EOI for Technical Partner Onboarding for Kaushala Sutra: Building Kendujhar Silk Ecosystem, Odisha

EOI for Technical Partner Onboarding for Kaushala Sutra: Building Kendujhar Silk Ecosystem, Odisha

Organization: BharatCares

Apply By: 28 Oct 2026

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) Technical Partner Onboarding

Kaushala Sutra: Building Kendujhar Silk Ecosystem, Odisha

About BharatCares

BharatCares (by SMEC Trust) is the social impact arm of the CSRBOX Group, specially created for programme delivery. We leverage innovation, technology and scale to address social challenges and act as a bridge between communities, innovators and funders to implement effective social impact programmes. BharatCares works across areas including education, employability, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, healthcare, environment and rural development.

About the Project

Kaushala Sutra: Building Kendujhar Silk Ecosystem, Odisha is a CSR-supported initiative aimed at strengthening the local Silk silk ecosystem through skill development, technical capacity building, improved production practices, design and product development, and livelihood opportunities. As part of the initial assessment, BharatCares interacted with weaving communities, women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), master weavers, community institutions and other stakeholders across identified clusters in the Anandpur area. The assessment shows that beneficiaries are at different stages of silk-related activity: - Group A – Existing silk weavers: traditional weavers with weaving and production experience who need skill upgradation, improved techniques, design exposure, quality improvement and technology support. - Group B – New women entrants: women with limited or no prior experience in weaving or silk-related activities who need foundational training and gradual skill development. The project will initially focus on approximately 100 direct beneficiaries in identified clusters in the Anandpur area of Kendujhar district, Odisha. This number is indicative; the final number and the split between Group A and Group B will be confirmed after the training needs assessment. Bidders must quote a per-beneficiary rate so that costs can be scaled up or down. Project Objectives - Strengthen technical and weaving skills among existing weavers. - Build foundational silk and weaving skills among women who are new to the activity. - Improve product quality, production practices and technical capabilities. - Introduce relevant design and product development approaches. - Build local capacity for continued skill development and livelihood generation. - Create pathways towards stronger market opportunities and sustainability of the silk livelihood ecosystem.

Scope of Work – Core Component

The selected technical partner/service provider will primarily be responsible for Training & Capacity Building of approximately 100 direct beneficiaries and 700 indirect beneficiaries. The partner is expected to propose a practical, field-oriented approach based on the different skill levels and needs of the beneficiary groups. Market linkage and support operations will be major component of the project. Organisations with relevant expertise may submit a technical and financial proposal for this component. Proposal of this component will not be mandatory for submitting an EOI for the core training scope. Training Needs Assessment & Programme Design - Assess existing skill levels, technical gaps and learning needs of the identified beneficiary groups. - Develop a differentiated training plan for existing Silk weavers and women who are new to weaving/silk-related activities. - Recommend training duration, batch structure, methodology, modules and sequencing. - Develop a detailed implementation plan in consultation with BharatCares. Training & Technical Capacity Building Training should be practical and hands-on and may cover the following areas, as relevant to the assessed needs: - Basic weaving and silk-related skills for new beneficiaries. - Advanced weaving techniques for existing Silk weavers. - Improved weaving, production and productivity practices. - Yarn and silk handling and relevant technical processes. - Loom operation and appropriate technology adoption. - Quality improvement, finishing and standardisation. - Other technical areas recommended by the service provider based on its expertise and assessment. Design & Product Development - Exposure to contemporary and market-relevant design trends. - Design development and product diversification using Silk silk. - Development or demonstration of suitable new product concepts. - Practical guidance on motifs, patterns, colours, finishing and product presentation. - Support beneficiaries in adapting designs to available skills, equipment and production conditions. Practical Demonstration & Field Handholding - Conduct practical demonstrations and hands-on training sessions. - Provide field-level technical handholding during implementation. - Support beneficiaries in applying the skills and techniques introduced through training. - Identify potential local resource persons/master weavers for continued technical support. - Provide recommendations for sustaining technical support beyond the engagement period. Technical Recommendations and quality assurance - Assess relevant tools, equipment and technology requirements for improving production and training. - Provide technical recommendations/specifications for equipment or infrastructure, where relevant. - Provide recommendations related to Common Facility Centre requirements, where applicable. - Procurement or establishment of infrastructure is not part of this EOI unless specifically agreed separately. - Ensure quality of maintenance across Market Assessment & Product Positioning - Assessment of existing products and market potential. - Identification of suitable customer segments, market channels and buyer opportunities. - Development of product positioning, pricing, packaging and presentation. Market Linkages - Identification of potential buyers, institutions and market partners. - Support for relevant exhibitions, fairs and other market access opportunities. - Institutional, digital or other suitable market channels. - Development of a practical market linkage strategy. Expected Outputs & Deliverables - Training needs assessment and detailed training plan. - Training curriculum/modules suited to different beneficiary groups. - Training and practical sessions covering approximately 100 beneficiaries. - Pre- and post-training assessment of participant skills/learning. - Hands-on demonstrations and technical sessions. - Design and product development inputs. - Field-level technical handholding and mentoring. - Recommendations on tools, equipment and infrastructure, where applicable. - Participant, training and progress documentation. - Final report covering activities, outputs, outcomes and recommendations. Project Approach & Engagement The broader project is envisaged as a three-year intervention: - Year 1 – Training & Capacity Building: Skill development, technical training, design exposure and strengthening of local capacities. - Year 2 – CFC & Market Linkages: Strengthening/development of Common Facility Centres, technology and equipment support, product development and market linkages. - Year 3 – Expansion & Sustainability: Strengthening producer groups and enterprises, expanding market opportunities and establishing mechanisms for long-term sustainability. The present EOI primarily seeks a technical partner for the overall project delivery. Partner may recommend how its engagement can align with the broader project roadmap. Expected engagement duration should be proposed by the service provider based on its methodology, including number of batches, training days, field visits and handholding requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

- Proven experience in Tussar silk, handloom, weaving, textile design or related technical domains. - Demonstrated experience of minimum 3 years in skill development and capacity-building programmes. - Minimum of 3 yea