1.0 Background of ZECDP

NRECA International is a rural development organization with the mission to increase access to reliable electric services in developing countries. Since 1962, NRECA’s programs have focused on improving and expanding electric infrastructure, establishing self-sustaining and well-managed electric utilities, and providing technical assistance to national electrification planners. NRECA is currently working on three continents to provide expertise in the establishment and support of electric cooperatives; renewable energy on-grid and off-grid utility design and start-up; geospatial platforms for electrification investment planning; universal electrification access strategy planning; utility benchmarking and service improvements; construction supervision; smart grid planning and implementation; and engineering design and analysis.

In October 2021, Zambia Electric Cooperative Development Program (ZECDP), funded by USAID, was launched to increase access to electricity in rural areas through the development of sustainable electric cooperative enterprises. ZECDP is designed to demonstrate that the community-owned electric cooperative business model can play an important role in the expansion of electricity service to rural communities.

A collaboration between REA and NRECA, as the implementing partners of ZECDP, was formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated August 2022. Under the MOU, REA and NRECA have agreed to jointly undertake projects, capacity building, and training activities to develop and strengthen electric cooperatives in line with the objectives of ZECDP, through September 2026.

The goals of ZECDP include the following:

• Increased access to electric service in multiple rural communities.
• Demonstration that a sustainable and robust service provider model that is community-based offers potential for increased local investment and for project success that is not solely driven by profitability; and
• Increased personal income-generating activities for cooperative members through productive uses of energy.

In order to achieve the above objectives, ZECDP focuses on the following activities:

•  Activity 1: Site identification and development
•  Activity 2: Community engagement and mobilization
•  Activity 3: Supporting cooperatives from the design to operations phase, including formation and legal registration.
• Activity 4: Mentoring cooperatives during operations phase with customized technical assistance and the development of productive use of energy programs, where warranted.
• Activity 5: Evaluation of the legal and regulatory framework to ensure an enabling environment conducive to electric cooperative development.
• Activity 6: Research on the impacts and benefits of cooperative enterprises.

1.2 Project Overview:

Situated approximately 1100 km from Lusaka, Ntatumbila is a small town in the Nakonde District Muchinga Province. The town has a population of around 6,000 residents, most of whom are engaged in farming and livestock rearing as their primary economic activities.

As part of the Zambia Electric Cooperative Development (ZECDP), NRECA International, in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Authority of Zambia (REA), is spearheading the development of a 156-kW solar mini-grid project in Ntatumbila. This transformative initiative aims to provide reliable electricity to approximately 500 residential and commercial consumers. Among the beneficiaries are 30 local commercial establishments, a primary and a secondary school, a clinic and six milling facilities, which are vital in the area’s agricultural supply chain. The project is expected to significantly bolster economic activity and improve the quality of life for residents.

The project involves the design and construction of a clear view fence enclosing a mini grid site measuring 100m x 100m in Ntatumbila, Muchinga Province. The specifications detailed below should serve as a guideline for bidders to develop and submit a comprehensive design proposal. Additional suggestions that enhance the functionality or safety of the fence are welcome.

2. General Requirements:

2.1 The fence should encompass the entire perimeter of the site, which measures 100m x 100m.

2.2 The selected contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and approvals before the commencement of the project

3. Material Specifications:

3.1 Fence Fabric:

• Material: High-quality, corrosion-resistant chain-link wire
• Height: 2.5 meters

3.2 Supporting Poles:

• Material: Metal, resistant to rust and corrosion
• Corner, end, and intermediate posts shall have a minimum outer diameter of 76.2 millimeters.
• Gate posts shall have a minimum outer diameter of 88.9 millimeters.

3.3 Barbed Wire: The fence shall have three rows of 1.57mm barbed wire fixed to crimped post at 150mm spacing.

3.4 Concrete Foundation:

• Material: Plain concrete
• Application: For the base of each intermediate, corner, end and gate pole and a shallow layer to secure the wire in the soil

4. Structural Specifications:

4.1 Gate:

• Width: 6 meters to allow large vehicles easy enter and exit, primarily for material delivery
• Features: Reinforced structure with robust locking mechanisms

4.2  Concrete layer at the Base of the Fence: there should be 0.15m by 0.15m by 0.3m of plain concrete installed at the base of the fence to hold the chain-link wire firmly in the soil and deter potential burrowing under the fence.

4.3 Pole Footing:

• Dimensions: The concrete foundation shall have dimensions of 0.3m by 0.3m by 1.0m to provide a stable support for each pole.
• Material: The foundation shall be made of C25 plain concrete with a mix ratio of 1:2:4.

5. Safety and Security:

5.1 The design should incorporate features that enhance the safety and security of the site.

5.2 The fence should be designed to withstand environmental factors typical of the region, including wind speed, soil erosion, and heavy rain.

6. Submission Guidelines:

6.1 Bidders should submit detailed designs, including material specifications and structural diagrams.

6.2 Bidders are encouraged to propose additional features or modifications that align with the project’s goal of securing the mini grid site effectively.

7. Evaluation Criteria:

7.1 Compliance with the specifications mentioned above.

7.2 Proven experience in similar projects.

7.3 Competitive pricing.

Deadline for Submission: October 15th, 2023

Bid Validity: All submitted bid prices should remain valid for a period of 90 days from the date of submission, during which they cannot be altered or withdrawn.

Notice to Proceed: The successful bidder will be notified to proceed with the project, commencing on November 1, 2023, following the fulfillment of all requisite contractual obligations and preconditions.

Contact: All bid documents should be submitted to the following email address:

Submit to: NRECA.Lusaka@nreca-intl.org