architectureforhumanity
Released: 30 May 2007Request for Proposals: AMD Open Architecture Challenge
Sponsored by: AMD
Deadline: July 20, 2007
|Introduction|
Architecture for Humanity and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a leading global provider of innovative processing solutions in the computing, graphics and consumer electronics markets, are proud to announce the AMD Open Architecture Challenge. Funding of up to a maximum of $250,000 will support the design and development of innovative structures in communities in need. Each year the challenge tackles a different systemic issue faced by the half the world's population that is living on less than $2 a day. The first challenge is sponsored by AMD through 50x15, a global initiative founded by AMD to enable affordable Internet access and computing capability for 50 percent of the world's population by the year 2015. As an extension of the 50x15 Learning Labs program, the challenge will focus on the design and construction of technology training centers.
We are seeking to partner with local organizations in communities that lack Internet connectivity to design and build the technology center. The goal of the program is to design and build a facility that will help a broad cross-section of the surrounding population realize greater educational, social and business opportunities via the Internet. The facility will house computers, servers and other technology.
AMD will provide technology training, equipment and support. Architecture for Humanity will provide design and construction assistance. The role of the local organization is to assist in identifying the technology needs of the surrounding community, identify the site, acquire land, assist in the design and construction of the facility and provide long-term maintenance and management of the facility. We are seeking proposals from community organizations based in developing countries that can demonstrate a need for Internet connectivity and the organizational strength to partner with us to achieve the program's goals.
Community organizations are free to propose any technology center project based on need. Centers may be in rural, semi-rural or urban areas. Proposed facilities may be multi-functional. Facilities should address one or more of the following four key areas:
* E-Governance
* Healthcare
* Education
* E-Commerce
Examples include but are not limited to:
* a community court or social services center
* a tele-medicine center
* a library and youth center
* a micro-finance lending or bill payment center
For more information, please review the attached case studies of previous projects undertaken by the sponsors. You may also visit: http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/challenge
|Challenge Benefits|
If selected, the local organization will receive funding for the design and construction of a technology facility up to a maximum of $250,000. Challenge funds must be used solely for the design and construction of the proposed facility. The selected organization will also receive equipment and training to assist in the establishment of the program and its long-term maintenance.
Please note: Challenge funds may not be used for administrative or overhead costs beyond the first year of the proposed facility's operation. Funds may not be used for religious purposes or to influence political elections.
Only proposals from community organizations as defined below will be considered.
|Eligibility|
Eligible organizations are defined as legally registered nonprofit organizations, trade organizations or small businesses, that
* are based in the community to be served by the proposed facility
* own or can acquire the land on which the proposed facility will be built
* can demonstrate that there are currently no internet connection points (i.e internet café, library, business connection or other type of internet connection) within a 5km distance from the site of the proposed facility
* employ at least three full-time employees, including one staff person with basic computer skills
* can demonstrate previous project management experience
* can provide at least three years of past financial records upon request
* demonstrate the ability and commitment to operate and maintain the facility over a 10-year period
We encourage local community groups to partner with government agencies or ministries provided the local organization acts as the project lead.
We encourage local community groups to partner with national and international NGOs provided that the local affiliate or organization act as the project lead.
|Site Requirements|
In addition, the proposed location of the facility must meet the following guidelines:
* There should be no similar facility within 5 kilometers in an urban area, 15 kilometers in a rural area from the proposed site
* The local organization must be able to obtain clear title to the land on which the proposed facility is to be built.
* The proposed site must be accessible, and if possible, within walking distance of public transportation.
|Roles and Responsibilities|
1. Local Organization
With challenge funding and support, the local organization must:
* Identify the technology needs of the community and develop a program to meet them
* Act as lead organization on the design, planning and construction of the facility
* Own or acquire the land on which the proposed facility will be built
* Commit full-time organization personnel to the project for its duration who will:
* Coordinate between the architectural team and the community during construction
* Play a fiduciary role in financing the construction
* Hire and manage general contractors
* Work with AMD and its technology partners to develop and implement the proposed technology program
* Assist with documentation of the project including photos and write-ups
* Provide long-term maintenance and management of the facility, including its equipment
* Generate regular written reports that details the site’s construction progress and subsequent operations. Update to contain details on equipment deployed, partners involved, number of visitors to the site, operational expenses, outstanding issues and methodologies used to overcome challenges. These updates will be posted on the Open Architecture Network and distributed to all project partners.
2. Architecture for Humanity
In partnership with the local organization, Architecture for Humanity commits to:
* Hold a design competition to select an architectural team for the proposed facility
* Facilitate a partnership between the winning design team and the local organization
* Provide construction oversight
* Provide a dedicated project manager
* Assist the organization in all phases of design and construction
3. AMD (and its technology partners)
AMD and its technology partners commit to:
* Provide hardware and software to meet the technological needs of the facility
* Provide technology support and guidance during the facility's initial operating period
* Train facility staff members to operate and maintain these technologies
* Provide guidance to staff members in training the community to use the facility
[Tentative Project Schedule]
Project partners must be willing to work with Architecture for Humanity and AMD to meet the following project milestones:
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
August 1, 2007 - August 31, 2007
* initial site visit
* technological needs assessment
* development of design and construction brief
COMPETITION LAUNCHES
September 5, 2007
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
September 1, 2007 - January 1, 2008
* program development
* identify technology partners
* land acquisition/site preparation
* establish construction financing
* identify construction partners
* fundraising (if necessary)
* AFH hosts design competition
SELECTION OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM
February 1, 2008 - March 15, 2008
* jurying
* finalists interviewed
* selection of design team
FACILITY DESIGN AND PLANNING
April 1, 2008 - June 31, 2004
* community design workshops
* design development and planning
* construction bidding
* permitting pre-construction
FACILITY CONSTRUCTION
July 1, 2008 -January 31, 2009
* Construction
* Fixtures, Furniture & Equipment
TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT
February 1, 2009 - March 31, 2009
* Technology equipment installation
* Training (potentially on-going)
|Cost Considerations|
The maximum award for the proposed facility and associated implementing costs is $250,000. However, the cost-effectiveness of the proposed facility will be a deciding factor in the selection of a site, and proposals submitted with lower budgets will be given greater consideration.
In preparing a budget, applicants should weigh the proposed costs of construction against the number of beneficiaries served. Applicants should also take into account local labor and materials costs.
Proposal budgets should include program and facility development costs, construction costs (material and labor), and up to one year of operating costs. (See "Sample Budget" below.) Proposals with budgets that exceed $250,000 will not be considered.
|Selection Criteria|
The AMD Open Architecture Challenge will be awarded based on the determination of Architecture for Humanity and AMD after reviewing the applications. Selection will be based on the information contained in the application and will be in Architecture for Humanity and AMD's sole discretion.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Need for Internet access in the surrounding community
2. Specific benefits of internet connectivity in addressing one or more of the four key areas (e-governance, healthcare, education, e-commerce) and the impact of the program in improving lives.
3. Cost-effectiveness of proposed facility and program (see "Cost Considerations" above)
4. Potential to serve the greatest number of beneficiaries in the targeted area
5. The community organization's capacity to maintain and operate the facility
6. Potential to bring prosperity and economic development to the community it serves
7. Potential for the facility to be self-sustaining within a reasonable timeframe
8. Willingness to engage community residents directly in the design and development of the facility
|Proposal Instructions|
To submit a proposal, local organizations should complete the application below. Questions should be answered as fully as possible. Proposals should be submitted in English. The organization's Board Chairman, CEO, President or Executive Director must read and sign the "Terms of Agreement".
Proposals must be received by July 20, 2007. Proposals may be sent by mail or email or fax.
Submit signed application to:
The AMD Open Architecture Challenge
Architecture for Humanity
900 Bridgeway, Suite 2
Sausalito, CA 94965
stacy@architectureforhumanity.org
Fax: 415.332.6283
Need more information? Please feel free to contact us for clarification or assistance in completing the application at any time.
For more information contact:
Stacy Sabraw, Programs Manager
Architecture for Humanity
900 Bridgeway, Suite 2
Sausalito, CA 94965
415.332.6273
stacy@architectureforhumanity.org
|Deadline|
July 20, 2007 Deadline for Proposal Submissions
|Application|
In applying for this project please fill out ALL the information below to be accepted
Applicant Information
Organization name: _____________________________________________
Contact person: _____________________________________________
Title: _____________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
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State/Province: _____________________________________________
Country: _____________________________________________
Postal Code: _____________________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________
Tel: _____________________________________________
Fax: _____________________________________________
Please provide a brief description of your organization: (250 words)
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Project team
Please list the names of the people who will be involved in the project and their role in the organization.
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(...continue list on separate page if necessary.)
Please list any other significant partners/individuals expected to be involved in the project and their role.
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Project description
Please provide a description of the proposed technology facility?
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What is the need for such a facility in your community?
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Who will the facility serve? (Please include the approximate number of people
who will benefit from the project.)
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How will the facility improve the lives of the beneficiaries? How will it meet the needs of the community in one or more of the four key program areas (e-governance, healthcare, education, e-commerce)?
Proposed Project Location
Address _____________________________________________
City _____________________________________________
State/Province _____________________________________________
Country _____________________________________________
Postal Code _____________________________________________
Briefly describe the proposed site for the facility, including adjacent buildings or services. (If possible, please attach photos and/or GPS data)
Predominant local language: _____________________________________________
Does the site have access to electricity? Yes No
Does the site have access to water and sanitation services? Yes No
How near is the site to a public transportation point? ___________________
Are there any issues with security on the proposed site? If so, please describe.
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Demonstration of Need
Please describe the main income sources of the population in the target area?
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What is the average income of the target population?
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Please describe how people currently access the Internet.
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What is the physical distance of the proposed site from nearest Internet connection point?
Please circle one:
Less than 5km 5km-10km 10km-25km More than 25km
Approximately what percentage of the surrounding population in the surrounding area has access to the Internet? _____%
Please describe the current computer equipment available in your area:
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Organizational Capacity
What qualifications does your organization have to undertake the construction and operation of a technology facility? (Include a brief description of any similar projects your organization has undertaken, if any.)
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How will the facility be maintained once it is complete?
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Who will staff the facility and how will it be managed?
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Please list any funding/investment sources you plan to use to finance the long-term operation of the facility?
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Will the facility generate income? If so, how?
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Proposed Budget
Please include a budget for the proposed facility. You may use the sample budget below or provide your own detailed budget. (In preparing a budget, please take into account the guidelines noted under "Cost Considerations" above.) Please Note: Proposals that do not include a budget will not be considered.
PROJECT BUDGET Development/Construction - Operational Costs (Yr 1) - Total
*Operational Expenses*
Staffing and Personnel -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Office Space -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Bank and credit card fees -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Equipment -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Insurance -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Postage/Delivery/Shipping -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Printing / Photocopy -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Professional Fees (Legal/Financial) -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Office Supplies -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Telephone / Fax / Internet -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Meeting costs -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Utilities -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Other (please describe) -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
*Total Operational Expenses -----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------
Development/Construction - Operational Costs (Yr 1) - Total
*Facility Construction*
Land acquisition -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Site preparation -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Labor -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Materials -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Furniture, Finishings and Equipment -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
Other (please describe) -----------------------------|-------------------------------|
*Total Construction Costs* -----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET -----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------
Committed Funds -----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------
Please provide any information on funds/investments already committed to the project
TOTAL PROPOSAL REQUEST -----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------
Total Budget less Committed Funds -----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------
Terms of Agreement
In submitting this proposal the applicant agrees the applicant:
* Will use any funds awarded solely for the purposes as outlined in the proposal application;
* Will meet all applicable local, state and governmental building codes and regulations;
* Will engage in sustainable design practices whenever practicable;
* Will make use of local materials and labor, whenever practicable;
* Will not engage in the hiring of child labor or promote unsafe or inadequate working conditions;
* Will engage community members in the planning and development of the project;
* Will not use the grant to influence legislation, to influence the outcome of any election, or to carry on any voter registration drive;
* Will not use the grant for religious purposes;
* Will provide Architecture for Humanity with written progress reports, details of the project and final cost report;
* Will allow Architecture for Humanity and AMD the ability to replicate and disseminate any documents for the project including but not limited to designs, construction drawings and any supporting materials for the implementation of additional structures of other groups;
* Will indemnify, defined and hold Architecture for Humanity and AMD harmless, including chartered units, and its governors, directors, officers, employees, agents and volunteers from and against any and all suits, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating in any way to the project; and
* Will allow Architecture for Humanity and AMD to publish images and/or text created or gathered for the event on its website, in publicity materials and in reports to its volunteers and donors.
By signing this application, I certify that:
[ ] The information provided in this application and attachments is true and correct to the best of my knowledge
[ ] I am an authorized representative of the applicant
Electronically signed by entering the following information:
Name of signer: __________________________________
Title: __________________________________
Organization: __________________________________
Date: _________________________________
