1) Background
Marriage preparation programmes help soon-to-weds and newlywed couples develop strong foundations for lasting marriages. These programmes equip couples with practical skills and knowledge for their marital journey. MSF is seeking qualified providers to deliver these important programmes.
2) Target Clientele
Marriage preparation programmes under MSF’s rebate scheme is targeted at soon-to-wed and newly-wed couples (defined as within 2 years of marriage) where either one of the spouses is a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident. The groom and bride should both be 21 years and above.
3) Programme Requirements
a) Duration and Content
- Minimum 6 hours duration
- Must cover these key topics:
- Roles and expectations
- Communication and conflict management
- Financial planning
- Emotional connection and sexual intimacy
- Family planning/fertility awareness
- Family of origin and in-law relationships
b) Life Education Trainer Qualifications
- Degree in relevant field (counselling, psychology, sociology, social work or related field)
- Minimum 5 years of experience in conducting family/marriage education programmes OR working with early risk and vulnerable families
- For licensed/proprietary programmes (PREP, Prepare/Enrich, Cinta Abadi): Required certification/accreditation/recognition
4) Key Performance Indicators
- 75% of participants who indicated improved knowledge about what healthy relationships and marriages look like
- 75% of participants who indicated improved understanding of the nature and importance of commitment
- 75% of participants who indicated improved communication skills with partner/ spouse
5) Support Framework
To encourage couples to participate, MSF provides the following support:
a) Couple Rebate
- Couples will receive a $170 rebate upon programme completion
- Providers will collect full programme fees from couples upfront
- Upon completion, providers will disburse rebates to couples and seek reimbursement from MSF
- Providers must seek acknowledgement from couples that they received rebate
- Providers must include relevant data-fields and consent clauses as part of registration forms (MSF will provide template to approved providers)
- Providers must use MSF-approved system for data sharing and disbursements/reimbursements
b) Full Subsidy for Lower-Income Couples
- Eligible couples receiving MSF financial assistance or enrolled in identified programmes will receive full fee subsidy
- Providers should not collect fees from these couples
- MSF will provide full payment to providers upon programme completion
c) Provider Support (One-year Trial)
- $50 per couple funding support upon programme completion
- Funding is to support promotion1 and innovation2 initiatives to increase programme appeal
- Funding cannot be used to support status quo costs to run programme (e.g. trainer fees, standard programme materials, existing assessments, administrative costs)
1 Promotion examples could include: a) Digital marketing and social media engagement, b) Community partnerships and outreach, c) Educational content development, and d) Strategic partnerships e.g. with wedding industry.
2 Innovation examples could include: a) Enhanced programme delivery methods, b) Value-added programme components beyond basic requirements, c) Experience enhancement initiatives, and d) Customisation options for different participant groups.
Note: The above are broad examples only. Providers are encouraged to propose their own creative solutions to increase promotion and programme appeal.
2 Innovation examples could include: a) Enhanced programme delivery methods, b) Value-added programme components beyond basic requirements, c) Experience enhancement initiatives, and d) Customisation options for different participant groups.
Note: The above are broad examples only. Providers are encouraged to propose their own creative solutions to increase promotion and programme appeal.
6) Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from:
- Social Service Agencies (SSAs)
- Commercial providers
- Other qualified service providers
7) Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
a) Programme Quality: Alignment with required topics, delivery approach, teaching methodology, utilisation of assessment tools, programme content (35%)
b) Financial Management: Reasonableness of fees, financial policies and processes, proposal to utilise $50 per couple funding support (25%)
c) Professional Competency: Trainers' qualifications and expertise, Trainers’ experience and track record (15%)
d) Value Addition: Unique features of programme, strategies for reaching underserved communities, etc. (10%)
e) Proven Experience: Track record in operating family education programmes, programme outcomes, participant feedback (10%)
f) Operational Capability: Management and administrative capability (5%)
8) Terms and Conditions
Selected providers must:
a) Sign a Funding Agreement with MSF with effect from July 2025 (TBC) to March 2027
b) Accept programme implementation audits by MSF or MSF-appointed officers
c) Implement curriculum enhancements when required
d) Maintain approved programme fees throughout the agreement period (changes require MSF’s written approval)
e) Ensure programme content remains secular (religious content, if any, must be delivered separately by recognised religious leaders)
f) Onboard MSF system to facilitate data-sharing and reimbursements to providers
9) Application Process
Applications are open from 7 April 2025 and will close on 2 May 2025, 23 59 PM.
Interested applicants are to complete the application form with the required details of the proposal, including submission of supporting documents, and send to MSF via this FormSG.
Completing the application should take about 90 mins with all the information on hand. Actual time needed would depend on the number of programmes submitted. All fields are mandatory unless otherwise stated.
A virtual briefing will be conducted on 16 April 2025, 10 AM. Interested parties may register for the briefing by emailing marriage-familiesforlife@msf.gov.sg by 15 April 2025. Attendance for this briefing is optional, and not mandatory.
For further enquiries, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at https://go.gov.sg/faq-cfmprep.
INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION Please have the following information and documents ready for submission in the relevant sections:
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Please note:
a. MSF reserves the right to appoint service providers based on overall merit and suitability in meeting the requirements.
b. MSF reserves the right to reject any incomplete proposals. Late submissions will not be accepted.
c. MSF is under no obligation to accept any proposal or to give any reason for rejecting a proposal. Its decision shall be final.
d. In no case will any expense incurred in the preparation of this proposal be borne by MSF.
e. This document may not contain all information which Applicants may require, and therefore Applicants should make their own inquiries and seek any necessary clarifications. MSF shall not be liable for any information in the document which is incomplete or inaccurate.
f. This is an open application process, and applications are welcomed from all interested parties.