Survey Design and Conduct Firm for Trade Facilitation, Anti-smuggling and Taxpayer Facilitation Perception Surveys

A reputable firm is invited to submit proposals to design and implement comprehensive surveys aimed at assessing stakeholder perceptions of trade facilitation, anti-smuggling efforts, and taxpayer facilitation in Pakistan. This project, commissioned by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and supported by the REMIT programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, seeks to collect valuable data on transparency, effectiveness, and public awareness related to customs and tax procedures. The insights gained will help identify systemic challenges, guide policy-making, and support reforms to improve trade and revenue mobilization. The selected firm will begin work in August 2025, with proposals due by 17:00 PKT on 4th August 2025.

Key Responsibilities
- Develop customized survey tools, including questionnaires and interview guides, in collaboration with FBR and REMIT experts.
- Choose suitable quantitative, qualitative, or mixed research methodologies and design a nationwide sampling strategy tailored to each target group.
- Conduct data collection through various modes such as face-to-face interviews, online and phone surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, ensuring adherence to quality control and ethical standards.
- Analyze data using statistical and thematic techniques, applying both descriptive and inferential methods to uncover trends and insights.
- Prepare interim and final reports featuring visual dashboards and detailed narrative summaries.
- Compare perception data with actual performance indicators where applicable.
- Provide actionable recommendations to support strategic communication and reform efforts.
- Present findings to FBR and other key stakeholders through workshops.
- Submit a comprehensive project timeline covering all deliverables, including any necessary local licenses or approvals, within a three-month timeframe.
- Ensure strict confidentiality, ethical management, and secure handling of all project data.
- Mobilize and manage survey teams, logistics, and resources efficiently, including transportation and emergency protocols.
- Maintain close collaboration with government ministries and development partners throughout the project duration.

Required Qualifications
- At least 10 years of experience conducting national-level surveys in Pakistan.
- Proven expertise in survey design, data collection, management, and analysis, supported by a skilled team fluent in English and relevant local languages.
- Demonstrated ability to manage data ethically and responsibly, with strong report writing and communication skills.
- Experience working with government agencies, particularly the Federal Board of Revenue or similar institutions, is highly desirable.
- Capacity to develop detailed work plans, maintain data quality, and safeguard project information throughout all phases.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in multi-stakeholder environments.
- Legal registration and possession of all required licenses, permits, and approvals under Pakistani law.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Information
- Previous collaboration with development agencies and familiarity with the BHC framework is advantageous.
- Ability to engage domain experts for technical quality assurance in survey design and implementation.
- The selection process will follow a Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) approach, evaluating technical methodology, firm experience, timelines, and financial proposals.
- Financial proposals must be fixed-price in GBP, inclusive of all applicable taxes and fees, and submitted alongside technical proposals in a two-envelope format.
- Firms must disclose any government ownership or subcontracting arrangements in their proposals.
- All communications and clarifications regarding the request for proposals must be submitted in writing as specified in the solicitation documents.
- The contracting entity reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and is not responsible for any costs incurred by bidders.

This opportunity offers a significant role in advancing Pakistan’s trade facilitation and tax administration reforms through rigorous, data-driven insights. Proposals must be submitted electronically by 17:00 PKT on 4th August 2025.