Global Supply Chain Systems Strengthening (UNICEF LTA)

Project Update: Global Supply Chain Systems Strengthening (UNICEF LTA)

Client: UNICEF

Duration: 3 Years (plus 2 option years) Location: Global (190 Countries)

Project Overview i-APS has been awarded a Long-Term Arrangement for Services (LTA-S) by UNICEF to provide Supply Chain Systems Strengthening Professional Services. Under this agreement, which spans an initial 36 months with an option for an additional 24 months, i-APS will support UNICEF and national governments globally to solve complex supply chain challenges. The primary objective is to strengthen government-led national supply chains to ensure they are fit for purpose and capable of ensuring access to supplies for children and their families, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Scope of Services i-APS has been selected to provide technical assistance and professional services across the following key domains of the UNICEF Supply Chain Rainbow:

• Policy and Strategy Development (Lot 1): We will assist governments in creating an enabling environment for supply chain operations by analyzing existing legal and regulatory frameworks and identifying policy gaps. Our team will support the development of national supply chain strategies, implementation roadmaps, and standard operating procedures to embed best practices and clarify accountability.

• Procurement Systems and Operations (Lot 5): Recognizing that public procurement constitutes a significant portion of a country's GDP, i-APS will conduct assessments to identify bottlenecks and mitigate risks within national procurement systems. We will support the modernization of procurement operations, help incorporate sustainable procurement practices, and generate evidence to support strategic recommendations and interventions.

• Warehousing and Distribution (Lot 6): To ensure the efficient storage and movement of supplies, i-APS will assess existing warehouse infrastructure and distribution systems. Our services include designing warehouse flows aligned with global standards, supporting the deployment of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and developing plans for warehouse expansion or improvement to handle increasing demands.

• Digitalization and Data Analytics (Lot 8): We will support the transformation of supply chains into data-driven systems by assessing information system gaps and supporting the rollout of electronic Logistics Management Information Systems (eLMIS). Our work will focus on building capacity to collect and use data effectively, enabling decision-makers to develop beneficiary-centered strategies and ensure accurate forecasting and planning.

• Access and Coverage Evaluation (Lot 10): i-APS will deploy Access and Coverage Evaluation (ACE) tools to verify that supplies are available and appropriate at the point of use. We will work with district offices to identify "last mile" gaps, train assessors, and develop improvement roadmaps to remove access barriers and ensure supplies reach the intended beneficiaries.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Evidence Generation (Lot 11): To ensure continuous improvement and accountability, i-APS will monitor and evaluate the performance of supply chain projects and institutions. This includes conducting baseline reviews, developing M&E frameworks, and generating the evidence base required for advocacy and investment cases to secure sustainable financing for supply chain functions.