REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

 

The Gambia

ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project (ECOWAS-REAP)- P164044

Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.: IDA- D4080

Assignment Title: Detailed Design and Support through Bidding Process for Additional Villages

Reference No.:  GM-NAWEC-364342-CS-CQS

 

The ECOWAS-Regional Electricity Access Project (REAP), a part of a Series of Projects (SOP) being implemented within the ECOWAS region, with a long-term view to achieving electricity distribution expansion within the Region. Funded by the IDA/World Bank, the SOP aims to increase the number of people in West Africa with access to reliable and affordable electricity, as articulated in the ECOWAS White Paper of 2006 for Increasing Access to Energy Services to People of the Sub-region.

 Specifically, the project aims to increase grid electricity access in the Republics of Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and The Gambia. It is expected to substantially increase the access to electricity to reach an access rate of almost 65 percent and 25 percent, in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau respectively, while Mali will increase its electricity access rate to 37 percent.

 The projects include the construction of about 160km of Medium Voltage (MV) lines, low voltage (LV) lines for about 93 villages in LRR, WCR, and NBR (some might be in other regions), distribution transformers for the about 93 villages, and a 2km bridge crossing between Farafenni and Soma.

 The main objectives of this assignment are as follows:

a.  Conduct a comprehensive topographical survey of the project area to gather essential data for the design and construction of the electrical infrastructure. 

b.   Develop a detailed design plan for the construction of 160km of MV lines and LV lines for 93 villages, ensuring efficient and reliable power distribution.

c.    Conduct studies to determine the appropriate distribution transformer requirements for the 93 villages, considering load demand, voltage regulations, and future expansion needs.

d.     Design a 2km bridge crossing to provide a safe and reliable route for the electrical infrastructure.

e.   Prepare the technical component of the bidding document, including Employer’s Requirements, data sheets of all materials to be used in the project, the price schedule and cost estimate, and the final Bill of Quantities (BoQ).

f.   Provide timely support in preparation of responses to clarifications and inquiries from bidders during the bidding process. Participate in pre-bid meeting and site visit.

g.     Participate in contract negotiation with potential contractors to finalize the agreement terms and conditions.

Scope of work:

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a.      Topographical Survey:

–        Conduct a comprehensive topographical survey of the project area, covering the alignment of the MV lines, combine constructions, LV lines, and the proposed bridge crossing. 

–      Collect accurate elevation data, contours, land features, and any other relevant information necessary for the design and construction of the electrical networks. This survey shall cover a corridor of 20m at least. All obstacles shall be well represented and a minimum of 50m between the points shall be considered. 

–        Prepare detailed topographical maps and profiles with readable scales printed in at least A2 format.

b.     Detailed Design:

–    Prepare a detailed design plan for the construction of about 160km of MV lines, including pole locations, conductor sizes, sag calculations, and necessary clearances.

–        Design the LV lines to connect 93 villages, considering load requirements, voltage drop limitations, and appropriate conductor sizes. 

–        Determine the optimal route for the MV and LV lines, considering terrain, environmental factors, and existing infrastructure.

–        Prepare a design plan for the 2km bridge crossing, including the design of all the materials required and all the required studies and drawings in a very clear manner.

–     This shall include the full calculation notes using Jove, mechanical and execution designs for the complete networks taking into account the weight of the transformers to be proposed.

–        Prepare cost estimates.

c.      Studies for Distribution Transformers:

–      Conduct load demand studies for each of the 93 villages to determine the appropriate capacity and number of distribution transformers required.

–        Propose the most optimal location for each transformer.

–        Analyse the voltage regulations and determine the optimal locations for the distribution transformers to minimize voltage fluctuations and ensure efficient power distribution.

–     Consider future growth and expansion needs of the villages and recommend suitable strategies for accommodating increased load demand.

–     Quantify all the households and public buildings, like schools, hospitals, health centers, etc. to be connected on each transformer, providing a list with names and phone numbers of each household head.

d.     Preparation of Bidding Document:

–  Develop the Employer’s Requirements, clearly outlining the project’s objectives, technical specifications, and performance requirements.

–    Create data sheets for all the equipment and materials required for the project, including specifications, technical parameters, standards, and any relevant certifications. 

–        Prepare the price schedule, detailing the breakdown of costs for materials, labor, equipment, and any other project-related expenses.

–      Compile the final Bill of Quantities (BoQ) document, providing a comprehensive list of items, quantities, for the construction and installation works.

e.      Clarification Responses:

–        Review and respond, in collaboration with the PIU, to clarifications and inquiries from bidders during the bidding process.

–        Provide necessary technical clarifications and ensure a clear understanding of the project requirements.

–        Participate in pre-bid meeting and site visit.

f.      Contract Negotiation:

–        Participate in contract negotiation with potential contractors.

–        Collaborate with the client to finalize the agreement terms and conditions. 

–        Address any technical concerns or modifications to ensure compliance with project requirements.

It is anticipated that the total level of effort for this assignment is 9 staff-months.

Reporting

Reports are to be submitted to NAWEC PIU. All supporting documents such as photographs, video graphs, maps, primary and secondary information collected, etc., taken during the assignment shall be submitted in support of the reports, along with an electronic copy of the documents.

Deliverables:

The following deliverables are expected:

a)     Topographical Survey:

–        Comprehensive survey report, including accurate topographical maps, profiles, and relevant data.

–        Digital copies of the survey data in a compatible format – excel, dwg drawings, and any necessary format.

b)     Detailed Design:

–        Detailed design plan for the construction of 160km of MV lines.

–        Detailed design plan for the LV lines connecting 93 villages and location of distribution transformers.

–        Design plan for the 2km bridge crossing.

–        A final detailed execution study for the whole the entire networks to construct.

–        Detailed cost estimates (by different components/materials)

 

c)     Studies for the Distribution Transformers:

–        Load demand study report for the 93 villages, including recommendations for distribution transformer capacity and locations.

–        Analysis report on voltage regulations and strategies for efficient power distribution.

–        List of clients to connected on each transformers

 

d)     Preparation of Bidding Document:

–        Employer’s Requirements document.

–        Data sheets of all equipment.

–        Price schedule.

–        Final Bill of Quantities (BoQ).

–        Any other technical documentation required for the bidding process. 

e)     Clarification Responses:

Timely and comprehensive responses, in collaboration with the PIU, to bidders’ clarifications and inquiries during the bidding process. Participation and support in pre-bid meeting and site visit.

f)      Contract Negotiation:

–        Finalized contract agreement with potential contractors, including all necessary modifications and technical considerations.

National Water and Electricity Company Limited (NAWEC) now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

Team for the Assignment:

The NGO/consulting firm shall dedicate a team of professionals to the site. The constitution of the Core Team and their required qualification and experience shall be as follows:

Position	Number required	Qualification/Experience
Project Senior Engineer/Manager	1	He/she shall have a minimum experience of 8 years in a similar role with at least two similar projects in the last 5 years. He/she shall be a Master’s Degree holder in Engineering or management
Lead Topographical Surveyors	2	A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field, with at least experience in two similar projects in the last 5 years is required.
Electrical Engineer Designer	1	A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field, with at least experience in two similar projects in the last 5 years is required.
Electrical Engineer	1	A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role with a BSc Degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with at least experience in two similar projects in the last 5 years is required

 

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 and revised November 2017 and July 2018 and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the link below:

ECOREAP Additional Villages TOR

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours: 

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 19^th September 2023.

PIU-GAMBIA

Attention: Mrs. Haddy Njie – Project Coordinator

Address: National Water & Electricity Company Limited,

Project Implementation Unit

Emporium III Building, Fajara

114 Kairaba Avenue

Floor/ Room number: Conference Room, 1^st Floor

City: Banjul

Country: The Gambia

Telephone: +220 3664125/ 9967791/ 7009342

Electronic mail address: hnjie@nawec.gm, (and copy to mfsanyang@nawec.gm)