Background and Rationale
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria intends to contract the services of a Rural Solar Power Expert (Assessment Advisor) to assess specific needs and provide detailed specifications for the provision of solar power systems at five of Nigeria’s Border Crossing Posts (BCPs): three (3) on the Benin border, one (1) on the Cameroon border, and one (1) on the Niger border, and parallel systems provision at three or four NIS State offices overseeing these BCPs. The work will take place under the IOM project “Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria”, under the European Union’s 10th EDF programme for Nigeria, and in full cooperation with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Specific Activities to be Performed
a) Participate in on-site field assessments at the five BCPs and at their managing NIS State offices as part of an overall team led by Nigeria Immigration Service and IOM Nigeria. One full working day will be spent at each of the five BCPs, with part days at the managing NIS State offices. Certain trips will be combined for logistical advantage and the total field time commitment is anticipated to be 12 days. The level of effort is further specified in section four.
b) The consultant will assess the specific needs for each site (the five BCPs and their managing State offices) to provide adequate solar electric power for new computer systems to be installed at these locations. The computer systems will be designed for maximum power efficiency and will be minimalist in nature. The following technical issues will be among those addressed:
· site orientation and best kind, number and placement of solar panels, inverters and battery systems, and wiring appendages;
· interface issues with other electrical power sources, ensuring their best integration with the solar sources while also ensuring full solar capacity to the data systems in the event of failure of alternate supplies;
· appropriate considerations of the operation of the systems throughout the year, considering specifically extended rainy season performance issues;
· recommended maintenance schedule and preferred specifications for contracted maintenance services;
· recommended key elements of a training regimen for on-site and off-site NIS personnel to maintain and adapt the system, apart from contracted maintenance obligations; and,
other technical details that may be required to ensure the most appropriate, sustainable and fully effective solar power systems at these sites.
Expected Output
a) Detailed site reports with full technical specifications and equipment recommendations for each site (BCPs and managing State offices), and other pertinent information on key issues for solar installation and use;
b) Detailed technical specifications for IOM’s subsequent bid or tender procurement of the equipment;
c) Detailed recommendations for service contracts to maintain the systems;
d) Specification of the most important elements of a training regimen for NIS staff (on-site and off-site) who will be responsible for care and maintenance outside of the maintenance service contracts; and,
e) Summary final report highlighting common issues including technical, training and maintenance issues.
Duration
The work is anticipated to commence in late October and to proceed intermittently through the end of November or early December, 2014, and the level of effort is anticipated to be a total of 22 working days, including travel time, as follows:
· One (1) working day at each BCP site, for a total of five field work days;
· One-half (½) working day at three or four managing offices in the field, which is combined with a travel arrival or departure day;
· Two (2) working days (home based) to create the necessary reports and specifications for each site, as detailed in section two of this document (these reports will be required within five days of the completion of each site visit), for a total of ten days; and,
· Seven (7) travel days.
Costing
a) Consultant cost estimates should take into consideration:
· IOM will provide for all travel costs and, as such, these expenses should be excluded from all estimates of consultancy charges; and,
· IOM anticipates that expertise for this consultancy is available in Nigeria and that costs will reflect local standards for similar consultancy services.
b) All payment of consultant fees will be dependent upon full and satisfactory completion of the assignment.
How to apply:
How to Apply
Interested parties should send the following written materials, addressed to the Chief of Mission via email toiomnigeriahr@iom.inton or before 24 October, 2014. Kindly note telephone calls and in-person visits to the IOM office regarding this solicitation will not be allowed:
a) A one-page cover letter highlighting the most relevant qualifications of the applicant, and providing up-to-date contact information, including email address.
b) Individual CV or resume with detailed listing of the most relevant similar assessments or planning exercises undertaken, and closely related professional experience, and also including:
· The organizational partner or employer to the consultant for each assessment;
· The names of companies or organizations served, with up-to-date telephone, email and street address information, and the name of the primary contact person;
· Three professional references for the consultant, with complete contact information; and,
· Details of the consultant’s technical training and education.
c) If a business or organization is applying, the above CV/resume details should be provided for the specific person(s) intended to carry out this work. Information on the business/organization’s institutional capacity in relevant areas can be separately provided.
d) A separate official financial bid for provision of these services, with a minimum 90 day validity limit, based on the level of effort here described.
