Development
of Generative AI-Enabled, Cloud-Hosted Interactive e-Book and website for Use
Case Documentation across Digital Agriculture Thematic Areas
1. Background - Disruptive Technologies and the World Bank Group
The World Bank Group support countries to create the opportunities
and mitigate the risks associated with disruptive technologies under the
‘Build-Boost-Broker’ value proposition. Disruptive technologies and their
applications for development are increasingly being mainstreamed within
existing WBG approaches. Its global experience and multisectoral portfolio
provide insights into the ways disruptive technologies can be applied
holistically to achieve the twin goals of sustainable, inclusive growth. The World Bank is operationalising the ‘Build-Boost-Broker’
approach in the following way:
·
Build - working on developing
the digital and physical infrastructure and regulatory foundations for
sustainable, inclusive technology-enabled economies.
·
Boost - working on expanding
the capacity of institutions, communities, firms, and individuals to leverage
technology-led disruption for socioeconomic dividends and greater resilience in
times of change.
·
Broker - working to harness
disruptive technology, data, expertise, and partnerships to solve development
challenges and ensure that the poor share in the benefits.
In line with this strategic framework, the World Bank develops
knowledge products in digital agriculture as tools for applying best practices
in digital technologies to foster sectoral transformation. These knowledge
products are envisioned as key instruments in translating the
'Build-Boost-Broker' approach into tangible outcomes in the agricultural
sector. They aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and its
on-ground application, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation in
agriculture reach the most vulnerable and marginalized communities.
2. Background of the Assignment
The Agriculture and Food Global Practice of the World Bank in India aims
to commission the development of an AI-enabled e-Book, which will be hosted as
a website on cloud based infra till the project is live as Generative AI (Chat
GPT0 features cannot be currently applied to an offline version). The eBook
will need to be hosted on a designated website with a feature to download an
offline version with search capabilities (opposed to Chat GPT based queries).
This e-Book is conceptualized as an extensive
compendium on digital agriculture initiatives, with a special focus on projects
across India, Korea, and other parts of the world. It will cover a diverse
array of topics, including the agriculture informatization, digital agriculture
policies, and the cutting-edge application of Industry 4.0 solutions in the
farm and food sectors. The e-Book will be Generative AI enabled, ensuring a
dynamic and interactive user experience. This will be complemented by a design
that allows for real-time updates and revisions, with authors having the
capability to modify and enhance content via a secured login, under a stringent
moderation protocol. Such a feature is pivotal in maintaining the e-Book as an
up-to-date, relevant, and authoritative resource in the fast-paced field of
digital agriculture.
The creation of this e-Book is deemed essential for the sustained
impact and longevity AGF GP’s digital agriculture initiatives. It is envisioned
to function as a central repository, facilitating the documentation, storage,
and structured dissemination of the knowledge, insights, and best practices.
Serving as a perpetual reference point, the e-Book will empower stakeholders to
continuously revisit, refine, and expand upon the initiatives. This approach is
designed to ensure that the project's outcomes resonate well beyond its
immediate duration, contributing to lasting enhancements in agricultural
practices and policies within the region.
To realize this objective, the World Bank is seeking the services of
a consulting firm (or a consortium of firms) that possess a blend of specialized
expertise.
3. Scope of Work
The selected consulting firm or consortium will be tasked with
developing an e-Book that serves as both a comprehensive source of knowledge
and an interactive tool for learning about digital agriculture. This e-Book
should not only contain valuable information but also engage users in an
interactive and dynamic way. The scope of work provided below specifies the
responsibilities and expectations from the consulting firm. It is designed to
ensure that the e-Book meets the highest standards of quality, relevance, and
innovation, in line with the World Bank's objectives for enhancing digital
agriculture practices globally.
a. Case Studies/Use Cases
Research
The vendor will shortlist 75 use cases from India, Korea, and other
parts of the world. Each case study should provide a detailed exploration of
digital agriculture practices, capturing innovative approaches, encountered
challenges, and recorded successes. The World Bank team has already compiled
several case studies. The chosen vendor will (i) identify a set of thematic
areas within agriculture in consultation with the World Bank (ii) develop a
standardized template and will ensure the availability of new and existing use
case information as per the same. This template should be crafted following
industry standards, enabling it to be utilized for compiling additional content
for the e-book, whether by the vendor or by designated knowledge partners. This
template should be developed in consultation with the World Bank team to ensure
consistency, clarity, and alignment with project objectives.
b. Multimedia Content
Development
The consulting firm/consortium is expected to create a diverse range
of engaging multimedia content. This includes the development of
well-researched and clearly written textual content that effectively
communicates key concepts and insights in digital agriculture. High-quality
graphics, such as infographics, charts, and diagrams, should be designed to
visually represent and simplify complex data and concepts. Interactive elements
maps, and clickable case studies are also to be developed, enhancing the
e-Book's interactivity and user engagement. These multimedia elements must be
seamlessly integrated into the e-Book, with thorough testing across various
devices and platforms to ensure compatibility and functionality. Accessibility
features, such as subtitles for videos and alt text for images, should be
included to make the content accessible to all users. Furthermore, a plan for
regular updates and maintenance of this multimedia content is essential to keep
it current and relevant, reflecting the ongoing advancements in the field of
digital agriculture.
c. Generative AI Integration
for Dynamic Content
The consulting firm/consortium will be required to integrate
advanced Generative AI technologies (Such as ChatGPT) to create a dynamic and
evolving content experience within the e-Book. This involves developing an
AI-driven system capable of generating real-time, personalized content based on
user interactions and preferences. The system should be designed to analyze
user data and content engagement patterns to continuously adapt and update the
e-Book's content presentation depending on the usage, ensuring it remains
relevant and engaging. This includes the automatic generation of reports,
articles, and data visualizations that reflect the latest trends and
developments in digital agriculture (Based on only the case studies entered in
the e-Book). The AI system should also be capable of integrating user feedback
and learning from user interactions to refine content accuracy and relevance
over time. Additionally, the firm must ensure that the AI integration adheres
to ethical standards and data privacy regulations, maintaining the integrity
and trustworthiness of the content. The integration of Generative AI should not
only enhance the user experience by providing tailored and up-to-date
information but also contribute to the e-Book’s role as a leading-edge
educational resource in digital agriculture.
d. Cloud-Based Platform
Management
The consulting firm/consortium will be responsible for managing a
robust cloud-based platform to host the e-Book. This includes ensuring the
platform's high availability, scalability, and security to accommodate a global
audience. The firm should implement effective data storage and retrieval
systems, manage user access controls, and safeguard against potential security
threats. Regular backups and disaster recovery protocols should be in place to
prevent data loss. The platform should also be optimized for various devices
and internet speeds, ensuring seamless access and a consistent user experience
across different geographies.
e. User Interface and
Experience Design
The firm/consortium is expected to design a user interface for the
e-Book that is intuitive, engaging, and easy to navigate. The design should
cater to a diverse user base, incorporating user-friendly layouts, readable
fonts, that is accessible to all users, including those with visual
impairments. The interface should facilitate easy access to different sections
of the e-Book and include search functionality to allow users to find content
quickly. User experience testing should be conducted to gather feedback and make
iterative improvements to the design.
f. Data Analytics and
Visualization
The consulting firm/consortium must integrate data analytics tools
to track and analyze user interactions with the e-Book. This involves
collecting data on user behaviour, content preferences, and engagement levels.
The firm should use this data to generate insights on content effectiveness and
user needs, which can inform future content updates.
g. Content Update and
Moderation System
The firm/consortium will establish a system for regularly updating
and moderating the e-Book's content. This includes setting up a workflow for
content creation, review, approval, and publishing. The firm should ensure that
new content additions and updates are consistent with the e-Book’s overall
style and quality standards. A moderation mechanism should be in place to
review user-generated content or feedback, maintaining the e-Book’s accuracy
and relevance.
h. Search Engine Optimization
(SEO) and Digital Marketing Strategy
Develop and implement SEO and digital marketing strategy to enhance
the e-Book’s online visibility and reach. This includes optimizing the e-Book’s
content for search engines, using relevant keywords, and ensuring that the
e-Book is easily discoverable by the target audience. The firm should also plan
and execute digital marketing campaigns, leveraging social media, email
marketing, and other digital channels to promote the e-Book and drive user
engagement.
i. Compliance with Standards
Ensure strict adherence to legal, ethical, and digital publishing
standards. This includes respecting data privacy laws, securing intellectual
property rights, and maintaining the authenticity and accuracy of the content.
The firm should also be aware of and comply with international standards and
best practices in digital publishing and content creation. Integrate
collaborative tools and platforms to facilitate contributions from multiple
authors, experts, and stakeholders. This includes setting up systems for
content collaboration, version control, and feedback collection. The firm
should ensure that these tools are user-friendly and enable efficient
collaboration and communication among contributors.
4. Expertise
Required
The table provided below outlines the
tentative requirements for expert roles, along with their respective skillsets,
qualifications, and experience requirements. This table serves as a guideline
for prospective bidders to understand the range of expertise needed to
successfully execute the project. However, we encourage bidders to assess the
scope of work thoroughly and propose additional expert roles or modifications
to the existing ones, as they deem fit for the assignment. The objective is to
ensure a well-rounded and effective team composition that can meet the
project's goals and deliver an e-Book of the highest quality and relevance.
Expert Role
Skillsets
Qualifications
Experience
Project Manager
Mastery in agile project management methodologies, profound
understanding of generative AI technologies and their application in digital
content creation, exceptional communication skills. Awareness of the ethical considerations in
AI development and a good understanding of intellectual property laws as they
pertain to digital content and AI-generated materials will be a plus
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology,
Software Engineering, or related fields, with a Master’s degree in these
disciplines viewed favourably. Certifications or advanced training in
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Data Science are highly
preferred.
A minimum of 5 years of project management experience,
particularly in managing complex software development projects within the
digital content creation or publishing sectors. The candidate should have a
proven track record of leading projects to successful completion using agile
methodologies. Experience in leading technical teams, especially in projects
involving advanced technological applications like generative AI will be
preferable.
Digital Agriculture Researchers
In-depth knowledge of digital agriculture practices
Research and analytical skills
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Environmental Science, or
related field
Proven experience of at least 5 years in agricultural research,
particularly digital agriculture.
Experience in conducting case studies and use case documentation
Multimedia Content Developer
Graphic design, Video production, and editing, Interactive content
creation
Bachelor’s degree/Certificate course in Multimedia, Graphic
Design, or related field
At least 3 years’ experience in developing multimedia content for
digital platforms
Proficiency in design and editing software
Generative AI Specialist
AI and machine learning
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Data analytics
Degree/ Certificate course in Computer Science, AI, or related
field
Advanced degree in AI or machine learning preferred
Experience in implementing Generative AI systems
Experience in dynamic content generation and personalization
Cloud Platform Manager
Cloud computing
Data security and privacy
System administration
Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field
Experience in managing cloud-based platforms
Knowledge of security protocols and data protection measures
UI/UX Designer
User interface design
User experience optimization
Accessibility standards
Degree /Certificate course in Design, UI/UX, or related field
Experience in designing user interfaces for digital platforms
Knowledge of accessibility and usability standards
Data Analyst
Data analytics and visualization
User behaviour analysis
SEO optimization
Degree in Data Science, Statistics, or related field
Experience in data analysis and visualization
Knowledge of SEO strategies and tools
5. Eligibility Criteria
The criteria
listed below are established to ensure that the selected bidder has the
necessary experience, expertise, and resources to meet the project's objectives
and adhere to the World Bank's standards. We invite prospective bidders to
review these criteria thoroughly to evaluate their eligibility for undertaking
this project. Following is the eligibility criteria for the prospective
bidders:
1.
Relevant Experience: The firm or consortium should have a proven track record in similar
projects, particularly in the fields of digital agriculture, e-Book
development, and multimedia content creation. Experience in projects involving
Generative AI, cloud-based platform management, and data analytics would be
highly advantageous.
2.
Technical Expertise: Possession of the necessary technical expertise, as outlined in the
scope of work, is crucial. This includes skills in AI and machine learning,
cloud computing, UI/UX design, data analysis, SEO, and digital marketing.
3.
Financial Stability: The firm or consortium should demonstrate financial stability,
ensuring it has the resources to sustain the project over its duration. This
may include providing financial statements or other proof of financial health.
4.
Qualified Personnel: Availability of qualified personnel who meet the expertise
requirements specified in the project scope. This includes having a team with
the necessary educational background, professional qualifications, and relevant
experience.
5.
Legal Compliance: The
firm or consortium must be in compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory
requirements. This includes adherence to international standards in digital
publishing, data privacy, and intellectual property rights.
6.
Sustainability and Ethical Standards: Commitment to sustainability and adherence to
ethical standards in project execution. This includes environmentally friendly
practices and ethical considerations in AI implementation.
7.
Collaborative Ability: Proven ability to work
collaboratively, both within the team and with external stakeholders, including
the World Bank team and local government bodies.
8.
Global and Regional
Experience: Experience in handling global projects
with a focus on regional specifics, particularly in India, South Korea, and
South Asia, which will be critical for the project's success.
9.
Portfolio and References: A strong portfolio
of past projects and positive references from previous clients, particularly in
sectors relevant to the project.
6. Proposal
Submission
Bidders are expected to provide comprehensive
details to demonstrate their ability to fulfil the project's needs. The
proposal should be clear, detailed, and reflective of the bidder's expertise
and approach to the project. Bidders must use the template provided by the
World Bank and must elaborate on the following:
·
Organizational Profile and
Relevant Experience: A detailed profile of the
organization, highlighting experience in agricultural policy development and
digital technology integration, including case studies or examples of previous
similar projects
·
Profiles of Key Team
Members: Detailed profiles of the key team members,
including their qualifications, experience, and specific roles in the project.
·
Compliance and Quality
Assurance Plan: Outline the measures for ensuring
compliance with the project's standards and quality assurance protocols.
The financial
proposal must outline the cost structure, including
per day rates and tentative travel cost for each expert role as specified in
Section 4. GST must be specified separately.
7. Duration
of the Assignment
The vendor will
report to the Task Team Leader of the KWPF TF and assignment will need to be
completed in 6 months from the signing of the contract.
Payment
Milestones
1.
Submission of inception report
– 10%
2.
Submission of 75 case studies
in the template developed – 20%
3.
Prototype development with AI
integration and addition of cases – 25%
4.
User Acceptance testing and
beta release – 15%
5.
Final delivery and e-book
launch – 10%
6.
Post launch support for 6
months – 20%