Request for Proposal(RfP) for engagement of an Academic Institution
 
Project Title: Heat Vulnerability Assessment Evaluation & Baseline/End-of-line KAP Study in Indore
 
Lead Implementing Partner: Mahila Housing Trust (MHT)
 
Project Duration: October 2025 – June 2028
 
Introduction
 
Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) is a pioneering organization committed to improving the living conditions and enhancing the resilience of poor and marginalized urban communities, particularly women. MHT is co-creating inclusive, women-led climate action plans such as Heat Action Plans, Cool Roof Policies, Blue & Green Infrastructure Plan and Water Management Plans. MHT is leading the development of a Heat Action Plan for Indore for which it seeks to collaborate with an academic institution that brings expertise in policy research, and field-based methodologies, especially in the context of climate change resilience.
 
Project background:
 
Extreme heat is becoming one of the most urgent urban climate challenges in India, with escalating risks to public health, urban infrastructure, and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. Despite growing evidence of its impact, most cities—including Indore—still lack structured, inclusive, and locally grounded Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to mitigate these risks. Investing in a city-level Heat Action Plan (HAP) for Indore is both timely and necessary. The city is already experiencing intense heatwaves that compromise health, strain public infrastructure, and disrupt livelihoods—especially among informal workers and low income households. Without proactive planning, these impacts will intensify, undermining years of progress in poverty reduction, gender equity, and public health.

 Key objectives of the project are given below:

• Develop and implement a Climate Adaptive Heat Action Plan for Indore.
• Strengthen municipal capacity to address heat-related risks.
• Mobilize and engage vulnerable communities, especially women, in heat resilience planning.
• Pilot scalable climate adaptation solutions at city, settlement, and household levels.
• Establish an inclusive Heat Early Warning System.
• Promote heat awareness/action, among citizens and key stakeholders.

To support this, the project will undertake two complementary research components: (1) a Heat Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) and (2) a Baseline and End Line Study focused on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of the target communities. The Heat Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) will provide a spatial and socio-technical framework to identify areas and population groups most at risk from extreme heat. In parallel, a Baseline and End line KAP study will be conducted to capture shifts in community-level knowledge, attitude and practice related to heat stress. An academic institution will be engaged to strengthen the scientific integrity and strategic relevance of both the studies.

Scope of Work

The academic institution will co-design, implementation, and analysis of the following project components in consultation with MHT:

• Design research methodology and tools for Baseline and Endline Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices(KAP) studies; MHT will lead data collection.
• Conduct comparative analysis of baseline and endline data to assess behavioral and knowledge shifts.
• Integrate HVA findings with KAP results to provide a comprehensive understanding of heat vulnerability.
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and stakeholder presentations.
• Develop monitoring indicators for climate solutions being implemented under the project and its validation approach.
• Review and finalize all research tools, reports, and knowledge outputs.
  
  

 Evaluation Criteria

The specific criteria that will be used to evaluate and select proposals, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

• Expertise and technical knowledge in the key focus sector – Climate Change to scientifically conduct relevant studies.
• Prior experience in carrying out base line and end line studies specifically around climate change projects with rich knowledge base in development of statistical tools for data analysis.
• Organisation is expected to be pro-active in communicating and reporting as per the project timelines. Delivery of timely and detailed case studies, policy briefs, short films, and city-level knowledge products.

Pricing and Budgeting

The organisation is expected to prepare the technical proposal and financial bid along with CVs of team member based on details provided in the RFP documents. Sharing references /documents of similar assignment completed will be desirable. The selection will be done basis Quality Based Selection (QBS) method.
 Deadline for submissionKindly submit the proposal as per this RfP detailing the methodology, research tools and financials by October 15, 2025.
 Contact Information

Kindly send in your proposal / any query on the following email id: indore@mahilahsg.org 

Job Email ID:|

indore(at)mahilahsg.org