Norad is requesting bids for the pre-commercial procurement titled ‘EduApp4Syria’. The purpose is to develop an engaging smartphone application that can help the Syrian children who are currently out of school learn to read (in Arabic) and contribute to their psychosocial well-being. The project is part of the Norwegian Government's investment in education globally, and is one of several interventions to help provide education for children in countries affected by war and other crises. Relevant expertise for the pre-commercial procurement could include disciplines such as computer games technology, Arabic, education in crisis, educational theory and psychology.
For selected suppliers Norad will;
— fund the development and testing of the best concepts. We have set aside a total of 15 000 000 NOK to fund the innovation of applications;
— offer R&D input from world-class expertise in the process;
— ensure high visibility and showcase the best applications to key players in the mobile and tech industries.
The pre-commercial procurement will have several phases, and starts with an initial design and early prototype competition.
A pre-commercial is a method for research and development service contracts subject to the exemption clause in the Norwegian Public Procurement Regulations of 7.4.2006 no 402 (Section 1-3 (2)-g (R&D exemptions). This implies that the Public Procurement Regulations do not apply to this procurement.
The tender is voluntarily published on Doffin and TED.