RFP Consultant Services Contract for Works - Technical Assessment and Detailed Design of Six (6) Water Treatment Plants in Iraq

New clarification added: Question:Following up on our previous request, we would like to highlight that the current submission deadline falls immediately after the Eid Al-Fitr holidays.Given the official holiday period and its impact on final coordination and logistics, we kindly request an additional one-week extension to the submission date. This will ensure that our team can deliver a high-quality proposal that meets all your requirements after the holidays.Answer:Further extension cannot be granted.

New clarification added: Question:If the drilling depth exceeds 250 meters, should a Variation Order be issued?Should the consultant gather the Historical Data related groundwater, or any such data, or is there a governmental entity in Ninewa that will provide the consultant with this information?In the case of approving fewer than six water treatment plants, is there a different pricing for the second phase?Regarding the number of alternative Boreholes to be studied Geophysically within the same price range, then what is the limit?In the case of a conflict between the WHO and IQS, which standard should be given priority in design?Is it required to cover all the stations energy needs with a solar power system, or should it be a hybrid system to reduce consumption during the day?Does the consultant need to do the necessary surveys? And advise if there’s any data are availableThe review time by UNOPS, according to phase 2, at (30, 60, 90, and 100 %), will it fall within the 150 days allocated for the phase, or no?Is there a proposed seismic code (Iraqi, American, or otherwise)?Answer:in same sequential order:Please read the contract general conditions before signing of the agreement, if awareded.The consultant shall gather all required data as stated in the ToR.The contract BoQ is prepared measured price, only the delivered and completed quantitites will be payable.One alternate explore is anticipatedWHOThis will be discussed during the design breif and criteria development once the contract is awarded.The consultant shall carryout all required survey and assessment stated in the ToR.yesIraqi and any other international code accepted in local context. This shall be agreed during design breif and criteria development.

New clarification added: Question:We respectfully request an two weeks extension of the bid submission deadline due to the current regional and local operating conditions.We kindly request an additional one-week extension to the submission date considering that the current submission deadline falls immediately after the Eid Al-Fitr holidays.Answer: Further extension cannot be granted due to project timelines.

New clarification added: Question:We are a constrcution and egineering firms in Jordan with registered bracnh in Iraq. We are not specifically a CONSULTING FIRM though we are an engineering and construction company Are we allowed to bid for the project though it is indicated in Qualification Criteria No 2 - (Certification of registration in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in the Country, Iraq ) Answer:Bidders must comply with the UNOPS requirements as detailed in the RFP:Criteria: The offeror has the registration in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in the Country, Iraq. All joint venture members combined must meet it.For Joint Ventures: All members of the joint venture combined must meet the criterion:

New clarification added: Question:1. Conditional 10% within Stage OneAs indicated in the ToR, 10% of Stage One is not payable unless Stage Two is formally authorized by UNOPS. However, this condition does not appear to be reflected in Annex 2 – Table #1 (Cost breakdown per deliverable/output – Stage 1). Could you please clarify how this conditional 10% of Stage One is intended to be addressed within Annex 2?2. Allocation between Stage One and Stage TwoWe note that under Annex 2:Table #1 (Stage 1) represents 90% of the total Contract Value; andTable #2 (Stage 2) represents 10% of the total Contract Value.Stage Two includes the detailed design of six (6) Water Treatment Plants, as well as associated pumping stations, reservoirs, and transmission networks.Given the scope and level of engineering typically required for detailed design of such infrastructure — including process design, hydraulic and structural calculations, electromechanical systems, drawings, technical specifications, and Bills of Quantities — the allocation of 10% of the total Contract Value appears limited in proportion to the described scope.We would therefore appreciate clarification as to whether this allocation reflects the full intended scope of Stage Two as defined in the ToR.Answer:Please note that the cost breakdown and the payment schedule serve two different purposes. The 10% retention is applied to the consultant's Stage 1 payments; therefore, the schedule reflects a total of 90%. In contrast, the cost breakdown table is intended specifically for pricing the offer. Regarding the Stage 2 design, please note that a detailed design is required in accordance with the ToR and this stage must be priced according to the Terms of Reference (ToR) and the pricing table provided for Stage 2. This process is independent of the 10% retention amount from Stage 1. Please read the ToR carefully, there are enough details and clarity.

New clarification added: Qustion:We understand that Stage One represents 90% of the total Contract Price, while Stage Two represents the remaining 10%.However, the milestone percentages listed under Stage One also total 90%. If these percentages are applied to the total Contract Price, Stage One would effectively correspond to 81% of the overall value (90% × 90%), leaving 19% rather than the intended 10% for Stage Two.Could you kindly confirm whether the milestone percentages under Stage One are intended to represent 100% of the Stage One value (with Stage One corresponding to 90% of the total Contract Price), and Stage Two representing the remaining 10%?In addition, we would appreciate clarification regarding the allocation of only 10% of the Contract Price to Stage Two, considering that this stage includes the detailed design of six (6) Water Treatment Plants, as well as pumping stations, reservoirs, and transmission networks. Given the scope and level of engineering typically required for detailed design of such infrastructure—including process design, hydraulic and structural calculations, electromechanical components, drawings, specifications, and BOQs—the proportional allocation appears relatively low compared to the described scope.Also considering the current situation in the Middle East - we ask for a deadline extension for 2 weeks.Answer:This is not correct. Please note that Stage 1 and Stage 2 are budgeted separately. The payment schedule for Stage 1 reflects 90% because 10% of the Stage 1 cost is retained until the end of the construction contract.The staffing requirements, duration, and scope of services are defined sepertely for each stage. Please review the Terms of Reference (ToR) carefully and ensure your offer reflects these specific requirements for each stage.

New clarification added: Question:1. In Section II: EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA, we have noted that not all proposed experts are subject to evaluation. Could you please confirm whether the experts being evaluated (Hydrogeologist/ Team leader, Geophysicist, HSSE Officer, Design Manager/Lead Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Renewable Energy Specialist) are considered key experts, while those not subject to evaluation (Drilling Supervisor, Water Quality Specialist, Process Engineer, Civil/Structural Engineer, Electrical & I&C Engineer, Quantity Surveyor/Cost Engineer, Drafting/CAD Expert) are classified as non-key experts?Additionally, could you please confirm whether we are required to submit CVs for all proposed experts, including those not subject to evaluation, or only for the experts being evaluated?2. While we note that drilling and network design fall under the Consultant’s responsibility, the ToR does not define the number of boreholes per location nor provide indicative network lengths.Without sufficient background information or a clearly defined scope, participation in this tender may require bidders to rely on assumptions, which could affect the consistency and comparability of submitted proposals.In this respect, we would appreciate confirmation on the following:-        Boreholes:Should bidders assume a defined number of boreholes per location for pricing purposes?-        Transmission / Distribution Networks:Could the Client indicate at least an approximate number of kilometers to be designed per location?We note that most of the interested bidders have raised similar questions, highlighting the importance of establishing a common pricing basis to ensure fair and competitive proposals.Answer:Please note the UNOPS key personnel requirements and criteria are all fully detailed in the RFP documents as follows:- Section V: Requirements - Schedule 3.7 Key personnel requirements: provides details of the UNOPS key personnel requirement (13 positions in total for both stages). However- Section II: Evaluation method and criteria - no. 3.1: states:"The qualifications and experience of Key Personnel proposed meet the established requirements.Key personnel:- Hydrogeologist/ Team leader- (4 points)- Geophysicist - (3 points)- HSSE Officer - (2 points)- Design Manager / Lead Design Engineer -(4 points)- Mechanical Engineer - (2 points)- Renewable Energy Specialist - (3 points)For the purpose of evaluation, the bidder shall submit the CVs of the above key personnel. The scoring shall be distributed as detailed in the table below.Commitment letter:The bidder shall submit along with a commitment letter stating that the bidder will provide the CVs of all remaining staff listed in the Schedule of Requirements within one week of the contract award. (2 points for submitting the commitment letter)."Accordingly, bidders are required to submit the CVs of the key personnel listed in the criteria (Section IV: Returnable schedule 0.5 and returnable schedule 4.4) and a commitment letter for all remaining positions.Please refer to the TOR for stage one of the assignment, it provides sufficient information. Based on the geographical conditions of the project coverage areas, the consultants can decide the number of required exploratory bores to be drilled for the purpose of the assessment. The network lengths shall be calculated during design, stage 2 of the assignment.

New clarification added: Question:Please confirm that the cost of field works such as topographical surveying, geophysical investigation, drilling the wells etc...can be priced as separate items under Other Costs in Table #3  - “Cost Breakdown  per component”.Please confirm that it is possible to submit the pricing of the pre-selected six locations each one separately following the template of Table #3. This will allow different pricing for each location, if needed, and will define the value of the works for each location, hence allowing to easily cancel Stage 2 for any location that is not found suitable following the results of Stage 1. It will also offer the flexibility to add and/or replace locations.Please confirm that it is possible to effect the sequence of payments detailed in Tables #1 and #2, separately for each location, noting that works may be carried out sequentially. Hence, payment would be effected for each well as the works advance in Stage 1 and for each design in Stage 2.Can you please share any information about the size of the populations to be served in each location and the existing water distribution networks. Please share any previous reports or studies. It is important to quantify the probable size of each distribution network and the required infrastructure to allow precise pricing on a location by location basis.Please confirm that a Containerized/Packaged  water treatment plant is acceptable. Otherwise, please clarify the technical specifications required for the treatment processes.Please confirm that it is possible to submit proof of comparable assignments from within the last 15 or 10 years.Finally, considering the fact that we are presently in the Holy month of Ramadan, could you please extend the deadline to submit proposals by 2 weeks ?Answer: in same sequential order:Please read the ToR, and calculate your costs accordingly, you can add it under Other Costs, however the breakdown shall be there to understand the logic of costing.The pricing table that has been given in the RFP shall be followed, however, the consultant can have a breakdown per component and or activities for his own uses.Please follow the RFP requirements for payments.Please read the ToR, the consultant is responsible for a detailed asseseement of the information needed.Containerized package is not acceptable, please read the details in stage two of the ToR, permanenet structures shall be designed, additional details on the design criteria will be given to the awarded consultant.Please follow the RFP requirements.Please note the deadline for bid submission has been already extended for 2 weeks via an RFP amendment. Please refer to the general tab on eSourcing for the new deadline.

New amendment added #1: This amendment is made to:Publish the pre-bid meeting minutes. Please refer to the Documents tab on eSourcingExtend the deadlines for bid submission and clarifications. Please refer to the general  tab on eSourcingAll other terms and conditions remain unchanged

New clarification added: Question:Our understanding based on received clarifications “No nationalities are excluded from submitting a proposal”, that it is eligible for non-registered firm in Iraq (but registered  in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in another country)  to participate with a JV partner that is registered in Iraq. Please confirmAnswer:Please note the UNOPS requirements are clearly deatiled in the RFP:- Offeror eligibility: "No nationalities are excluded from submitting a proposal."- Qualification criteria: "The offeror has the registration in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in the Country, Iraq. All joint venture members combined must meet it."

New clarification added: Question:We respectfully request the following additional clarifications:Please clarify the availability and reliability of existing network drawings, storage data, and as-built records in the project area, and the expected level of field verification required by the Consultant where records are incomplete.Please clarify the anticipated IPMG review workflow, including expected turnaround times for each review stage and whether these durations are excluded from the Consultant’s 150-day schedule.Answer:UNOPS doesn't have access to such information, the consultant shall source whatever document, information, data is needed for successfully implementation of the consulting contract.The IPMG review is part of the given duration, the review times depends on the quality of the consultant's submission.

New clarification added: Question:We kindly request the following clarifications:Will UNOPS provide the specific historical borehole logs, pumping test records, and previous hydrogeological studies mentioned in Section 4.1 for the six target locations.For the determination of storativity and hydraulic parameters, will existing nearby wells be available for monitoring, or should the drilling of dedicated observation wells be included in the Consultant’s technical proposal and cost?Is the Consultant responsible for the full procurement, mobilization, and payment of the drilling and pumping test contractors, or will UNOPS provide the drilling rigs and equipment while the Consultant provides only technical supervision?If a primary site is declared "Not Feasible," is the cost for the additional geophysical surveys and exploratory drilling supervision at the alternative location covered under the initial lump sum, or will it be handled as a contract variation.Does the scope include hydrological modeling or flood risk assessment?The ToR specifies a 250m drilling depth; if the aquifer is not encountered at this depth, will the Consultant be instructed to continue drilling at an additional cost, or is 250m the absolute contractual limit for that location?Answer:Please note the following answers in the same sequence:Please read the ToR, this falls under the consultant's obligations, UNOPS doesn't have access to historical information,The drilling cost of the explore bore shall be part of the consultant's cost, there are existing wells however not fucntioning and may not be suitable for the pump test, the ToR has already highlighted the need for drilling, therefore it shall be part of the consultant's cost.UNOPS will not provide such a service,Cost are covered under the initial lumpsum as stated in the ToR.Please follow the ToR requirments only.Please follow the ToR requirments only.

New clarification added: Question:Can you please provide the following:Geological and hydrogeological maps for the project area (and not geophysical or hydrological  maps).The approximate length of the existing  distribution network(s) belonging to this project as well as the corresponding maps?Answer:Please refer to previous UNOPS clarification where feedback was given to the same clarification last time, the consultant shall read the ToR and source whatever material and documentations is required for handling of the services.

New clarification added: Question:We respectfully request an extension of the RFP submission deadline. This additional time will allow our team to thoroughly review the RFP requirements and prepare a comprehensive and responsive proposal. We appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to your favorable response.Answer:The deadline for bid submission will be extended shortly via an RFP amendment. Please check eSourcing for the new deadline

New clarification added: Question: We would like to kindly request clarification regarding the eligibility criteria for participation in this tender.1. Would it be acceptable for an international firm to act as the Lead Partner in a Joint Venture with a local Iraqi firm?2. Is it permissible for the local partner to be a contracting firm (civil contractor) rather than a local consulting firm?Answer:Please refer to the Particulars tab on eSouring:- Offeror eligibility: No nationalities are excluded from submitting a proposal.- Evaluation method details: Proposals shall be evaluated as specified in the documents titled Section I: Instructions to Offerors and Section II: Evaluation Method and Criteria. For Joint Ventures: All members of the joint venture combined must meet the criterion.Please also refer to the Qualification citeria: The evaluation will be aginst the requirement defined in the criteria for the bidder and joint venture members, if any

New clarification added: Question:    Request for clarification regarding Joint-Venture Registration in Iraq1-Under Instruction to offeror, Article 4 OFFEROR ELIGIBILITY we can read:(iv) Each Joint Venture, consortium, or association member shall meet the offeror eligibility conditions.2-Under SECTION II: EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA point 2: QUALIFICATION CRITERIA we can read:3-The offeror has the registration in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in the Country, Iraq.All joint venture members combined must meet it.●  Certification of registration in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in the Country, Iraq 3-Under “Particular” we can read: All members of the Joint Venture combined must meet the criterionKindly clarify if:1.     The requirement must be met collectively by all joint venture members.                                                      Or2.     All members of the joint venture, when combined, must satisfy this requirement.Finally, and in other words, if in a Joint-Venture one partner has the registration in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in the Country, Iraq  while the other partner has not this registration . In this case will the JV be qualified?Answer:Please note the following:Offerer eligiblity (which is evaluation Stage: 1. Eligibility and formal criteria): Each Joint Venture, consortium, or association member shall meet the offeror eligibility conditions.Stage: 3. Qualification criteria evaluation: All joint venture members combined must meet it. This is indicated in the criteria and the particulars section on eSourcing. This means the qualifications of all members of the joint venture, when added together, must meet the requirements.

New clarification added: Question: 03. Registration in Relevant Regulatory Body Requirement:The Offeror must be registered with the competent body governing or regulating the engineering, consulting, and/or construction industry in Iraq. All joint venture members combined must meet this requirement.Clarification (Revised):The bidder holds all required registrations in Lebanon and has recently opened a branch in Iraq. Does the existence of the newly established Iraq branch, along with its foreign registrations, fulfill this requirement?Answer:Please refer to the criteria stating "The offeror has the registration in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in the Country, Iraq. All joint venture members combined must meet it". The evaluation will be aginst the requirement defined in the criteria for the bidder and joint venture members, if any

New clarification added: Question: 02. Continuity of Business Requirement:The Offeror must have been in continuous business for the last three (3) years. All joint venture members combined must meet this requirement.Clarification (Revised):The company has recently opened a branch in Iraq but has been operating internationally for over 25 years. Does the long-standing operational history of the parent company satisfy this requirement despite the Iraq branch being newly established? Please confirm.Answer:Please refer to the criteria which states that "The offeror has been in continuous business during the last [Three (3)] year. All joint venture members combined must meet it." and please refer to the solicitation document - Section II which states the Documents to establish compliance with the criteria. The evaluation will be against the requirement defined in the criteria for the bidder and joint venture members, if any

New clarification added: Question: 01. Financial Capability Requirement:The Offeror must have an annual turnover of at least [USD 400,000] in any one of the past five (5) years. All joint venture members combined must meet this requirement.Clarification (Revised):Is the required turnover expected to be generated within Iraq if the company submitting the offer has an established branch in Iraq?Answer:Please refer to the critiera stating "Financial capability The offeror has an annual turnover of minimum [400,000 USD] in any one of the last [five (5)] years. All joint venture members combined must meet it.". The UNOPS requirements are all mentioned within the criterion and bid evaluation will be against these requirements only.

New clarification added: Question: We would appreciate your clarification on whether it is mandatory for a firm to be registered in Iraq in order to participate in this tender.If registration in Iraq is required, could you please confirm whether international firms may participate through a joint venture with a locally registered Iraqi firm?Answer:Please refer to the Qualification criteria #3.3 which states: "The offeror has the registration in the body that governs and regulates the engineering, consulting and/or construction industry in the Country, Iraq. All joint venture members combined must meet it."

New clarification added: Question 1: Should the borehole drilling cost be included in the consultant fees of the present consultancy or drilling will be performed by a specialized drilling company having a separate contract with UNOPS?Answer 1: The cost of drilling (which is required for the purpose of this assignment " mostly stage one") shall be a part of the consultant cost, for more details please refer to the ToR. However, permenant drilling is not part of this consultant contract - will be awarded seperately under a construction contract via seperate tender once the design is completed.Question 2: Can you please provide a geological and hydrogeological map for the project area?Answer 2: Please refer to the ToR, the consultant is responsible for geophysical and hydrological assesments, thus the maps also falls under the consultants responsibilityQuestion 3: Can you please provide approximate length of the distribution network(s) belonging to this project as well as the corresponding maps?Answer 3: Please refer to the ToR, the consultant is responsible for the network design as well as sourcing the required maps.