KEY INFORMATION
 
Job Title: Request for Proposals - Travel Service Provider
Sector: Travel, Logistics
Position Type: Full-Time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-Term
Position Location: Manila, Philippines
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
 
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender equality (SPRING) Program is Australia's flagship investment of support to the Philippine Government on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 40 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Philippine Government. The investment is DFAT's primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING supports efforts under Australia's new International Development Policy and DFAT's strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.
 
SPRING contributes to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.
 
The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.
SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):
 

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
 
The purpose of procurement is to establish a contractual agreement for a minimum duration of one (1) year with a qualified travel agency. These agencies will be responsible for providing comprehensive travel services to support the implementation of the SPRING Program, but not limited to:
 

• Facilitating issuance of flight tickets and travel insurance for program personnel, as well as for representatives from sub-national offices, Local Government Units (LGUs), program partners, private sector organizations, and other relevant stakeholders
• Scoping and booking for available hotels for accommodation needs
• Scoping and booking local land transportation/vehicle rentals as needed

 
The detailed Request for Proposals can be found here: https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RFP-SPRING-0002-2025…
 
The detailed Terms of Reference for the role can be found here: https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Services-TOR_Travel-…
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
 
All firms that meet the selection criteria are invited to submit their bids by October 25, 2025, 11:59 PM (Manila local time) through procurement@springphilippines.org.
 

1. Cover Letter (See template in Annex 2).
2. Business Permits Latest and up to date business permit
   • BIR2303
   • Sample copy of invoice
   • Sample copy of statement of account
   • DTI for Sole Proprietor
   • SEC for Corporation
   • Latest Audited Financial Statement (the terms of payment will be though send-bill, this is to ensure that the winning travel agency have the financial capacity for such terms and conditions).
3. Cost Proposal.
4. Technical Proposal.

 
Questions and Requests for Clarification
 
Questions regarding the technical or administrative requirements of this RFP may be submitted no later than October 25, 2025, 11:59pm (Manila local time) by email to procurement@springphilippines.org. Questions must be submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted.
 
Questions and requests for clarification and the responses thereto that Cowater believes may be of interest to other offerors will be circulated to all RFP recipients who have indicated an interest in bidding. Only the written answers issued by Cowater will be considered official and carry weight in the RFP process and subsequent evaluation. Any verbal information received from employees of Cowater, or any other entity should not be considered as an official response to any questions regarding this RFP.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
 
ABOUT US
 
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.