Feasibility Studies and Design for Sustainable Agricultural Infrastructure in the Lobito Corridor, Angola

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New amendment added #2: Amendment N° 2:- Invitation for clarification meeting on Thursday 5/3/2026 at 15:00 (UTC)Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fyk-gpcm-vggOr dial: ‪(US) +1 617-675-4444‬ PIN: ‪667 849 418 8554‬#More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/fyk-gpcm-vgg?pin=6678494188554

New clarification added: */*Question 1 : 1. Clarification on the Definition of “Sites” and Infrastructure AllocationThe Background section indicates the following target outputs:15 artisanal subsurface rainwater storage dams,3 rehabilitated small traditional irrigation canals,25 small eco-cooling warehouses,37 dedicated irrigation systems (drip/micro-sprinkler systems).In the General Objectives and Scope of Services, it is stated that approximately 30–35 potential sites will undergo a High-Level Screening, followed by the selection of approximately 20 sites for detailed feasibility studies.We kindly request clarification on the relationship between these 20 shortlisted sites and the total number of infrastructures (15 + 3 + 25 + 37 = 80 units).Specifically:Do the 20 shortlisted sites correspond primarily to potential locations for subsurface dams?Will multiple infrastructure components (e.g., dam + irrigation system + warehouse) be implemented within the same site?Are eco-cooling warehouses and irrigation systems linked directly to dam or canal sites, or may they be located independently?Should we understand that several infrastructure units may be clustered within a single “site”?Clarification on this point is essential to structure the feasibility methodology, team mobilization plan, and workload estimation appropriately.2. Validation Process of Shortlisted SitesThe ToR indicate that shortlisted sites will be validated by the relevant authorities and stakeholders (including MINAGRIF/IDA and potentially IUCN).Given the tight overall timeline (26 weeks), we would appreciate clarification on:At which stage this formal validation is expected to take place;The anticipated duration of the validation process;Whether contingency time has been factored into the timeline;In case certain shortlisted sites are not validated following the feasibility phase, whether alternative sites must be substituted;If substitution is required, how additional time and costs associated with reassessment would be managed contractually.Understanding this process is critical to ensure realistic scheduling and risk management within the proposed work plan.3. Timeline and Design Review DurationThe proposed timeline outlines key milestones up to Week 25, followed by the Design Review and issuance of the Design Review Certificate.However, no fixed final date is indicated for the completion of the Design Review phase. We understand that revisions and improvements to the Final Design and Execution Design Package will depend on the comments and requests of the UNOPS Design Review Committee.We would therefore appreciate confirmation that:The duration of the Design Review phase is not counted within the 26-week implementation period;The final completion date will be determined upon issuance of the Design Review Certificate.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Answer 1 :1. The small artisanal eco-cooling warehouses and the irrigation systems should be understood as complementary components to the artisanal subsurface dams and the rehabilitated traditional canals. In other words, these are integrated and mutually reinforcing systems that are generally expected to be implemented within the same sites.As outlined in the ToR, the process will first involve a High-Level Screening of approximately 30–35 potential sites provided by UNOPS. From this pool, around 20 sites will be shortlisted for detailed feasibility studies. These 20 shortlisted locations are the sites where the integrated package of interventions is expected to be implemented, as appropriate to each context.Accordingly:Multiple infrastructure components (e.g., subsurface dam and/or canal rehabilitation, irrigation systems, and eco-cooling warehouses) may indeed be implemented within the same site, depending on local needs and technical feasibility.Eco-cooling warehouses and irrigation systems are generally linked functionally to the water infrastructure (dams or canals) and are expected to complement them rather than be planned as fully independent stand-alone investments.Therefore, it should be assumed that several infrastructure units may be clustered within a single “site,” forming an integrated system.2. In line with the ToR timeline, biweekly (or as-needed) coordination meetings will be held throughout the assignment to review progress and share findings. During the High-Level Screening, potential constraints will already be identified and sites that clearly do not meet the intended criteria may be screened out progressively.After the High-Level Screening, a Mid-Term Report will be submitted (Week 8). This short report will present the screening of the initial 30–35 sites and will lead to UNOPS along side with MINAGRIF to validated a shortlist of approximately 20 sites. The formal validation by the relevant authorities and stakeholders is expected to take approximately 5 working days. If it takes longer the timeline of the studies will adjust accordingly.Contingency has been considered without interrupting overall progress. Work can continue in parallel on confirmed sites while any pending decisions are being finalized. For example, the development of standard designs can proceed as scheduled, with only the site-specific designs for any undecided locations finalized later. The shortlist emerging from the Mid-Term Report should be understood as the validated selection of approximately 20 sites. The regular coordination meetings throughout the process are intended to anticipate and mitigate risks early, including identifying any locations that may need adjustment before finalization. 3. As per the proposed schedule, the Submission of the Design Package for Design Review is planned for Project Week 25. Following this submission, the formal Design Review process will take place.The Design Review phase occurs after the 25-week implementation period, and its duration is counted starting from Project Week 26.During the Design Review period, clarifications and responses to comments from the UNOPS Design Review Committee may be requested and addressed by the Consultant.The final completion date will be confirmed upon the issuance of the Design Review Certificate, which signifies that the design has been accepted and formally closed.*/* 

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