EOI - PROVISION OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES FOR REVIEWING FEASIBILITY STUDY, MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF PROJECTS UNDER TANZANIA RURAL ELECTRIFICATION EXPANSION PROGRAM (TREEP)

1. This invitation for Expression of Interest follows the General Procurement Notice (GPN) which appeared in REA website (www.rea.go.tz) and PPRA Journal ISSN: 1821-6021 Vol. VIII-No.38 of 19th September, 2017.

2. The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has received loan from the World Bank towards the cost of Tanzania Rural Electrification Expansion Program (TREEP), and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this Loan to cover eligible payments under the contract for Provision of Consulting Services for Reviewing Feasibility Study, Management and Supervision of Projects under Rural Electrification Expansion Program.

3. The Rural Energy Agency now invites eligible “firms” to express their interest in providing the services which include for Provision of Consulting Services for Reviewing Feasibility Study, Management and Supervision Projects. In summary, the REA and the private sector are implementing the National Rural Electrification Program (NREP) (the Government Program), during 2013–2022, as outlined in the Prospectus. The Government plans to achieve about 1.3 million connections in rural areas (including public facilities), increasing the average access rate to electricity (both urban and rural) from the current 67 percent to 90 percent by 2022. The NREP focuses on electrifying development centers through four different approaches: (a) electrification by densification (that is, the connection of new customers to the grid in already electrified settlements); (b) electrification by new connections to the grid; (c) electrification through off-grid investments; and (d) development of distributed technologies, particularly off-grid solar and other renewable technologies. The approach of supporting both grid and off-grid models and attracting private sector investments and expertise is consistent with the rural needs of Tanzania and reflects best practices and diversification in promoting access in Sub-Saharan Africa.

4. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to improve the efficiency of the Tanzania Rural Electrification Program by providing the needed assistance to REA and TANESCO in carrying out the grid extension program including its overall management and supervision.

5. Scope of Works
The Scope of Work for the consultant shall include:
Part A: Planning, Feasibility Study, Tendering and Award of Contracts

(a) An overall planning review of feasibility studies carried out under various assignments in a number of regions/districts including data collected by the Consultant, SMEC International Ltd to ascertain whether the planning procedures and guidelines used lead to least cost integrated development of the network and proposals for any modifications where needed;
(b) The consultant will focus on any special area identified by REA and TANESCO that needs improvement in planning and design of networks;
(c) All feasibility studies for REA III Round Two of the project would need to be carried out in the present assignment. These will develop the least cost connection methodology to feed the identified villages taking into account the overall network development in future years;
(d) To carry out the required load flow analysis, the consultant shall secure a suitable distribution system load flow program with operating licences to REA and TANESCO and apply such software to ensure optimum development of the networks in the overall area of supply;
(e) To ensure that feasibility studies have sufficient details to prepare tender document for the execution of the project;
(f) Preparation of bidding documents for works contracts;
(g) Addressing queries from prospective bidders, carrying out pre-tender site meetings and preparation of minutes of meetings;
(h) Participate in evaluation of bids received and recommendations for award;
(i) Participate in Pre-contract negotiations and preparation of contract documents;

Part B: Supervision, Monitoring of Environmental and Social Issues and Training of Staff

(a) Carrying out all contract management activities including supervision of day-to- day activities;
(b) Review and approval of all drawings (civil, electrical and mechanical), work programs and documents submitted by contractors;
(c) Review of progress and initiation of actions to be taken to keep the projects on schedule;
(d) Address all contractor’s claims and any contractual matters that may come up;
(e) Verification of quality of materials used as well as construction and ensuring that they conform to the required standards;
(f) Certifying contractors certificates for payment by REA;
(g) Organizing commissioning tests and providing acceptance certificates as required by the contracts;
(h) Assistance to REA and TANESCO in implementation of a program to maximize connections in project areas;
(i) Establishing a system to monitor compliance with the environmental and social standards to be followed;
(j) Oversight and training of REA staff who will conduct field monitoring activities.

The PMC will also carry out a training program for REA staff which will include:
(a) Network planning and design;
(b) Application of load flow studies;
(c) Preparation of feasibility studies;
(d) Procurement of local consultants;
(e) Procurement of works contracts;
(f) Compliance with environmental and social standards;
(g) Overall project management.

6. Interested “firms” must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services by submitting consultant’s profile, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. Consultants “may” associate to enhance their qualifications.

7. If the consultant is a Joint Venture (JV), the Expression of Interest shall include a copy of the JV Agreement entered into by all members. Alternatively, a letter of intent to execute a JV Agreement in the event of a successful proposal shall be signed by all members and submitted with the Expression of Interest, together with a copy of the proposed Agreement.

8. A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Public Procurement Act No. 7 of 2011 and the Public Procurement Regulations, 2013 – Government Notice No. 446 (hereinafter called Procurement Regulations).

9. Selection will be conducted based on the “Quality and Cost” selection procedures specified in the Public Procurement Regulations.

10. Interested and eligible consulting firms may obtain further information from the Office of the Secretary, REA Tender Board, Mawasiliano Towers, Sam Nujoma Road, P. O. Box 7990 Dar Es Salaam, Telephone: +255 22 2412001-3/ Fax: +255 22 2412007, Email: info@rea.go.tz from 09.00 to 15.00 hrs on Monday to Friday inclusive except on public holidays.

11. One original and three copies of written Expression of Interests (EoI) must be delivered in sealed plain envelopes, addressed to office of the Secretary of the Tender Board, Rural Energy Agency, Mawasiliano Towers 2nd Floor, Room No. 214, 20 Sam Nujoma Road, 14414 Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 7990, Dar es Salaam, and must be delivered by hand or registered post on or before 1200 hours local time on 6th April 2018.

12. Late Expressions of Interest shall not be accepted for evaluation irrespective of the circumstances.

Director General
Rural Energy Agency (REA)
Mawasiliano Towers, 2nd Floor
Sam Nujoma Road
P. O. Box 7990
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

E-Mail: info@rea.go.tz
Tel: +255 22 2412001, +255 22 2412002, +255 22 2412003
Fax: +255 22 2412007