RFQ Goods - Procurement of Environmental Monitoring and Weather Station Systems for Wildfire Monitoring Operations in Lebanon

New clarification added: 25) Please confirm whether CO or CO₂ alone is acceptable, or whether sensors measuring both CO and CO₂ are preferred/required. Answer 25:As specified in the RFQ, the system shall monitor CO and/or CO₂ concentration.Accordingly, bidders may propose sensors capable of monitoring CO, CO₂, or both parameters, provided that the proposed solution is suitable for environmental monitoring and wildfire early warning applications.26: Please confirm whether soil moisture/dryness measurement requires buried probes at each sensor location and specify required installation depth and calibration expectations. Answer 26:The RFQ does not prescribe a specific sensing technology, installation methodology, probe depth, or calibration approach for soil moisture/dryness monitoring.Bidders shall propose a suitable solution capable of monitoring soil moisture/dryness in support of environmental monitoring and wildfire early warning applications and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.27) Please confirm the number of trainees, training location(s), required language(s), training duration, and whether certificates/manuals are required. Answer 27:The RFQ requires the successful bidder to provide operational training for the beneficiary's designated personnel as part of the proposed solution.The number of participants, training location, and training schedule will be coordinated with the beneficiary during implementation.Training materials and user documentation relevant to the proposed system shall be provided in the language(s) supported by the manufacturer and/or proposed solution.28) Please confirm whether the ±30% quantity variation may apply to installation and civil works as well as equipment, and whether any additional locations will remain within Akkar, Dennieh, and Chouf. Answer 28:As stated in the RFQ, UNOPS reserves the right to vary the quantity of the goods and associated services specified under the contract, provided such variation does not exceed ±30%.The intended deployment areas are Akkar, Dennieh, and Chouf. Final installation locations will be determined in coordination with the beneficiary upon contract award. Please refer to the solicitation document in the Document tab.29) Please confirm whether RFQ/2026/63254 – Wildfire Power is related to RFQ/2026/63274 – Wildfire Weather Station, and whether the UPS and solar power systems are intended to support the same wildfire/weather monitoring deployment across Akkar, Dennieh, and Chouf. Answer 29:RFQ/2026/63254 – Wildfire Power and RFQ/2026/63274 – Wildfire Weather Station form part of the overall wildfire monitoring and early warning initiative being implemented within the project areas of Akkar, Dennieh, and Chouf.Bidders shall prepare their offers in accordance with the requirements of each RFQ independently and based on the scope specified in the respective solicitation documents.30) Please confirm whether the two RFQs will be evaluated and awarded independently, or whether UNOPS/MoE expects technical coordination between the awarded suppliers. Answer 30:Each RFQ shall be evaluated and awarded in accordance with the requirements and conditions specified in the respective solicitation documents.Bidders shall prepare and submit their offers based on the scope and requirements of the specific RFQ for which they are bidding.31) For the item 1 “Automatic Weather Station” and item 4 “IoT Environmental Sensors”, please confirm that the SIM cards will be purchased by the ministry. Also, regarding item 4 “IoT Environmental Sensors”, please confirm that it does not require a data logger and only the live data transmission is required. Answer 31:The RFQ does not prescribe the party responsible for providing SIM cards or communication subscriptions.Bidders shall clearly identify any communication services, subscriptions, connectivity requirements, licenses, or recurring fees associated with their proposed solution.Any communication services, connectivity arrangements, and related costs required for the operation of the proposed solution during the warranty period shall be included in the bidder's offer. 

New clarification added: 17) Please confirm whether the crank-up meteorological towers for the 3 AWS are to be supplied by the bidder, provided by the beneficiary, or covered under another item. If bidder-supplied, please provide required tower height, wind-load rating, and foundation requirements. Answer 17:As indicated in the RFQ Technical Specifications, the Automatic Weather Station shall be suitable for installation on a Crank-Up Meteorological Tower. The project currently assumes that meteorological towers are not available at the proposed locations.Bidders are therefore requested to provide a separate optional price for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning of a Crank-Up Meteorological Tower, including all associated accessories, foundations, mounting hardware, and ancillary works required for a complete installation.The proposed tower height and technical characteristics shall be suitable for the proposed weather station and its sensors in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and applicable meteorological standards. Please refer to the amended solicitation document in the Document tab.18) Please specify minimum solar/battery autonomy requirements for the AWS and whether solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, and backup power must be included. Answer 18:The Automatic Weather Station shall be provided as a complete standalone system, including all power components necessary for reliable operation.The proposed power system shall include, as a minimum, solar photovoltaic panels, charge controllers, battery storage, and all associated accessories required for complete installation and operation.The proposed standalone power system shall provide a minimum autonomy of forty-eight (48) hours without solar charging while maintaining normal operation of all supplied equipment. Please refer to the amended solicitation document in the Document tab.19) Please clarify the required communications architecture for the 120 IoT sensors. Are bidders expected to supply standalone cellular/NB-IoT sensors, LoRaWAN sensors with gateways/network server, or sensors compatible with an existing MoE/municipal network? Answer 19:The RFQ does not prescribe a specific communications architecture for the IoT Environmental Sensors.As specified in the Technical Requirements, the proposed solution shall support one or more of the following communication technologies: LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and/or 4G cellular communication. Please refer to the solicitation document in the Document tab.Bidders shall propose an appropriate communications architecture, network topology, and associated equipment suitable for their proposed solution and capable of supporting reliable data transmission and system operation in the intended deployment areas.20) Please confirm whether the software package must monitor only the 3 AWS, or whether it must also ingest, visualize, alert on, store, and report data from the 120 IoT environmental sensors. Answer 20:The proposed solution shall support the functionality required for the Automatic Weather Stations and the IoT Environmental Sensors included within the scope of this RFQ.As specified in the RFQ, the system shall support data logging and transmission and shall provide the ability to export or integrate collected data with monitoring systems.Bidders shall propose a suitable solution in accordance with the requirements of the RFQ.21) Please confirm who is responsible for SIM cards, data plans, APNs, cloud connectivity, and recurring communications fees during and after the warranty/support period. Answer 21:Bidders shall clearly identify any communication services, subscriptions, connectivity requirements, licenses, or recurring fees associated with their proposed solution.Any communication services, connectivity arrangements, and related costs required for the operation of the proposed solution during the warranty period shall be included in the bidder's offer.Any requirements beyond the warranty period shall be clearly identified in the technical and financial proposal.22) Please confirm whether bidders must test and certify ground resistance for each pole, given the specified maximum 5 Ω grounding requirement. Answer 22:Yes. The successful bidder shall ensure compliance with the grounding requirements specified in the RFQ.Any testing, measurements, verification activities, and associated documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with the specified grounding requirements shall be included within the bidder's scope.23) Please confirm whether the bidder is responsible for all excavation, concrete foundations, reinstatement, and site cleanup for the 120 sensor poles and 3 AWS installations. Answer 23:Yes. The successful bidder shall be responsible for all civil, electrical, mechanical, and installation works required for the complete installation and operation of the proposed solution.This includes, as applicable, excavation, concrete foundations, mounting structures, reinstatement, site cleanup, and all associated works necessary for the installation, commissioning, and handover of the Automatic Weather Stations and IoT Environmental Sensors. Please refer to the solicitation document in the Document tab.24) Please specify default alert thresholds, sampling intervals, reporting intervals, and acceptance criteria for environmental sensors. Answer 24:The RFQ does not prescribe specific alert thresholds, sampling intervals, reporting intervals, or acceptance criteria for the IoT Environmental Sensors.Bidders shall propose suitable sensor configurations, monitoring parameters, and data acquisition settings appropriate for environmental monitoring and wildfire early warning applications and consistent with their proposed solution.

New clarification added: 9) Application for extension of project completion period: we respectfully apply to extend the deadline of bid submission to July 8, 2026. Answer 9: Please note that the submission deadline for this RFQ has been extended until 01 July 2026. Bidders are advised to refer to the General tab for more details.10) with reference to the IoT Environmental Sensors please indicate the precise range of measurement of the following parametersMeasured ParametersThe system shall monitor, as a minimum:●    Temperature●    Relative humidity●    CO and/or CO₂ concentration●    Soil dryness / soil moisture●    Heat spikes or abnormal temperature variations Answer 10: The RFQ does not prescribe specific measurement ranges, accuracy classes, resolutions, or alarm thresholds for the IoT Environmental Sensors.Bidders shall propose sensor specifications suitable for environmental monitoring and wildfire early warning applications. The proposed sensors shall be capable of monitoring the parameters specified in the RFQ and supporting the objectives of the proposed Early Warning System.11) Kindly clarify whether municipal mains power supply is permitted for the 3 automatic weather stations and 120 fire prevention IoT sensors on 4.5–5m galvanized steel poles under this tender scope, and whether municipal power outlets are accessible at all deployment sites.Answer 11: Power availability cannot be guaranteed at all deployment locations.Bidders shall propose suitable power arrangements for the Automatic Weather Stations and IoT Environmental Sensors in accordance with the RFQ requirements and the operational requirements of the proposed solution.The proposed solution shall ensure the reliable and continuous operation of all deployed equipment.12) Specified spacing between weather stations and fire sensor nodesPlease specify the standard deployment interval as well as the maximum permissible communication distance between the 3 automatic weather stations and the 120 fire monitoring IoT sensors. Answer 12: The RFQ does not prescribe a fixed deployment interval or maximum communication distance between Automatic Weather Stations and IoT Environmental Sensors.Bidders shall propose an appropriate network architecture, deployment strategy, and communication topology suitable for their proposed solution.The proposed design shall ensure reliable data transmission and continuous monitoring across the intended coverage area.13) Our fire sensors support self-organizing mesh network over International ISM Band 433MHz. Please confirm whether this frequency band is restricted by Lebanon’s TRA spectrum regulations. Answer 13: Compliance with all applicable national telecommunications, spectrum allocation, licensing, and regulatory requirements shall be the responsibility of the bidder.Bidders shall ensure that any proposed communication technology, frequency band, or wireless equipment is permitted for use in Lebanon and complies with all applicable regulatory requirements.14) Please confirm whether UNOPS/MoE will provide final GPS coordinates and site access details for all 3 AWS and 120 IoT sensor/pole locations before contract signature or immediately upon award. Answer 14:The final installation locations, GPS coordinates, and site access details will be determined in coordination with the beneficiary upon contract award.The successful bidder will be provided with the necessary information to enable implementation of the works in accordance with the RFQ requirements.15) Please confirm whether the six-week delivery period includes customs clearance, inland transport, site access coordination, civil works, installation, configuration, testing, commissioning, handover, and operator training. Answer 15:The delivery period specified under the RFQ applies to the complete scope of supply and services required under the contract.The successful bidder shall be responsible for completing all activities necessary for the supply, customs clearance, delivery, inland transportation, installation, configuration, testing, commissioning, handover, and training associated with the proposed solution within the specified delivery period. Please refer to the solicitation document in the Document tab.Please note that customs duties and taxes applicable under this procurement are exempted. However, the successful bidder shall remain responsible for the customs clearance and delivery of all goods, equipment, and materials required under the contract.16) Please clarify whether UNOPS/MoE will provide tax/duty exemption documentation, import permits, consignee information, and customs support. Please also confirm whether prices should be quoted net of VAT/duties or inclusive of any non-exempt local charges. Answer 16:Customs duties and taxes applicable under this procurement are exempted. The successful bidder shall remain responsible for the customs clearance and delivery of all goods, equipment, and materials required under the contract. Please refer to the solicitation document in the Document tab.Any documentation or information required from UNOPS to facilitate the applicable exemptions will be provided to the successful bidder after contract award, as applicable.Bidders shall prepare and submit their financial offers in accordance with the requirements and pricing forms provided in the RFQ documents.

New clarification added: 1) reference is made to Item # 1- Automatic Weather Station. Please indicate the measurement range of the required parameters : ●    Wind speed●    Wind direction●    Air temperature●    Relative humidity●    Barometric pressure●    Precipitation●        Solar radiationAnswer 1: Please note that bidders shall propose professional Automatic Weather Station solutions suitable for meteorological monitoring and wildfire early warning applications. The proposed sensors shall provide measurement ranges, accuracy, and resolution in accordance with internationally recognized industry standards and manufacturer recommendations.2) reference is made to Item # 1- Automatic Weather Station- Mounting and Installation- Please clarify if the crank-up tower must be supplied by the bidder. If so what would be the height in meters?Answer 2: As indicated in the RFQ Technical Specifications, the Automatic Weather Station shall be suitable for installation on a Crank-Up Meteorological Tower. The project currently assumes that meteorological towers are not available at the proposed locations.Bidders are therefore requested to provide a separate optional price for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning of a Crank-Up Meteorological Tower, including all associated accessories, foundations, mounting hardware, and ancillary works required for a complete installation.The proposed tower height and technical characteristics shall be clearly indicated in the offer and shall be suitable for the proposed weather station and its sensors in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and applicable meteorological standards. Please refer to the amended solicitation document in the Document tab.3) reference is made to Item # 1- Automatic Weather Station-Power Requirements- In order to ensure continuous operation in remote location we will offer Automatic Weather Station powered by PV panel, batteries and charge regulator. Please indicate the number of days of autonomy the system must have powered only by batteries. This parameter is very important to determine capacity and number of batteries. Answer 3: The bidder shall propose a complete standalone power system, including batteries and charging components, suitable for reliable and continuous operation of the weather station under the expected environmental conditions.The power system shall provide a minimum autonomy of forty-eight (48) hours without solar charging while maintaining normal operation of all supplied equipment.The proposed autonomy, power calculations, and system sizing methodology shall be clearly described in the technical proposal.4) Please indicate the range of parameters of sensors of weather stationAnswer 4: Please note that bidders shall propose professional Automatic Weather Station solutions suitable for meteorological monitoring and wildfire early warning applications. The proposed sensors shall provide measurement ranges, accuracy, and resolution in accordance with internationally recognized industry standards and manufacturer recommendations.5) Power supply of weather station: are in the installation sites any power supply sources for weather station? On contrary should we offer weather stations powered by solar panels?  Answer 5: The weather stations are expected to operate as standalone solar-powered systems.Bidders shall include all required solar power components necessary for continuous and reliable operation of the proposed weather station, including solar panels, charge controllers, lithium battery storage, mounting accessories, and all ancillary equipment required for a complete installation.The proposed autonomy, power calculations, and system sizing methodology shall be clearly described in the technical proposal.6) Confirmation of full service scope under this tenderCould you clarify whether on-site installation, system commissioning, end-user operational training and warranty services are fully included within the contractual scope of this RFQ?Answer 6: Yes. The scope of this RFQ includes the supply, delivery, installation, configuration, testing, commissioning, and handover of the proposed solution, including all equipment, accessories, materials, and services required for complete and reliable operation.The successful bidder shall also provide operational training to the beneficiary's designated personnel and warranty services in accordance with the requirements specified in the RFQ documents and the offered manufacturer's warranty terms.7) Inquiry about 4G network coverage at all installation sites The monitoring equipment transmits data relying on 4G cellular network. Kindly advise the actual 4G coverage and signal stability at deployment sites in Akkar, Dennieh and Chouf, and confirm whether stable 4G signal is available at every location.Answer 7: The final installation locations will be determined in coordination with the beneficiary upon contract award.The intended deployment areas are located within Akkar, Dennieh, and Chouf. The primary mobile network operators in Lebanon are TOUCH and ALFA. However, UNOPS does not guarantee the availability, strength, or stability of cellular network coverage at specific installation locations.The successful bidder may assess the available network coverage and determine the most suitable communication arrangement after contract award and once the final installation locations are identified. Any communications equipment, interfaces, cabling, accessories, and ancillary materials required for complete and reliable operation of the proposed solution shall be included within the bidder's scope.8) Clarification on wired cabling works and relevant tender scopeIf 4G signal is unavailable or unstable at any site, physical cabling between IoT environmental sensors and automatic weather stations will be needed for data transmission. Please provide the approximate cabling distance per site, and confirm whether cabling construction, cables, accessories and all related expenses are covered by this tender.Answer 8: The final installation locations and equipment layout will be determined in coordination with the beneficiary upon contract award. Therefore, no predefined cabling routes or distances are available under this procurement.The bidder shall include all equipment, materials, accessories, cabling, connectors, mounting hardware, communications interfaces, installation works, and ancillary services required for complete integration and reliable operation of the proposed system.

New amendment added #1: This amendment is made to:Amend the (Technical specifications for Goods and Comparative Data Table) & (Form B: Price Schedule Form) in the document RFQ_Section_II_ScheduleofRequirements_Wildfire Weather Station-Rev.01 and RFQ_Section_III_ReturnableBiddingForms_Wildfire Weather Station- REV.01. Please refer to the amended document in the Documents tab for more details.Extend the tender deadline until 01 July 2026. Please refer to the General tab for more details.Other terms & conditions remain the same.