Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) Security Services for Ukraine Programs: U RESTORE and PSOPS Issued by: Cowater International
Submission Deadline: July , 5
1. Background and context Cowater International is launching two major development programs in Ukraine—U RESTORE and PSOPS—during a period of heightened and persistent insecurity.
The operating environment is diverse, shaped by varying levels of active armed conflict, aerial threats, and conscription challenges since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2. Today, the frontline is relatively stable, with frontline movements coming in small increments. While the highest risk is seen along the frontline, Russia continues to launch missiles and drones deep into Ukrainian territory, and no city is completely immune. Targets are not limited to military infrastructure, as civilian areas are regularly affected by Russian missiles, drones and indirect fire. Cities closer to the frontline and the Russian border face a higher risk, and some cities, including Kyiv, are better protected by air defence than others.
Current initiatives in Ukraine U-RESTORE is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International in partnership with Ukrainian civil society and academic institutions. The project aims to enhance the resilience of women, vulnerable groups, and communities across hromadas in Dnipropetrovsk and Zhytomyr oblasts by promoting inclusive and transparent recovery processes. U-RESTORE aims to enhance the effectiveness of national ministries and local governments in implementing gender-responsive and inclusive recovery strategies, while strengthening the role of civil society in holding public institutions accountable. The project encompasses the reconstruction of social infrastructure and the implementation of small-scale economic initiatives aligned with community priorities.
The Support to Ukraine’s National Museum of the Holodomor Genocide is an -month initiative aimed at strengthening resilience and safeguarding Ukrainian cultural heritage as part of post-conflict recovery efforts. The project supports the Museum’s efforts to preserve and promote Ukrainian identity, document and digitize materials related to the Holodomor, and strengthen institutional governance and partnerships. It also advances international awareness through the development of a permanent exhibition, a traveling exhibit, and a virtual tour.
To ensure safe and effective delivery of these initiatives, Cowater is exploring the services of Ukrainian-based security consulting firms with demonstrated experience in conflict-affected environments and development programming. The intent is to ensure responsive, locally informed, and mission-aligned security services.
Cowater applies a standardized and globally coordinated approach to security and crisis management across all its operations, tailored to the local context. The systems are built around Cowater’s Three Pillars of Security: Building Capacity, Providing Risk Information, and Providing Resources & Response.
The services provided by the service provider will contribute to Cowater’s adaptation and application of these systems in the Ukrainian operational context, ensuring alignment with corporate policies, ISO-aligned frameworks, donor requirements, and the practical needs of project implementation. Services include capacity-building of staff and partners, delivery of targeted training, and advice on integrating safety considerations into programming. This includes a focus on enabling secure and inclusive community engagement, particularly for women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
Cowater invites EOI under two distinct service models. Interested firms may submit for either or both options.
2. Scope of Work
To ensure flexibility and fit-for-purpose solutions, Cowater seeks Expressions of Interest addressing one or both of the following service delivery models:
Option A – Full-Service Security Provision Under this model, the selected firm will assume full responsibility for delivering Cowater’s in-country security function. This includes the following services:
- Operational Security Management: Full oversight of in-country security posture, planning, implementation, and review.
- Risk Monitoring and Intelligence: Proactive risk monitoring, including delivery of daily briefs, real-time alerts, incident-driven updates, and other analytical products tailored to Cowater’s project footprint.
- Journey Management and Secure Transport: Planning and supporting safe movement of personnel and assets, including vehicle provision and trained drivers where required, noting U-Restore will be based in Kyiv city, besides Zhytomyr and Dnipropetrovsk oblast.
- Staff Training: Delivery of Cowater’s core security training curriculum (, HEAT, first aid, UXO/IED, driver training), along with procurement or development of supplemental content based on evolving needs.
- Crisis Response and Surge Support: Lead all crisis response efforts, including evacuation and incident management; rapidly deploy additional staff or expertise during high-risk periods.
- Compliance Reporting and Coordination: Ensure full reporting against internal and donor requirements, coordinate with local authorities and forums, and uphold Cowater’s duty of care, safeguarding, and neutrality standards.
- Specialist Access: Deploy security analysts, advisors, or trainers as needed to ensure effective delivery of services.
Option B – Support Services to In-House Security Team Under this model, Cowater will directly employ a dedicated in-country Security Team. The selected firm(s) will provide targeted support in one or more of the following areas:
- Journey Management and Logistics Coordination: Support tracking systems and personnel for staff movement planning and monitoring; provide secure vehicles and vetted drivers as required, noting that U-Restore will be based in Kyiv City, in addition to Zhytomyr and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. Journey management and movement support: Planning, monitoring, and supporting the safe movement of staff and assets. The Proposal should describe the journey management system and the type of movement support provided.
- Enhanced Intelligence and Risk Monitoring: Deliver in-depth threat assessments, daily briefs, and real-time updates tailored to Cowater’s project footprint.
- Secure transport and driver provision, where required: Supplying vetted vehicles and trained drivers for staff and operations, available on demand or for dedicated periods. The Proposal should specify the type of training drivers have received and the type(s) of vehicles offered.
- Specialized Training Support: Deliver Cowater’s standard training courses and adapt or procure additional training for context-specific needs. Areas may include HEAT, trauma first aid, UXO/IED, drone awareness, and driver safety. The Proposal should outline the training, overall scope, and topics, and describe how the training will be delivered.
- Technical Support and Surge Capacity: Offer short-term staffing or advisory support during high-threat periods or incidents, as directed by Cowater’s in-country Security Team. The Proposal should indicate the types of experts or personnel available for surge support.
- Access to Specialists: Provide on-demand access to qualified experts in intelligence analysis, training, or other technical domains to augment internal capacity.
3. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Eligible firms must:
- Be legally registered and based in Ukraine.
- Demonstrate experience supporting INGOs or donor-funded programs.
- For option A, full-service, a similar experience from another INGO/donor-funded program in Ukraine is desirable (attach description of previous similar services and references)
- Have capacity for bilingual service (Ukrainian-English).
- Provide evidence of insurance coverage and appropriate licenses for transport and drivers (if applicable).
- Offer local presence across multiple oblasts, including those mentioned above, or scalable regional capacity.
4. Expressions of Interest (EOI) Requirements Submissions should be no more than 5 pages and must clearly specify whether the firm is applying for Option A, Option B, or both. Each EOI must include:
- Company Profile and Registration Details
- Technical Proposal aligned with chosen Option(s), detailing methodology and approach for each service area.
- Key Personnel bios, highlighting relevant experience in conflict zones and development contexts.
- Cost Proposal using the Commercial Proposal Template provided below, with a clear pricing structure per Option, including any daily rates, monthly retainers, or project-based costs
Access: Option A Commercial Proposal template (request via e-mail )
Access: Option B Commercial Proposal template (request via e-mail )
- Please detail how each of the services proposed will be delivered. Include as needed additional annexes describing/specifying the design/modalities used, whether training, transport, info/analysis, etc. This does not count toward the 5-page limit.
5. Evaluation CriteriaEOIs will be evaluated on:
- Technical quality and relevance of approach (%)
- Past performance and context familiarity (%)
- Capacity and resources for surge and regional coverage (%)
- Commercial Proposal: cost competitiveness and clarity (%)
6. Submission Instructions - Submit EOIs through Cowater Career Portal under “Resume” section by July th, 5: PM EDT.
- Format: PDF, 5 pages per Option
- Subject line: EOI – Ukraine Security Services – [Firm Name]
- Expected contract start date: TBC
- Initial duration: months with renewal based on performance
7.
Questions and ClarificationsSend inquiries to
by
July 7, 5. A consolidated response will be shared with all applicants who requested additional information by
July , 5. 8.
Oversight and Ethical ComplianceCowater will assign a security oversight lead to manage the contract and ensure quality and compliance with humanitarian principles. The selected firm must adhere to:
- Neutrality and impartiality
- Do-no-harm practices
- Cowater’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies
9.
Additional NotesCowater reserves the right to:
- Reject any or all EOIs
- Select separate services (if applicable) and negotiate terms and pricing
- Contact references prior to the final award
Issuance of this Request for EOIs does not constitute a contract commitment.