GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Procurement Number: MAFS/ENG/ICB/2024/001

Issues Date: 17^th September 2024

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has allocated funds from the Government of Sierra Leone for the Services of a Consulting Firm/Company for The Design and Build of Kycheon Irrigation Scheme in Kambia District and now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for Design and Build of Kycheon Irrigation Scheme in Kambia District.

BACKGROUND: 

Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape presents vast opportunities. The size of underutilized arable land of approximately 5.4 million ha, abundant rainfall and youthful population offer a canvas for sustainable farming practices. Also, the predominance of traditional farming methods signals room for the introduction of modern mechanization and innovative technologies, ensuring more efficient and productive agricultural outcomes.

This renewed focus, is aimed not just at economic progress but also at ensuring that Sierra Leone achieves food sovereignty through the implementation of the Feed Salone Project.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is executing the Feed Salone vision, steered by six strategic pillars and key among which is Mechanization and Irrigation: expanding rice production areas, including Inland Valley Swamps and irrigated rice fields, augmented by tractor and other mechanized services.

1. Objective

The overall objective is to develop 500 ha of modern irrigation schemes in Kycheon Rice Agro-hubs to promote rice production within these areas and it’s environ in line with the Feed Salone Strategy.

The purpose of this contract is to:

• Design an irrigation scheme for Kycheon
• Build/construct the irrigation schemes as per design
• Consult and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in the course of the project implementation
• Accomplish the task within the stipulated timeframe
• Train WUAs and engineers on the operation and maintenance of the scheme
• Development of an operational manual for the scheme

2. Scope of Work

The general scope of the assignment required from the Design and Build Construction Firm is to undertake necessary engineering studies and surveys in the identified locations to develop acceptable designs of the schemes and build as per the designs for 500 ha of arable land in Kycheon, Kambia district.

Design of the scheme (Solar Powered Irrigation System)

• Field investigations
• Development of bill of quantities and technical specifications for the scheme
• Prepare work methodology
• Environmental Management report and plan
• Build as per approved design and specifications
• Testing of the system
• Development of an operational manual for the scheme
• Development of a Training manual
• Training on the operation and maintenance of the scheme

3. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

Results to be achieved by the Firm:

1. Technical/Design Report for 500 ha irrigation scheme: situational report, climate smart design, technical specifications, and bills of quantities for construction of the scheme;
   1. Required technical studies and surveys
   2. Design, technical specifications, and bills of quantities
   3. Work methodology and construction plan

1. Environmental Impact Assessment:
   1. Environmental assessment
   2. Environmental management report
   3. Environmental management plan

• Construction of 500 ha of irrigation scheme based on the design approved
  1. Mobilization
  2. Physical construction of the scheme
  3. Testing of the system

1. Development of the Scheme’s Operational Manual: operations, troubleshooting, and basic maintenances
2. Training of WUAs, and MAFS engineers/technicians on the use, operations and maintenance of the system
   1. Training manual
   2. Training of engineers/technicians

3. Implementation timeline

The proposed services and works is expected to run for a maximum duration of 17 months plus an additional 6 months for defect liability period.

4. Information Request

The interested parties may request clarifications on this Expression of Interest up to five (5) days before the EOI submission date. Any request for clarification must be sent by electronic mail to johnlamin74@gmail.com

5. Mode of Application

Interested firms should submit the following documents:

1. List of previous contracts/relevant experience with two additional sample copies of past contracts/assignments;
2. Profile of the team who will work on the assignment indicating their experience and qualifications;

• Companies may form a joint venture/consortium/association to enhance their qualifications. The company that will form a joint venture/consortium/association must also provide the information on the consortium structure and role sharing.

The expression of interest should be specifying relevant information about the firms/professionals, profile capacity/capability in addition to the following documents:

• Business registration/Renewal Certificate
• A Valid Nassit Clearance Certificate
• Evidence of previous contracts of similar nature undertaken for at least 5yrs
• A Valid Municipal or Local Council Business License

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reserves the right in selecting the invitee for the competitive bidding base on substantial and proven record of performance in the subject field of activities and mere submission of an expression of interest would not automatically warrant receipt of request for proposal. The Ministry reserve the right to reject expression of interests submitted after deadline indicated below.

Firms/Professionals will be shortlisted in accordance with the procedures set out in the public procurement Act 2016 of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Expression of interests must be address and delivered directly to the Head of Procurement Unit, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Youyi Building, First Floor East Wing. Not later than 12:00 noon, Tuesday 1^st October, 2024 with the inscription. Expression of interest for the DESIGN AND BUILD OF KYCHEON IRRIGATION SCHEME IN KAMBIA DISTRICT.

Please note that this expression of interests is not a request for proposal (RFP) and therefore financial proposals are not required to be submitted with “Expression of Interest”