PHATA COOPERATIVE SOLAR IRRIGATION PROJECT

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – PREQUALIFICATION OF SUPPLIERS

Introduction and Background

Phata is a smallholder owned Cooperative growing 600ha of sugarcane under irrigation in Chikwawa and has been awarded a grant from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) funded Catalyzing Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Solutions for Agriculture in Malawi and implemented by GIZ Energizing Development (Endev) Malawi Programme. The project aims to achieve the following:-

• Provide a solar grid-tied hybrid power supply to two Booster pump stations with a combined load of 815Kw  
• Provide a solar grid-tied hybrid power supply to other power amenities (water treatment plant and  maize mill with a combined load of 30Kw
• Provide stand-alone solar units to 3 schools each not exceeding 5KVA and 5 charging kiosks in the communities surrounding the cooperative with the combined power requirement not exceeding 15Kw.

This request for expression of interest is for the prequalification of suppliers who will be able to meet the following qualification criteria:-

Prequalification Criteria

• Local Firms should be registered with National Construction Industrial Council (NCIC) in the “Unlimited” category for construction and electrical works
• Additionally, international firms MUST demonstrate compliance with Malawi's local legislation and regulatory requirements with Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), Malawi Engineering Institute(MEI).
• Demonstrate experience in supply, installation and commissioning of solar plants (provide certified completion references of at least 5 systems with a capacity above 500Kw in the last 5 years) in Malawi or the region.

• Demonstrate experience in supply, installation and commissioning of solar irrigation systems (at least 10 irrigation schemes in the last 5 years) in Malawi or the region
• Demonstrate experience with equipment suppliers/agency agreements  
• Financial capacity – minimum annual turn over of USD $5m in the last 3 years AND access to financial resources amounting to >USD $ 2m.
• HR Capacity - Key Staff Requirement below:

1. Project Manager – Minimum BSc in Civil, Electrical or Irrigation Engineering with at least 15 years of experience and demonstrated experience in solar installations.
2. Construction Manager – Minimum BE Civil, Mechanical or Electrical with at least 10 years of experience and demonstrated experience in solar installations.
3. HSE officer – Minimum 10 years’ experience of which 5 years to be in solar / irrigation projects.

• Provide evidence of equipment availability required to complete the required works (e.g. Bulldozer, FEL, AT-Forklifts, Telehandlers, skid steer trencher, crane truck)
• Provide evidence of agencies or supplier relationships for solar equipment
• Provide evidence of experience/qualifications on HSE requirements and quality assurance plans

Submission Requirements and Date

Interested firms who meet the above criteria are requested to submit their expression of interest with the following documentation:-

• Covering letter
• Company Profile that includes:
• Number of years providing similar services in Malawi or elsewhere (Minimum of 5 years will be considered)
• List and cv’s of proposed technical staff to be involved in the project
• List of associate firms (Subsidiaries)
• Certified References of previous projects – clearly indicating the contact details of contact persons for verification
• Audited Financial Statements for the last 3 financial years
• List of proposed equipment to be used in the project.
• Quality assurance methods, and environmental management systems.
• Sexual harassment, child protection, and child labour compliance in the organization.
• Confirmation from suppliers of solar and electronic switchgear
• NCIC Certificate
• Quality and Health and Safety Assurance Plan

Submissions should be made before 10th August 2024 by email to [email protected] addressed to the Chairman of the Internal Procurement Committee. Phata Cooperative IPC will not review any late submissions and will only communicate to firms that have met the pre-qualification criteria.