Laboratory Services for Chromium and pH Testing in Leather T...

1.0 Background:

Founded in 2002 in Palestine, the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) Association is a renowned non-profit organization committed to advancing the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of regional MSMEs and social enterprises. Through strategic partnerships with leading international organizations, SEC actively strengthens the MENA region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning MSMEs and social enterprises as engines of economic development, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. Its policy advocacy efforts aim to establish an enabling environment that support their long-term success.

SEC delivers innovative market access initiatives, product development programs, sustainability strategies, regional market research, and tailored capacity-building interventions, equipping MSMEs with the tools to compete globally, expand export, and access international trade opportunities. Furthermore, SEC champions green business practices, fostering responsible entrepreneurship that promotes environmental sustainability. By empowering youth and women-led enterprises, SEC drives inclusive growth, shaping a resilient, equitable and prosperous economic future.

Through a strategic partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Global Communities (GC) is implementing the Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine (SMCGP) program. The 44-month program aims to improve the conditions necessary for increased competitiveness and growth of MSMEs, contributing to inclusive sustainable economic development, including better income generation and productive employment with decent working conditions, particularly for women and youth. The SMCGP adopts the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach by employing facilitative approaches with learning at its core. SMCGP will target the creative industries sector which comprises three sectors including Furniture, Footwear and Leather, and Handicrafts.

Within the framework of the sub-agreement signed between the Global Communities and the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) to Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine Programme funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), SEC is seeking the services of a qualified laboratory or institution to conduct chromium and pH testing. This activity aims to support the optimization of chromium recovery and tanning processes in the local leather tanning industry as part of an ongoing research initiative.

SEC invites qualified Palestinian laboratories or research institutions to submit technical and financial proposals for the provision of specialized testing services.

2.0 Questions and Requests for Clarifications:

Questions regarding the technical or administrative requirements of this ToRs may be submitted no later than, Monday 16th of June, 2025 (Ramallah Local Time) by email to [email protected]. Questions must be submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted. Questions, requests for clarifications and the responses thereto that SEC believes may be of interest to other offers will be circulated to all TORs recipients who have indicated an interest in bidding.

Only the written answers issued by SEC will be considered official and carry weight in the ToRs process and subsequent evaluation. Any verbal information received from employees of SEC, or any other entity should not be considered as an official response to any questions regarding this TORs.

2.0 Purpose of this assignment:

SEC is seeking technical and financial proposals from a qualified laboratory or institution to carry out a series of chemical analyses on leather and tanning solutions. The tests will be performed to support a research study focused on improving chromium management and process control in the tanning industry. The assignment includes three specific test categories to be conducted on samples prepared by a pilot tannery in Hebron.

3.0 Testing Laboratory key responsibilities:

The selected laboratory or institution will be responsible for the following:

1. Sample Testing and Analysis

• Chromium Oxide Content in Leather Samples
  • Conduct 49 tests to determine chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) content in tanned leather samples.
  • Use standard testing protocols, ensuring consistent methodology.
  • Provide a certificate of analysis COA of each sample including sample information, test results in mass percent with clear documentation of method, findings, and any observed variations.
• Chromium III Content in Tanning Solution
  • Conduct 32 tests to measure the concentration of trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺) in tanning solutions.
  • Use standard testing protocols, ensuring consistent methodology.
  • Provide a certificate of analysis COA of each sample including sample information, test results in ppm with clear documentation of method, findings, and any observed variations.
• pH Testing for Pickling and Tanning Solutions
  • Measure and report pH values at various stages/intervals in the tanning process for a total of 49 tests.

• • Use standard testing protocols, ensuring consistent methodology.
  • Provide a certificate of analysis COA of each sample including sample information, test results with clear documentation of method, findings, and any observed variations.
  • Provide a clear record of test conditions (e.g., temperature, sampling time) and instrumentation used.

2. Sample Handling and Quality Control

• Ensure all samples are processed under proper chain-of-custody and storage conditions.
• Maintain a detailed log of sample receipt, condition, and any anomalies.
• Follow recognized QA/QC protocols for sample preparation, testing, and reporting.

3. Reporting and Documentation

• Submit raw data files (Excel or CSV) along with test certificates for each batch of samples.
• Provide summary tables and graphs as needed to assist in data interpretation.
• Flag any outlier values or inconsistent results with technical comments.

4. Coordination and Communication

• Communicate regularly with SEC and the assigned research expert to confirm test schedules, clarify technical specifications, or adjust procedures if needed.
• Share test results on a rolling basis, as each set becomes available.
• Provide final delivery of all test results by the agreed deadline.

4.0 Main Deliverables:

• Batch-wise Test Result Certificates for all chromium and pH tests
• Summary Test Table compiling all data in one unified spreadsheet
• Technical Notes or Deviations Report explaining any anomalies or variations
• Final Submission Package including:
  • Scanned and signed test reports
  • Digital data sheets

5.0 Eligibility and Qualifications
The applying laboratory/institution must meet the following criteria:

• Official accreditation or certification for chemical testing (preferably ISO/IEC 17025 or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in leather or industrial wastewater/solution analysis.
• Access to appropriate analytical equipment and trained personnel to conduct the specified tests.
• Capacity to deliver results within a specified timeline (to be confirmed with SEC).
• Strong documentation and reporting standards.

4.0 Qualifications and Work Experience of the Expert:

The applying laboratory/institution must meet the following criteria:

• Official accreditation or certification for chemical testing.
• Demonstrated experience in leather or industrial wastewater/solution analysis.
• Access to appropriate analytical equipment and trained personnel to conduct the specified tests.
• Capacity to deliver results within a specified timeline (to be confirmed with SEC).
• Strong documentation and reporting standards.

5.0 Duration of Appointment:

The assignment is expected to be completed within a period of 2 months from the date of contract signing, including all sample testing, documentation, and submission of final reports.

6.0 Logistic Support for the Consultant:

SEC, in coordination with HLSC, will facilitate planning meetings and, if needed, support the organization of technical discussions. Orientation and ongoing guidance will be provided by the R&D researcher assigned by SEC to ensure alignment with the research objectives and testing protocols.

7.0 Confidentiality Clause:

All data, test results, and related findings generated during this assignment are considered confidential and are intended solely for the use of the SEC R&D committee. No information may be disclosed, published, or used for any other purpose without prior written approval from the committee, in order to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the research.

8.0 Deadlines for Submitting CVs and Technical and Financial Offers:

The deadline for submitting Technical and Financial offers by latest Thursday 19th of June 2025 (Ramallah Local Time)

Kindly send the offers to SEC email:

 [email protected]

Note: Only offers from institutional laboratories will be considered. Individual or freelance submissions will be disqualified.