ToR
for hiring agency for production of EDNF (with provided formulation) for pilot
implementation in Andhra Pradesh under the project titled
“Comprehensive Management of Severe and Moderate Acute Malnutrition 
(SAM and MAM)”

Background of the Organizations:  

Vijayavahini Charitable Foundation(VCF):
Vijayavahini Charitable Foundation(VCF) is a not for profit organization which focuses on a wide range of themes, including livelihood promotion, agriculture, sanitation, nutrition, education, skill development and conservation, among others. VCF has anchored multiple nutrition projects, including Strengthening ICDS system and promoting rice fortification. VCF will implement and manage the proposed project across 3 districts in Andhra Pradesh, with support from Tata Trusts and TINI. VCF proposes to intervene in Manyam, NTR, and Tirupati districts, given the burden of SAM and MAM children as well as to build synergies with existing initiatives. 

Since 2018, VCF has been actively engaged in various programs aimed at improving nutrition standards in rural communities across Andhra Pradesh. As part of this integrated project, VCF successfully transformed over 280 Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) and provided training to 12,000 Anganwadi workers. Additionally, VCF intervened to address Micro nutrient deficiency and collaborated with the AP government to supply nutrient-rich fortified rice to children and mothers through the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) and ICDS schemes. 

About the Program:
This proposed program aims to promote and institutionalize continuum of care for addressing acute malnutrition (viz. SAM as well as MAM) by leveraging combined protocol for acute malnutrition study (ComPAS model) through both community and facility-based approaches in the system. This model has unified the treatment of uncomplicated SAM and MAM children into one protocol in line with recent CMAM protocol released by GOI, simplified the diagnostic criteria, viz. Growth Monitoring (height and weight) only and utilizes energy dense nutrient food supplement (EDNF). EDNF refers to foods specially formulated to provide high energy and essential nutrients in a small quantity, making them suitable for people who cannot consume large volumes of food. The formulation will be share to the interested agencies only.  

The other areas of the project with a focus on prevention shall include: a) Institutionalizing a convergence matrix to efficiently leverage the network of AAAs (Anganwadi Workers, ASHA and ANMs) at all levels allowing them to work in tandem; b) Building capacities of AAAs to identify, screen, diagnose, manage and treat SAM & MAM children at the community level; c) Improving dietary intake of communities by building their capacities on mother and child nutrition practices and; d) Supporting national and state specific protocols for management of SAM by integrating community-based approaches.  

The goal of the program is to achieve sustainable improvement in nutrition and health outcomes of children under 5years and women of reproductive age, with a special focus on most vulnerable populations. 

Objectives:

• To improve quality and coverage of services designed to address acute malnutrition viz. CMAM.
• To strengthen CMAM implementation by introducing cost effective and locally available food based interventions.
• To promote intensified growth monitoring campaigns with an aim to test, trace and treat.
• To improve nutritional intake of communities by building their capacities on mother, infant and young child nutrition

Objective of the assignment:
The primary objective of the assignment involves production of EDNF with provided formulations, ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and programmatic requirements. 

Following the development of an EDNF formulation for the Alternate Food Model, pilot-scale production is proposed to assess feasibility, acceptability, and operational readiness prior to scale-up. 

Scope of Work:

The key tasks for this assignment will be undertaken in consultation with VCF project management team as follows:

• Producing EDNF as per provided formulation and technical specifications including shelf-life testing
• Ensuring adherence to FSSAI and relevant food safety standards
• Procuring ingredients, processing, and packaging of EDNF for pilot use
• Ensuring quality control, hygiene, and traceability during production
• Packaging and labelling suitable for pilot distribution
• Timely supply the product to required location
• Providing production cost details and batch documentation
• Provide complete nutritional information for the final product

Deliverables

• Pilot quantity of EDNF produced as per agreed specifications
• Quality assurance and safety compliance documentation
• Batch-wise production and cost details
• Timely supply the product to required location
• Final production report with recommendations for scale-up
• Packaging and labelling suitable for pilot distribution
• Provide complete nutritional information for the final product

*Details of the ingredients and quantities required for the study will be shared exclusively with interested agencies.  

Timeline
Pilot production to be completed within 12 weeks from approval of formulation and award of assignment. Total project duration will be 6 months. 

Support from VCF:

• Support in providing state specific documents relating to the assignment if any. ?Provide any further information on the program.

Terms for the Payment:

 Applications should be sent to careers@vijayavahini.org  

Job Email ID: Careers(at)vijayavahini.org