Global panorama research on direct marketing products and services

(Uniquement en anglais)

This call for tenders concerns the provision of specialized services to assist the UPU with research to deter­mine the current global situation and future prospects of the direct marketing products and services market. The aim of the study is to provide a global panorama, including digital marketing and other new/emerging forms of direct marketing, broken down into the following regional markets: 

• Africa; 
• Arab countries;
• Asia-Pacific;
• Caribbean; 
• Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States;
• North America;
• Latin America.

The deadline for the submission of tenders is 8 september 2023 at 16.00 CEST NEW.

1. We would like to validate with you whether the upper limit of total amount of the RFP’s is indeed set to 40 000 CHF.

       - RFP-2023-013-DOP - The budgetary ceiling is set at 40,000 CHF inclusive of all costs (including travel and subsistence) and any applicable taxes. The UPU shall not consider any proposals that fail to          include the required activities and deliverables as set out in section 4 within this budgetary ceiling or that exceed the budgetary ceiling.

       - In any case, the import of the highlighted text is that, yes, the upper limit of the total amount of the RFP (budget ceiling) is indeed 40,000 CHF. Proposals that fail to include the required activities and deliverables as set out in section 4, even though they may be within the budget ceiling (i.e. CHF 40,000 or below), shall also not be considered by the UPU.

2.The scope requires regional analysis for 7 regions. Does the research have to dive deeper into specific countries in each region or is it suffice to provide all analysis at the regional level only?

     - No, the research does not have to dive deeper into detailed analysis of specific countries in each region. An analysis at the regional level would suffice. 

3. Does the proposal have to mention all the consultants and subcontractors that the lead project team shall be employing? Reason for clarification is that, multiple sub contractors will have to be engaged for such a large regional scope, to ensure thorough research of each region under study. At the execution stage there might be requirement to recruit a few more additional sub contractors. So, is it OK if all sub contractors who will eventually be engaged are not included in the proposal? Can subsequent approvals be obtained from UPU for engagement of any such sub contractor or consultant?

      - It is important to already identify all consultants and sub-contractors that the bidders plans to engage in the project. This information is required at the time of bid submission, and forms part of the evaluation of the bid responses. Since an analysis at the regional level would suffice as mentioned in the answer to question 1 above, the size of the team has to be matched with the budget of the project.

4. Will there be a requirement for any travel for face to face meeting for project kick off and or for the final presentation?

    - No, travel is not expected for the project kick-off and or project closure meetings. We will rely on existing remote meeting platforms in attempts to focus more on technical rather than administrative costs of the project. 

5. As mentioned in 4.6 of the RFP, how frequently will the consulting team have to work out of UPU premises or any other location apart from the consultant's location of work?

   - Zero frequency. No travel is expected or envisaged in this project. However, in case the need for travel arises, it must first be approved and authorized by the UPU, as stated in 4.8 of the RFP. 

6. Of the regional markets mentioned in 2.3, do any hold a higher priority in the initiative? If so, which regions should be given a greater degree of focus?

   - All regions are of equal importance to the study. However, underdeveloped markets and regions that have mature, relatively stagnant markets should be considered in more detail.

7. With an understanding the market research being done will delve deeper into this, are there any postal operators that you view as leaders and innovators in the direct mail and digital marketing space?

   - Indeed, given the regional disparities, we view those postal operators that have dynamic capabilities, digital capabilities (using IT tools, systems or digital platforms to offer direct mail services and products), and a significant share of the cross-border direct marketing and direct mail market as leaders and innovators in this space.

8. What non-postal operators have developed multifaceted marketing strategies that inspire the vision of the UPU in this space?

   - The UPU is motivated by the growing cross-border ecommerce, which presents significant opportunities for the development of the cross-border digital marketing and direct mail market.   Telecommunication companies, financial institutions, retail chains, fast food chains, the automotive industry, fitness and wellness companies, travel and hospitality industry, and consumer goods brands are some examples of non-postal operators that have been known to employ multifaceted marketing strategies. We recommend researching recent case studies, industry reports, and news articles for further insights on these and other non-postal players.

9.Outside of the 3-week reports that will be submitted, will anyone from the UPU be actively involved in the engagement?

   - Yes, the Ecommerce and Market Development Programme of the Directorate of Operations at the UPU will be actively involved in the project. 

10. Is there any prior research the UPU has conducted that will be used to support the engagement?

   - The UPU can share any relevant materials it has that could support the project. However, no such studies have been conducted by the UPU in the recent past. For additional information and materials about UPU direct marketing activities, see https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Cooperatives-Boards/Direct-Marketing-Advisory-Board