REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO UNDERTAKE A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECO – RESORT LODGE  IN THE GAME MANAGEMENT AREA IN LOWER ZAMBEZI, LUSAKA PROVINCE UNDER KAFUE ESTATES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

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Kafue Estates Development Project (KEDP) is a planned investment whose mandate is the development of an Eco-Resort Lodge. The proposed development is an Eco-Tourism project in the Lower Zambezi Game Management Area (GMA) with a deliberate emphasis on low carbon footprint construction concepts and material use, and will take on the eco-tourism approach as a way of being environmentally considerate.

The hotel and tourism industry in Zambia, are governed by the Tourism and Hospitality Act (No.13 of 2015) that has a mandate to ensure hotels and the hospitality industry obtain operating licenses (Statutory Instrument No94 of 2016. At present, the tourism sector is seen as a major and growing industry in Zambia, comprising several types of enterprises including lodges, hotels tour operators, guest houses and transport providers. Zambia is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful, friendly, diverse, and unspoilt countries on the entire continent of Africa

The tourism industry provides diverse opportunities for creation of sustainable jobs for local people in urban and rural areas where most of the poor people live. It also stimulates other supporting industries thus elevating the economic status of rural areas. These benefits consequently trigger improved nutrition and food security as people’s income increase, housing, health, and education which ultimately improves the communities’ living standards.

It is for this reason that KEDP and other key stakeholders have the need to undertake a feasibility study whose aim is to assess the economic, social and financial viability of establishing an Eco – Resort Lodge in the identified GMA. The purpose therefore of this RFP is to solicit competitive proposals to prepare Eco-Resort Lodge Feasibility Study to assist the KEDP in the development and management of the proposed Eco – Resort Lodge, while bearing in mind the fundamental principles of planet, people and economic gains.

2. SCOPE OF WORKS

The Proposal is to provide how all of the following information will be gathered, but is not limited to:

1. Market assessment, Market demand analysis and project demand,

2. Economic viability of the development, estimates capital investment required and the expected revenue needed to attract investors and/or financiers;

3. Location and site Analysis;

4. Tourism and industry policies and regulations

5. Social and Environmental Assessment, including a Vulnerability Assessment in relation to the growing community.

6. Financial projections analysis; sensitivity analysis, risk assessments and breakeven assessment(s); Projected Average Daily Rate (ADR), occupancy, Revenue per Available Room vs. Competing Hotels; and

7. Consultant shall develop a Hospitality Feasibility Study based on the draft Demand Analysis, and Financial Projections. The Study should identify the number and mix of guest rooms; room configuration; food and beverage concept; meeting space requirements; brand affiliation; and other facilities and amenities as appropriate, etc

8. Other pertinent assessments that may have an impact on the development and sustainability of the project.

3. SUBMISSION FORMAT AND CONTENT

All respondents are required to follow the format specified below. The contents of the proposal must be clear, concise, and complete.

• Cover Letter – name and basic information of the consulting firm submitting the proposal. Describe how the delivery of services will be provided, including the location of the consultant’s offices. In addition, describe those conditions, constraints, or problems that are unique to the scope of work that may adversely affect either the cost or work progress; and include the title and signature of the firm’s contact person for this procurement. The signatory shall be a person with official authority to bind the company.
• Qualifications and Experience – Description of the organization’s experience in marketing and financial feasibility studies in the hotel and lodging industry and overall knowledge of the industry. A list of qualifications and experience for each person who will be assigned by the prospective consultant or sub-consultant to work on the Project. Describe the role, experience and qualifications of any subconsultants participating in this project and the history of the Consultant and sub-consultant business relationship.
• Statement of Understanding – Provide a concise but detailed description of the approach or process that your firm will undertake to gather research, including identifying potential demand generators, conducting personal and/or group interview sessions. Describe the methods for presenting the findings, conclusions, and recommendations. that will enable the KEDP and potential stakeholders to make informed decisions.
• Project Cost – A fee proposal for the study must be broken out into each key deliverable below, based on the firm’s suggested approach. A fixed rate must be submitted for each deliverable listed below. The price per fixed deliverable will cover all costs including materials, time, travel and reports
• Project Schedule – Submit a timeline schedule to complete the scope of work.
• Work Samples – Provide copies of three (3) example work products that most closely match the project desired in this RFP and are similar in size and scope to the Project.
• References – Provide a list of at least three (3) references whom you have provided comparable services. Please include the company name, telephone number, and email address of contact person.  Include a brief summary of the purpose of the study and any measurable results to date
• Proposals must be valid for a period of ninety (90) days from the date due.

4. PROJECT CONSULTANTS

Feasibility study consultants play a pivotal role in conducting market and financial assessments, providing valuable insights, and guiding decision-makers. Essential technical expertise required include:

a) Sector-specific Knowledge – must possess a deep understanding of the specific sector and/or industry under evaluation, including the industry’s dynamics, regulations, and best practices.

b) Research and Data Analysis

c) Strong research and data analysis skills – proficient in gathering and analyzing relevant data to assess market trends, competitor analysis, and potential risks. Use of robust research methodologies and relevant analytical tools

d) Financial Analysis – should have a solid foundation in financial analysis, including financial modeling, cost estimation, and investment appraisal techniques to evaluate the project’s financial feasibility, assess revenue projections, and analyze the return on investments.

e) Technical Evaluation – should possess technical expertise relevant to the project, to assess the technical feasibility of the proposed project, evaluate its technical requirements, and identify potential implementation challenges

f) Risk Assessment – have a solid understanding of risk assessment methodologies and be able to identify potential risks associated with the project to provide stakeholders with insights on risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans

g) Knowledge in regulatory framework governing the Tourism and other related sectors.

h) Should have a good grasp of project management principles and practices to effectively plan, coordinate, and execute the feasibility study. This includes managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations throughout the study process.

Proposals marked “KEDP Eco – Resort Lodge Feasibility Study” shall be returned no later than 17:00hours on Friday 7th July 2023 addressed to “The Project Manager, KEDP” at Email: sylviamutale@gmail.com with copy to fidelinvestmentltd@gmail.com

The Proposal with requisite attachments must be submitted electronically in PDF format. Any submitted proposals become property of the Kafue Estates Development Project.