appropriateness of research approach.

· Expertise & Experience (25%): Team qualifications and track record.

· Feasibility & Timeliness (15%): Realism of work plan and meeting deadline.

· Budget Justification & Cost-Effectiveness (15%): Clarity and reasonableness of budget.

· Potential Impact & Actionability (10%): Ability to generate actionable insights.

10. Submission Instructions

All proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to the email address below by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

Note: Only successful research entity will be contacted.

For Inquiries and Submissions, please contact:

The Research Coordinator, Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST). Email: research@nestnigeria.org; Phone: +234 803 546 9091

NEST strongly encourages qualified Nigerian researchers to respond to this call and contribute to advancing environmental sustainability within the crucial Quick Service Restaurant industry.