Request for proposal (RFP) for Design and Construction of Four Hopper Silos with Integrated Rice Processing Infrastructure in Pujehun District of Sierra Leone
UNOPS
Request for proposal (RFP) for Design and Construction of Four Hopper Silos with Integrated Rice Processing Infrastructure in Pujehun District of Sierra Leone
Request for proposal
Reference:
RFP/2025/57595
Beneficiary countries or territories:
Sierra Leone
Registration level:
Basic
Published on:
26-May-2025
Deadline on:
23-Jun-2025 15:00 0.00
Description
Tender description: Request for proposal (RFP) for Design and Construction of Four Hopper Silos with Integrated Rice Processing Infrastructure in Pujehun District of Sierra Leone
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Interested vendors must respond to this tender using the UNOPS eSourcing system, via the UNGM portal. In order to access the full UNOPS tender details, request clarifications on the tender, and submit a vendor response to a tender using the system, vendors need to be registered as a UNOPS vendor at the UNGM portal and be logged into UNGM. For guidance on how to register on UNGM and submit responses to UNOPS tenders in the UNOPS eSourcing system, please refer to the user guide and other resources available at: https://esourcing.unops.org/#/Help/Guides
Interested in improving your knowledge of what UNOPS procures, how we procure and how to become a vendor to supply to our organization? Learn more about our free online course on “Doing business with UNOPS” here
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Interested vendors must respond to this tender using the UNOPS eSourcing system, via the UNGM portal. In order to access the full UNOPS tender details, request clarifications on the tender, and submit a vendor response to a tender using the system, vendors need to be registered as a UNOPS vendor at the UNGM portal and be logged into UNGM. For guidance on how to register on UNGM and submit responses to UNOPS tenders in the UNOPS eSourcing system, please refer to the user guide and other resources available at: https://esourcing.unops.org/#/Help/Guides
Interested in improving your knowledge of what UNOPS procures, how we procure and how to become a vendor to supply to our organization? Learn more about our free online course on “Doing business with UNOPS” here
This tender has been posted through the UNOPS eSourcing system. / Cet avis a été publié au moyen du système eSourcing de l'UNOPS. / Esta licitación ha sido publicada usando el sistema eSourcing de UNOPS. Vendor Guide / Guide pour Fournisseurs / Guíra para Proveedores: https://esourcing.unops.org/#/Help/Guides
First name:
N/A
Surname:
N/A
This procurement opportunity integrates considerations for at least one sustainability indicator. However, it does not meet the requirements to be considered sustainable.
Human rights and labour issues
Social
The tender contains sustainability considerations related to human rights, fundamental principles and rights at work, occupational health and safety, fairly traded goods, targeted employment of people with disabilities, etc.
| Link | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| https://esourcing.unops.org/#/Help/Guides | UNOPS eSourcing – Vendor guide and other system resources / Guide pour fournisseurs et autres ressources sur le système / Guía para proveedores y otros recursos sobre el sistema |
72121203
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Silo and agricultural service building construction service
New clarification added: Dear Suppliers,Please note that this tender will close in 1 hour and 40 minutes, i.e., at 15:00 Hrs UTC.Companies that are interested but have not yet submitted their proposals are reminded to do so before the deadline, as the system will automatically close the tender at the specified time and will not accept any late submissions.Thank you for your attention.
Edited on:
23-Jun-2025 15:24
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org
New clarification added: Question 12: For the Schedule 4.9 [Insurance Details and Insurances] , we already prepare the insurance statement, becuase it is under tender satge, shall we also submit the insurances deatails or make it empty?Answer 12: At this stage the confirmation letter from the insurance company is enough. The actual insurance are required after the award of contract to the successful bidders. ____________________________________________
Edited on:
17-Jun-2025 13:34
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org
New amendment added #2: Amendment 02The tender is amended with the following changes:1. Deadline of Bid Submission: The deadline of bid submission has been extended until 23rd June 2025, 15:00 Hrs UTC2. Deadline for clarifications: The deadline for clarifications has been extended until 20th June 2025, 12:00 Hrs UTCAll other details of this tender remain unchanged except for those mentioned above.
Edited on:
15-Jun-2025 17:37
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org
New clarification added: QUESTION 10: We are writing to respectfully request a two-week extension to the submission deadline for RFP/2025/57595, regarding the design and construction of four hopper silos with integrated rice processing infrastructure in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone.Given the complexity of the project, including the detailed engineering designs, Quality Management System, HSSE plans, and comprehensive programme requirements, our team has initiated the design process to ensure a high-quality and cost-effective proposal. However, additional time is needed to finalize a submission that fully meets UNOPS’s technical and quality standards as outlined in the RFP.We believe that a two-week extension will enable us to deliver a robust proposal that aligns with the project’s objectives and ensures value for money.We are committed to adhering to all subsequent project milestones, including the submission of deliverables within the specified timelines post-commencement.ANSWER 10: Due to the time limitation of this project we can only extend this tender for the period of 1 week. We kindly request you to plan the preparation of your proposal accordingly. ____________________________________________QUESTION 11: Hi dear, for our understanding the trade terms of this EPC project is like DDP terms, the offerer should complete the procedure of import and customs clearrance in Sierra Leone and pay the TAX if any request, right?And we also noticed there is no shipping cost listed in the Annex 1 - 4.1.A Bill of Quantities, shall we list it in the BOQ separately?ANSWER 11: Since the contractor is responsible for the complete delivery and installation at the site, please consider using an Incoterm such as Delivered at Place with Unloading. UNOPS will facilitate the import and customs-related documentation. Additionally, UNOPS will obtain tax exemption from the Government of Sierra Leone for the materials being imported for this project; therefore, no import taxes will apply.Regarding shipping costs, you may include them under the "Mobilization" line item in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ). If necessary for clarity, you can also indicate a breakdown or reference it separately within the BOQ notes.____________________________________________
Edited on:
12-Jun-2025 12:09
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org
New clarification added: QUESTION 8: Our process engineer is making CAD design for the whole process of 4x1000T paddy silo system, so my questions is where can i submit the CAD or PDF drawing ? And shall we provide the 3D model design before the awarded or after the awarder?ANSWER 8: Although the drawings and 3D model designs are not required at this stage, you may include them with your bid if you wish. You can submit the PDF drawings along with your technical bid documents by uploading them together with other technical submissions, such as the Programme, Plan, and Method Statement, where appropriate._________________________________________QUESTION 9: Could we have a extend the period with another one week ? （The best expect deadline is June 21th ）ANSWER 9: Yes we are extending the deadline of bid submission for one week. You will soon find the Amendment 02 of this tender with the extended deadline of bid submission _________________________________________
Edited on:
10-Jun-2025 12:33
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org
New clarification added: QUESTION 3: We noted, that now the building structure, lighting and fire fighting is included in the bidder scope. For calculating the structure of building including lighting & fire fighting, the building structure design, lighting and fire fighting has to be carried out now, which earlier was to be done after the award of contract.In view of above we request a time extension by minimum 4 weeks that is upto 8th July, 2025. This will save the time being spent after award of Contract. We humbly request you to consider the time extension request.ANSWER 3: Due to the time limitation of this project we can only extend this tender for the period of 1 week. We will shortly amend this tender for time extension. _________________________________________QUESTION 4: The request is concerning the possibility to extend the deadline of the tender later than June 16. Is that possible?ANSWER 4: Yes we are extending this tender for 1 week. You will fine the new deadline of bid submission in the tender amendment # 02_________________________________________QUESTION 5: We, Peak International Trade (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., are interested in participating to bid for the subject project if applicable.After checking, we found some issues need your clarifications as soon as possible:1. The project required "The offeror has the registration under the category/grade A,B or C in the body that governs and regulates the construction industry in the Country”, please kindly confirm the registration in the bidder's country is acceptable or not?2. The project required experience on similar works, we are plan to bid as JV. Could we only provide the performance of one party as a similar experience? Please kindly confirm.3. The unloading method for material (paddy) delivery trucks: is it dump trucks or side-tipping trucks?4. Do we need to provide the 3D design at the bidding stage? We suggest to provide the 3D design when "Design Phase and Approval" after bid evaluation.5. 7-month project timeline is too short. Especially in recent years when sea freight has fluctuated greatly and shipping schedules are unstable, which will affect the overall operation of the project. So we suggest a tolerance of 1-2 months to the whole period. Please kindly confirm.6. There will be huge paper working involved when preparation of the bid. We strongly request and recommend a 4-week extension (at least 3 weeks to July 7th) to the deadline. Please kindly confirm.ANSWER 5:Participation in Tender:Yes, this is an open international tender. Any company that meets the tender requirements is eligible to participate in the bidding process. Company Registration:Yes, registration under the relevant category/grade (A, B, or C) with the regulatory body in the bidder’s own country is acceptable. Similar Experience:Yes, if bidding as a Joint Venture (JV), it is acceptable to provide the relevant experience of only one JV partner, provided the experience is relevant and meets the project requirements. Material Delivery Trucks:Dump trucks are primarily used for the delivery of paddy material. 3D Design Requirements:3D design submission is not required at the bidding stage. It will only be required from the selected contractor during the “Design Phase and Approval” at the contract implementation stage. Project Timeline:Due to project constraints, the 7-month implementation period cannot be extended at this stage. However, if delays occur due to force majeure conditions during the project implementation, accommodations may be made in accordance with the contract’s terms and conditions. Tender Deadline Extension:Due to time constraints of the overall project, we are extending the deadline for one week only . The tender documents will be amended shortly to reflect this extension. Unfortunately, a 4-week extension is not possible for us._________________________________________QUESTION 6: How many tons per day should be produced by the dryer, and the fuel type?ANSWER 6: The handling capacity is 50 tons per hour. However, note that the dryer may have a slightly lower capacity and can be sized accordingly based on standard industry practices .The supplier should propose a machine that comply with the requirement i.e. drying equipment should comply with industrial standards and be capable of reducing the moisture content from approximately 20–24% to an optimal level of 10–14%. The choice of fuel—recycled husk or alternative—can be determined based on your proposed solution. _________________________________________QUESTION 7: Could we know where to find the document of general conditions ?ANSWER 7: In the Documents Tab of the tender, please refer to the Document Name: “Amendment 01_Small_Works_RFP_Section_II_III_IV_V” on page # 9 you will find the General Conditions and Particular Conditions of the contract. _________________________________________
Edited on:
10-Jun-2025 11:45
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org
New clarification added: Correction to the Answers for Questions 1 and 2:Please note that the rice milling capacity is up to 15 tons per hour, and the discharge system should be designed accordingly. This has already been clarified in the revised Terms of Reference (ToR).
Edited on:
09-Jun-2025 12:26
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org
New clarification added: QUESTION 1:We are currently reviewing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the construction of the four hopper silos with integrated rice processing infrastructure in Gbondapi, Pujehun District, Sierra Leone (RFP/2025/57595). To ensure our design and proposal align with your expectations, we seek clarification on the following points regarding the rice processing system:1.1 Storage and Processing of Paddy: It is our understanding that the four hopper silos (4,000 metric tons total capacity) are intended to store paddy (rice with husk), which will then be processed through the integrated rice processing system (including hauling, husking, drying, and packaging) into finished rice products, packed in 50 kg bags, as specified in the ToR (Sections 1.4, 2.1, and 2.1.1). Please confirm if this interpretation is correct or if there are additional requirements for the type of rice to be stored (e.g., milled rice) or processed.1.2 Rice Processing System Productivity: The ToR outlines technical requirements for the rice processing system, including husking, cleaning, drying, and packaging equipment (Section 2.1.1). However, it does not specify the required production productivity (e.g., throughput in tons per hour or day) for the processing line. Could you please clarify:What is the expected daily or hourly throughput for the rice processing system?Are there specific productivity targets for the final output of packaged 50 kg bags (e.g., bags per hour)?Should the system be designed to process the full 4,000-ton capacity over a specific timeframe?This information will help us ensure the proposed design meets the operational efficiency and capacity requirements of the projectANSWER 1:Storage and Processing of Paddy:Yes, your interpretation is mostly correct. The four hopper silos, with a total storage capacity of 4,000 metric tons, are intended to store paddy rice (rice with husk), which will then be processed through an integrated rice processing system. Please note, in addition to husking, drying, and packaging, the process also includes milling operations, such as polishing and whitening, as reflected in the revised Terms of Reference (ToR).Rice Processing System Productivity:While the ToR does not define a specific productivity rate (e.g., tons per hour or day) for the entire processing line, we can provide the following guidance:Throughput Expectation: Although the exact production capacity is not yet finalized, the target handling capacity is approximately 50 tons per hour (50T/h). This should serve as a baseline for the design of the overall processing system. However, note that the dryer may have a slightly lower capacity and can be sized accordingly based on standard industry practices. Productivity Targets for 50 kg Bags: The packaging output is expected to align with the general 50T/h processing capacity. While no specific bags-per-hour figure is provided, the packaging component should be compatible with the throughput of the upstream processes. Processing the 4,000-Ton Capacity: There is no fixed timeframe for processing the entire 4,000-ton capacity. However, the system is expected to operate immediately after receiving the rice from farmers;, and with a processing capacity of 50T/h, you may estimate the operational duration based on a continuous processing flow model.__________________________________ QUESTION 2Please check the questions below which we are most concerned about regarding technical issues:The storage material will be rice without husk, not paddy, right? What is the bulk density of the storage material? Will the feeding and discharging capacities be the same as the handling capacity (50 TPH)? What is the drying capacity per hour? Will the drying fuel be recycled husk or another type? What is the initial moisture content and the target moisture level? What is the milling capacity per hour? Is the tenderer required to provide a 3D design video for the end user? ANSWER 2The storage material will be rice without husk, not paddy, right?Answer: The government allows flexibility in the design layout and encourages innovative approaches. However, paddy rice is preferred for storage, as it has a longer shelf life compared to dehusked rice. Therefore, the process should involve storing paddy rice and then dehusking, polishing, and whitening it before packaging. What is the bulk density of the storage material?Answer: According to available literature, the bulk density of paddy rice typically ranges between 580 to 620 kg/m³. A standard value of 600 kg/m³ is commonly used in design calculations. However, we recommend that your technical team confirm this based on your internal agricultural expertise during the design phase if awarded the contract. Will the feeding and discharging capacities be the same as the handling capacity (50 TPH)?Answer: Yes, the feeding and discharging capacities are expected to match the handling capacity of 50 TPH. What is the drying capacity per hour? Will the drying fuel be recycled husk or another type?Answer: The supplier should propose a machine that comply with the requirement i.e. drying equipment should comply with industrial standards and be capable of reducing the moisture content from approximately 20–24% to an optimal level of 10–14%. The choice of fuel—recycled husk or alternative—can be determined based on your proposed solution, but the use of recycled husk is encouraged for sustainability. What is the initial moisture content and the target moisture level?Answer: The initial moisture content is typically between 20% and 24%. The target moisture level for optimal storage should be reduced to between 10% and 14%. However, depending on the source, particularly smallholder farmers, the initial moisture content may sometimes exceed this range. What is the milling capacity per hour?Answer: The rice milling equipment should be compatible with the storage system and aligned with the total storage capacity of approximately 4,000 metric tons. The milling capacity per hour should be proposed accordingly to ensure efficient processing of the stored paddy. Is the tenderer required to provide a 3D design video for the end user?Answer: Yes, a 3D design video should be included as part of the tender submission to help the end user visualize the proposed solution.________________________________
Edited on:
09-Jun-2025 11:53
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org
New amendment added #1: Amendment 01The tender is amended with the following changes:Minutes of Pre-Bid Clarifications Meeting: The minutes of the pre-bid clarifications meeting have been uploaded in the tender. Bidders can find it under the Documents tab of this tender.The Terms of Reference (ToR) are updated with some additional information based on the questions asked by the participants of the pre-bid meeting and follow up meeting with the client. The following document related to the above mentioned details are updated as:Amendment 01_Terms of Reference (ToR) - for Silo Design and ConstructionAmendment 01_Annex 1 - 4.1.A Bill of QuantitiesAmendment 01_Small_Works_RFP_Section_II_III_IV_VAll other details of this tender remain unchanged except for those mentioned above
Edited on:
05-Jun-2025 13:59
Edited by:
webservice@unops.org