Call for bids for activity that will support media freedom in Mexico

The British Embassy in Mexico City is seeking proposals from not-for-profit organizations to promote media freedom in Mexico, which promotes a free and independent press as a public good and proactivelydefends and supports journalists. Objective: We are looking for a project that will help promote and/or strengthen media freedom. We welcome projects by not-for-profit organisations who have identified short-term, focused training opportunities or conferences related to supporting journalists.

Bid proposal: Organisations are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that promote UK values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and advance Media Freedom in Mexico. Please note that all activities would need to be delivered between December 2021 and March 2022, and project proposals must take the potential effects of COVID-19 on activities into account.

Deadline for Submission: 6 December 2021.

Managerial and Financial Aspects: • All bids should be in Mexican Nuevo Peso (MXN) and the maximum available budget is of $597,143.38 MXN (Five-hundred thousand one-hundred forty-eight Mexican Nuevo Peso and thirty-eight cents). • We do not accept project bids submitted by individuals. • Payment will be made in arrears. We cannot make pre-payments; successful bidders should make payments and be reimbursed by the Embassy. • The implementer must have an active bank account in Mexican Nuevo Peso in the name of the organisation to which we can electronically transfer reimbursements. • Organisations must provide information and documentation related to Governance and Internal Control, Ability to deliver, financial management and stability, Downstream Delivery and Safeguarding. The Embassy may request reports by auditors.

Exemptions: We regret that we are unable to fund purchase or maintenance of any IT and other equipment; direct cash transfers to vulnerable individuals or families; activities which are not aligned with the Paris Agreement on climate change; exploitation of adult workers or employment of children; academic courses; charitable activities; commercial activities; or Infrastructure or construction projects.

Evaluation of project bids: The aim of the project should be concise, feasible and sustainable. The expected outcomes should be measurable and the target group should be clearly defined and involved in project implementation. The assessment criteria will include the following: • alignment with the above thematic priorities and outcomes; • outcomes are achievable within the funding period and sustainable after the funding ends; • project design which includes clear monitoring and evaluation procedures; • proposal includes identified risks and planned mitigation; • demonstrated value for money; • the organisation's safeguarding policies that ensure protection of beneficiaries; • previous experience from the organisation and team members in delivering similar projects.

Additional information: Reporting: The Embassy will require monthly financial reports and monthly project progress reports (narrative and financial) from implementers. The first payment will be made upon the receipt of a monthly financial report. When the project has been completed the implementer shall prepare and send a final report to the Embassy within the period specified in the Grant Agreement.

Timeline: Successful applicants will implement their project until 28 February 2022. All payment requests and reporting should be finalised by 15 March 2022. You are advised to plan project activities accordingly.

Official Development Assistance (ODA): All expenditures must qualify as ODA eligible. ODA is a term created by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This term serves as a measurement of international aid. ODA projects have, as a primary objective, the promotion of economic development and welfare.

Documents: • Project Proposal Form • AG Proforma Cost • For reference: AGA costs External FAQs • For reference: Eligible Cost Guidance for Accountable Grant Arrangements • For reference: Template Accountable Grant

Co-financing: Please make sure to specify your other source(s) of funding in the Project Proposal Form.

Preparing and submitting a bid: Please complete the Project Proposal Form, AG Proforma Cost Template, information and documentation related to Governance and Internal Control, Ability to deliver, Financial management and stability, Downstream Delivery and Safeguarding and return them by email to [email protected] by midnight 6 December 2021. If you have questions about your application, please get in touch by email.

Any proposals received in a format different to the one requested, in a language other than English, or submitted after the set date and time will not be considered.

The AG Proforma Cost Template needs to be in the same currency as the bank account where funds reimbursements are to be received. Please note that late submissions will not be accepted and that bidding is competitive, and we are not obliged to fund any or all proposals received.

Successful applicants will be informed of the result in the week c/6 December 2021. If you are not contacted by this date, the Embassy has decided not to pursue your proposal. Due to the high number of bids we receive, we are unable to provide substantial feedback to unsuccessful bids

Additional information and documentation: All implementers will be expected to sign a standard FCDO grant agreement with the Embassy. The terms of the agreement are not negotiable.