CBM– Request for consult to review the CBM Built Environment Accessibility Guidelines

Purpose:

CBM invites proposals from qualified consultants to review the current Built Environment Accessibility Guidelines first developed in 2008 and have been used by CBM staff and partners, including organisations of persons with disabilities and other external stakeholders.

The overall objective of this assignment is to review and update CBM’s existing Built Environment Accessibility Guidelines to ensure they are comprehensive and inclusive, aligned with the international and national priorities on accessibility.

Key Dates:

• Release Date: 17.11.2025
• Submission Deadline: 30.11.2025
• Proposal Review and Selection: 01–13.12.2025
• Contract Award: 05.01.2026
• Submission Email: justine.yikiru@cbm.org

Scope of Work:

The consultant will conduct:

1. Review phase:
2. Identify gaps and strengths of the Built Environment Accessibility Guidelines,

• considering experiences and lessons learned from lived experiences, key stakeholders including CBM and its partners (feedback has been collected by the Global Accessibility Advisor)
• in line with the Universal Design Principles and international standards such as the UNCRPD, ISO 21542 and the SDGs, All Under One Roof among others.

1. Document update draft:

• Produce a draft of the revised guidelines.
• Conceptualize a short “easy to use” field version.

1. Document update final:

• Incorporate feedback and adjustments from the CBM technical team led by the Global Accessibility Advisor.
• Produce the final versions of the guidelines.

Eligibility and Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Built Environment, Disability Inclusive Design with focus on Accessibility, Advanced degree with a specialization in Universal or Accessible Design
• Professional certifications such as the Accessibility Professionals Association Certification for Built Environment (APAC-BE), Certified Access Specialist (CASp), or Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC) enhance qualifications and credibility.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in accessibility, universal design and inclusive infrastructure including the current ISO standards and global trends related to accessibility and the use of AI agents.
• A strong understanding of disability rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
• References from previous clients in developing and designing built accessibility guidelines for different sectors.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities, especially from a user perspective.
• Knowledge and experience of using research/survey concepts, approaches, tools, techniques, methodologies, sampling, etc.
• A demonstrated high level of professionalism and the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in designing and managing review or evaluation studies for similar projects and in delivering agreed outputs on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication in English, writing, editing, attention to detail, presentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate complex data in simple, clear ways.

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Technical Expertise. Strong knowledge and familiarity with accessibility standards (ADA, ISO 21542, local codes) emerging technologies (e.g., AI in accesinility, and experience in built environment projects.
• Professional Credentials. Relevant certifications and background with accessibility specialization such as Advanced degree in Built Environment, Disability Inclusive Design, or Universal/Accessible Design or Professional certifications (e.g., APAC-BE, CASp, CEAC).
• Approach & Methodology. Clear process for audits, compliance checks, integration of universal design principles and experience working with persons with disabilities, especially from a user perspective.
• Minimum of at least 10 years in accessibility, universal design, and inclusive infrastructure.
• Ability to design and manage evaluation studies and deliver outputs on time and within budget.

Terms & Conditions:

• Please refer to the detailed Terms of Reference for more information and guide.
• Proposals must be in English and submitted electronically by the deadline.
• CBM reserves the right to reject incomplete or non-compliant proposals.
• All submitted documents become the property of CBM Uganda.
• Proposals must remain valid for 30 days post-deadline.
• CBM encourages persons with lived experience of disability to apply.

How to apply

Proposal Requirements:

Interested firms should submit:
- Technical proposal outlining the methodology, understanding of ToR, and work plan;
- Financial proposal with expected fee (in EUR) and a timeline for the consultancy inclusive of taxes.
- CVs of key staff.
- Evidence of relevant experience and references from similar assignments.