REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ) FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO CONDUCT GROUND TRUTHING AND MARKET INTELLIGENCE SURVEYS FOR 150 COMMUNITIES FOR THE DEPLOYMENT AND EXPANSION OF MINI-GRIDS IN SIERRA LEONE

New clarification added: Dear UNOPS,We are kindly seeking clarification on these:Please clarify whether WP 5.2 and WP 5.3 workstreams should be executed concurrently (in parallel) i.e. both fieldworks running simultaneously or sequentially (one after the other). If sequential, which one should start first?Are there known data gaps or quality issues in NODE that the consultant should anticipate?Will UEF facilitate introductions to mini-grid operators, or should the consultant lead outreach independently?Is there an existing subsidy calculation tool to be used, or is the consultant expected to propose, update or refine the tool?Thank you in advance. Dear Vendor,Please see the clarifications below:1. Work across both sub-workstreams are expected to be carried out concurrently, with 5.2 being of most priority. As indicated in the tender, reporting deliverables for 5.2 are expected from the consultant with 6 weeks of assignment commencement, followed by reports for 5.3 in subsequent weeks. The consultant is expected to plan logistics in a manner that allows for efficient  parallel work to happen across both sub-workstreams . 2. The NODE Platform was designed and handed over to the Government of Sierra Leone for administration and maintenance. Data gaps and quality concerns around the platform would be appropriately addressed by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Energy as the platform has been in their possession for the last 4-5 years and they better understand the concerns.3. The UEF is in the best position to facilitate introductions between the operators and the consultant in order to maintain a trail of conversations and outcomes.4. The UEF currently has a Subsidy Calculator tool that was designed and has been peer-reviewed with donors, partners/stakeholders and the private sector. The consultant will be expected to work with this tool and be in a position to propose updates to the tool at the time of the specific assignment delivery of subsidy recalculations.  

New clarification added: Dear UNOPS Team,My name is Joanis Holzigel and I am the COO of INENSUS, a mini-grid consulting firm.We would like to clarify the following aspects with you with regards to the tender procedure:1. In the deliverable section, is mentioned that kiff-off meetings are to be held with local councils and chiefdom authorities. Please confirm whether these meetings may alternatively be held during the field visits.2. In the deliverables, it is mentioned under "National Summary Report" that each community is to contain a proposed grid model. Please confirm if this implies the need to model a distribution grid for each of the communities as part of the deliverable.3. Under expertise required, it is mentioned that the firm is to demonstrate the ability to create a data visualisation platform. Please confirm whether the creation of a data visualisation platform for real-time data is to be part of the activities to be carried out by the consultant.With kind regards,Joanis HolzigelDear Vendor,Please see the clarifications below:1. Yes, these meetings are expected to be held during the course of field visits. 2. Yes. The assignment seeks to get accurate estimates on the cost of distribution infrastructure in each community.3. The visualization platform is not a necessary deliverable under the assignment.  

New clarification added: Dear UNOPS Procurement Team,Greetings form Grant Thronton Yemen We kindly request an extension of the submission deadline for the consultancy services procurement related to ground truthing and market intelligence surveys for mini-grids in Sierra Leone.An extension would allow us to finalize a comprehensive and fully compliant proposal that meets UNOPS’ technical and quality requirements.We would be grateful if you could kindly advise whether such an extension is possible and, if so, the revised deadline.Thank you very much for your time and consideration. We highly appreciate your support and look forward to your guidance.Best, Rahma Al-Zumair Dear Vendor,​The quotation submission deadline has been extended until 30 Dec 2025, 11:00 UTC.Regards.

New clarification added: Dear Madam/Sir,I hope you are doing well.With reference to the tendered project, we are really excited to participate in the tendering pricess, however, looking at the depth of the tender requirements, w.r.t tieing-up with 3rd party agencies for realtime visualisation software, having an appropriate team with experts of required caliber, and ensuring that the project methodolgy proposed in our submission works in a smooth manner, we would like to request for an extension to the closing date to prepare and submit a comprehensive proposal. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to your favorable response.Best Regards,Madhusagar SinghDear Vendor,The quotation submission deadline has been extended until 30 Dec 2025, 11:00 UTC.Regards.

New amendment added #1: Dear Sir/Madam,Please be informed that the deadline of the quotation submission has been extended until 30 Dec 2025, 11:00 UTC.We look forward to receiving your quotations.Regards,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Sir/Madam,We kindly request an extension of two weeks to the proposal submission deadline to allow us sufficient time to prepare a comprehensive and high-quality submission that fully aligns with our objectives and expectations.We appreciate your consideration and look forward to your favorable response.Kind regards,Dear Vendor,Thank you for your request for extension.Unfortunately, due to the project timeline, we are unable to give an extension at this time.Thanks.