NDI Request for proposals: political party focus groups in Bulgaria.

The National Democratic Institute (NDI or the Institute) seeks proposals for the organization, implementation and analysis of a series of qualitative (focus group) research in Bulgaria. The purpose of this research is to ascertain and analyze prevailing attitudes, thoughts, beliefs and feelings among constituencies of citizens, including motivation and concerns about political parties and their effectiveness in providing political and governmental leadership, voting sentiment, and on critical reform issues around corruption and foreign disinformation.

NDI plans 10 focus groups, each 45-90 minutes, consisting of 6-12 persons in the period March 1 – April 20, 2024 in different locations in Bulgaria. The focus groups should include a representative sample of social groups, including persons with disabilities, persons from underrepresented groups (like the Roma, youth, persons from different ethnic communities), voters for main political parties, undecided voters, and voters from vulnerable groups, on a variety of topics pertaining to their perceptions, thoughts, beliefs, expectations and recommendations for democracy, good governance, and accountability standards for political parties.

Special focus shall be paid to issues related to political corruption, political party financing and electoral systems, priorities and values voters look for in their elected leaders, as well as issues like women’s participation, the inclusion of youth and ethnic minorities in decision-making, and the impact of Russian disinformation on voters’ attitudes.

At least two focus groups will be held with leading parties’ supporters of GERB, WCC, BSP, MRF

NDI requests the services of an agency with relevant focus group and opinion research experience to conduct this qualitative research in Bulgaria. Applicants should submit a proposal package with the following documents and information:

NDI will evaluate bids based on the agency’s ability to meet description of product needed, experience and price. Bidders should disclose in their proposal if they have any close, familial or financial relationship with NDI, its staff or officers, or other relationship or action that may be perceived as a potential conflict of interest (for example, the company’s President is the cousin of an NDI staff member).

NDI reserves the right to reject any and all bids. NDI reserves the right to consider bids for modification at any time before a contract is awarded. NDI shall not be liable for any costs associated with the preparation, transmittal, or presentation of any materials submitted in response to the RFP. NDI reserves the right to inspect the proposed bidder’s facilities or equipment before making an award.

Please submit proposal packages to jkostrzewski@ndi.org no later than February 25, 2024.

 

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that responds to the aspirations of people around the world to live in democratic societies that recognize and promote basic human rights. NDI works to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. Since its founding in 1983, NDI has worked with local partners in 156 countries, bringing together individuals and groups to share ideas, knowledge, experiences and expertise. In Bulgaria, NDI has supported political parties, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders to deliver for the people and engage in civic and political processes.