For establishment of Long Term Arrangement (LTA) for Resilient and Inclusive WASH Services Delivery in Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar.

 

 

Title

Establishment of Long – Term Agreement (LTA) on Resilient and Inclusive WASH Services Delivery in Host Communities – A Districtwide Approach.

Purpose

Provision of sustainable, resilient and inclusive WASH Services in Cox’s Bazar District.    

Location

Coxs Bazar District – with special focus on Ukhiya, Teknaf and Cox’s Bazar Municipality.

Estimated Duration

The LTA will be for three years (36 months) – The initial contract will be signed for one year, and subsequent contracts will be based on the availability of funds.

Reporting to the Technical Supervisor of this assignment

WASH Specialist, WASH Section, UNICEF Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

 

1. Background

Cox’s Bazar District, which has lower Human Development Index (HDI) indicators compared to the national average, is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, landslides, flash floods, tidal surges, and cyclones. As a coastal district, it also faces significant saline intrusion. These hazards severely affect vulnerable populations by limiting their access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services; they further degrade the quality and sustainability of WASH facilities, hindering progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 and the realization of the human right to water and sanitation. Furthermore, these conditions increase the prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases, leading to higher morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable children.

 

The Rohingya refugee crisis has significantly strained basic social services, resources and exacerbated disparities in WASH services among the host population and refugees. Currently, according to MICS 7, only 39.3% of households have access to safely managed water supply services, while 87.1% of households have onsite sanitation facilities without sewerage connection and 72.2% of households have access to basic sanitation services. Furthermore, 68.9% of households have access to basic hygiene services[1].

 

A 2022 baseline survey highlights major gaps with just 0.3% of the population living in Municipality reached through a piped water network. Fecal sludge management system remains poor, with no Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant for the Bangladeshi population across the district, and 1.1% still practice open defecation[2]. The situation in schools and healthcare facilities is equally concerning. Approximately 80.2% of schools have access to an improved, year-round water source on the premises, while 86.5% have basic drinking water services. Only 57% of schools provide water supply facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. Sanitation coverage shows mixed progress. About 61.8% of schools have at least one improved toilet facility located on school premises, and just 34.2% meet national standards (a maximum of 50 students per compartment)[3]. In terms of hygiene, 69.3% of schools have handwashing facilities, but only 44.6% provide group handwashing stations within the premises. Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) shows significant gap with only 18.9% of schools having private spaces for girls and only 12% have emergency MHM materials available[4].

 

Access to basic WASH services in healthcare facilities (HCFs) remains critically inadequate in Cox’s Bazar. Only 64% of HCFs have water sources available on premises year-round while 28.1% of facilities have at least one improved toilet with provision for menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Only 44.2% of the HCFs have toilets accessible to people with limited mobility. A minimal 6.5% of HCFs meet basic access requirements (usability, dedicated staff toilets, sex-segregated facilities with MHM provisions, and accessibility features)[5].

 

1. Objectives, Purpose and Expected Results

This project will contribute to improving water, sanitation, hygiene and wellbeing of vulnerable people in the district, especially children, women, girls, persons with disabilities and ultra-poor households.

 

Expected Results

 

1. Cox’s Bazar host population has equitable access to sufficient quantity and quality water supply for drinking and domestic purposes.
2. Cox’s Bazar host population has access to basic sanitation and hygiene services.
3. Strengthen leadership of Local Government Institutions at sub-district, union, and ward levels, demonstrated by streamlined coordination mechanisms, inclusive planning processes, equitable resource allocation, effective functioning of local WASH committees, and enhanced engagement of communities and the private sector for sustainable WASH service delivery.

 

1. Description of the Assignment

The contractor/s will be responsible for executing the tasks outlined in the following sections. The description of the scope of work provides a broad overview of the required work, including construction activities. For the renovation and new construction of WASH facilities, detailed tasks, including the site lists, bills of quantities (BoQ’s), drawings, etc. are provided in the annexes to this document.

 

3.1 Water Supply

3.1.1 Construct climate resilient surface water treatment plants and water distribution networks with production boreholes. The tasks will include community consultation, ESS screening, construction of production boreholes, installation of solar units, distribution pipelines and storage infrastructure, and installation of ATM units to enhance efficient, transparent, and equitable access to water. The initiative will also promote local entrepreneurship by engaging and building the capabilities of local operators for system management, operations, and maintenance. Additionally, community engagement, orientation on system use, and coordination with local authorities will be ensured to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient water service delivery.

 

3.1.2 Upgrading and expansion capacity of existing surface water treatment plants and desalination water treatment plants with production borehole. This will include enhancing treatment capacity to increase the production of safe, reliable drinking water, installing additional ATM dispensing units to improve accessibility and efficiency, and strengthening operation and maintenance mechanisms to ensure continuous service delivery. The intervention will also incorporate system automation and monitoring, capacity building of plant operators, and coordination with local authorities and communities to ensure equitable, resilient, and sustainable water supply services for underserved people in water-scarce areas.

 

3.1.4 Establish ATM based water delivery system across existing shared/water distribution networks. This will involve installing ATM to ensure the sustainability of the systems. The intervention will also include community orientation, capacity building of local operators, and coordination with relevant authorities and community representatives to ensure sustainability, transparency, and inclusive service delivery across all user groups.

 

3.1.5 Conduct periodic water quality monitoring, including quarterly monitoring and annual water quality testing, using samples collected from water sources and households. Assess sector-specified bacteriological and physio-chemical parameters and ensure that test results and feedback are used to mitigate identified sanitary risks and address gaps in hygiene and behavioral practices.

 

3.1.6 Implement Water Safety Plans (WSP) to systematically identify, assess, and mitigate risks at all stages of the water supply chain. This initiative aims to reduce public health risks, prevent waterborne diseases, and improve overall water quality among targeted populations.

 

This will include:

• Conducting risk assessments of water sources, collection, transportation, storage, and point-of-use practices.
• Strengthening community awareness on safe water handling, including the use of clean containers, covered storage, and regular cleaning practices.
• Promoting household-level water treatment options such as boiling, chlorination, or filtration where necessary.
• Training local stakeholders, community volunteers, and water management committees on WSP principles and monitoring practices.
• Supporting regular water quality testing and surveillance to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Engaging communities through behavior change communication (BCC) approaches tailored to local context and practices.

 

3.2 Sanitation and Hygiene Services

3.2.1 Implement Community Approach to Total Sanitation (CATS) interventions across vulnerable and undeserved villages in Cox’s Bazar district, aligned with the SDG ward approach under the leadership of the Local Government Institutes (LGIs). This will include facilitating community engagement & mobilization, conducting WASH inventories to identify service gaps, and inform targeted planning and resource allocation for equitable and sustainable sanitation outcomes, behavior change initiatives and strengthening local market systems and supply chain for sanitation products and services.

 

3.2.2 Implement the Sanitation Marketing (SanMark) Approach to strengthen the capacity of local sanitation entrepreneurs across Cox’s Bazar District through comprehensive training and mentoring on business development, market analysis, customer engagement, supply chain management, and marketing strategies. The approach will support entrepreneurs in introducing, promoting, and marketing innovative, affordable, and climate-resilient sanitation products and construction materials that are suitable for the local context and vulnerable communities.

 

The intervention will facilitate stronger linkages between sanitation service providers, suppliers, and consumers, helping to improve the availability, accessibility, and affordability of improved sanitation options. At the community level, the approach will reinforce demand for improved sanitation facilities through targeted social and behavior change communication activities, awareness campaigns, and community engagement mechanisms. By combining supply-side strengthening with demand-generation initiatives, the SanMark approach will contribute to sustainable sanitation service delivery, increased uptake of improved sanitation technologies, and positive hygiene and sanitation behavior changes among households and communities.

 

3.2.3 Construct climate resilient and adaptive latrines to support hard-core poor households prioritizing women-headed families, households with persons with disabilities, and those with adolescent girls. The intervention will be guided by gaps identified through updated WASH inventories to ensure targeted and needs-based implementation. The latrine designs will incorporate inclusive, accessible, and resilient features to withstand local environmental challenges.

 

3.2.4 Disseminate culturally appropriate and context-specific hygiene promotion messages aligned with the social and cultural norms of Cox’s Bazar, to improve key hygiene behaviors.

 

The intervention will focus on promoting critical hygiene practices, including:

• Handwashing with soap and water at three critical times (after defecation, before preparing food, and before eating or feeding children).
• Hygiene practices for children under five, with emphasis on safe feces disposal and caregiver hygiene.
• Safe food handling, preparation, and storage practices
• Proper household waste management to enhance environmental hygiene and reduce health risks.
• Proper use and maintenance of latrines and water facilities

 

In addition, a comprehensive menstrual hygiene management (MHM) component will be implemented, targeting women and girls of reproductive age (15 – 49 years). This will include:

 

• Delivering culturally sensitive awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene.
• Addressing taboos and misconceptions through community engagement.
• Promoting safe and dignified menstrual practices.
• Facilitating access to appropriate menstrual hygiene materials through linkage with supply channels.

 

All messaging and outreach strategies will be tailored to ensure cultural sensitivity, community acceptance and engagement, and inclusivity, thereby strengthening sustainable behavior change within the target population.

 

3.3 WASH in Institutes

3.3.1 Construct climate-resilient WASH blocks in schools in accordance with Bangladesh national standards, ensuring inclusive, safe, and child-friendly facilities. The WASH blocks will include separate and secure latrine units with distinct entrances for boys and girls, reliable access to safe drinking water, and designated hygiene corners to promote proper hygiene practices.

 

The intervention will integrate comprehensive hygiene promotion activities within schools, emphasizing handwashing, environmental cleanliness, and behavioral change among students and teachers. A strong focus will be placed on establishing and promoting Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) services, including private spaces, disposal systems, and access to menstrual materials. In addition, the facilities will be designed to be disability-inclusive, ensuring accessibility and dignity for all students.

 

Schools will be selected through a structured assessment using the Three-Star Approach for WASH in Schools, which identifies gaps and prioritizes those with the greatest needs. The programme will support schools in progressing towards higher WASH service levels through phased improvements.

 

Throughout the planning and implementation process, close coordination and active engagement will be ensured with the Department of Education, local government authorities, school management committees, teachers, and students to strengthen ownership, relevance, and sustainability.

 

Capacity building will be a key component of the intervention, including:

• Training school stakeholders on operation and maintenance (O&M) of WASH facilities.
• Strengthening knowledge and practices on hygiene promotion and MHM.
• Establishing and supporting school-based systems for WASH fund generation and transparent financial management.
• Promoting student-led initiatives such as hygiene clubs to sustain behavior change.

 

By integrating resilient infrastructure, inclusive design, and institutional capacity strengthening, the intervention aims to ensure sustainable, safe, and equitable WASH services in schools.

 

3.3.2 Construct climate-resilient WASH blocks in health care facilities (HCF) in accordance with Bangladesh national standards, ensuring inclusive, safe, and women-friendly facilities. The WASH blocks will include separate and secure latrine units with distinct entrances for male and females, reliable access to safe drinking water, and designated hygiene corners to promote proper hygiene practices.

 

The intervention will integrate comprehensive hygiene promotion activities within HCF, emphasizing handwashing, environmental cleanliness, and behavioral change among patients and caregivers. A strong focus will be placed on establishing and promoting Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) services, including private spaces, disposal systems, and access to menstrual materials. In addition, the facilities will be designed to be disability-inclusive, ensuring accessibility and dignity for all users.

 

HCF will be selected through a structured assessment using the WASH Fit Approach for WASH in HCF, which identifies gaps and prioritizes those with the greatest needs. The programme will support HCF in progressing towards higher WASH service levels through phased improvements.

 

Throughout the planning and implementation process, close coordination and active engagement will be ensured with the department of health, local government authorities, to strengthen ownership, relevance, and sustainability.

 

Capacity building will be a key component of the intervention, including:

• Training health stakeholders in operation and maintenance (O&M) of WASH facilities.
• Strengthening knowledge and practices on hygiene promotion and MHM.
• Establishing and supporting HCF-based systems for WASH fund generation and transparent financial management.

 

By integrating resilient infrastructure, inclusive design, and institutional capacity strengthening, the intervention aims to ensure sustainable, safe, and equitable WASH services in schools.

 

3.4 Operation and Maintenance of WASH Facilities

The contractor shall ensure the uninterrupted operation and maintenance of all WASH facilities through the daily provision of safe chlorinated water, regular water quality monitoring, and the routine repair and maintenance of water supply and sanitation infrastructure in accordance with national standards and environmental safeguards. Responsibilities shall also include the installation of additional tap stands, ATM and other WASH facilities as required to meet service demands. Particular attention shall be given to ensuring that facilities are gender-responsive, climate-resilient, and accessible to women and girls, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, in line with protection and inclusion principles.

 

3.5 WASH Inventory

The Contractor shall conduct a comprehensive assessment and regular updating of the WASH facility inventory across all targeted wards, unions, and sub-districts (upazilas). This shall include systematic mapping, verification, and documentation of all water supply, sanitation and hygiene, capturing key information on location, functionality, service level, utilization, accessibility, ownership, operation and maintenance status, and rehabilitation needs. Regular inventory updates shall be conducted throughout the contract period to ensure accurate tracking of WASH assets, functionality status, and service coverage across the target areas.

 

3.6 Capacity Building of the Local Government, Private Sector and Community Structures

1. Strengthen Public – Private Partnership (PPP)

• Establish engagement with DPHE, LGIs, NGOs and private sector (local sanitation businessmen, construction companies, community entrepreneurs) to strengthen the sanitation supply chain, improve market access and local financing for scaling up and sustaining the interventions.
• Build capacity of the local sanitation businessmen, user groups, management committees, and community entrepreneurs for enhancing a market-based approach to sanitation and improving WASH services cost recovery through responsive tariff setting and service contracts.

 

1. Training and Coaching

• Organize and conduct training and coaching sessions for LGI representatives and WASH committee members on roles, responsibilities, governance, and accountability in WASH service delivery.
• Organize and conduct training on integrated and inclusive WASH programming, including ESS and climate-resilient approaches.

 

1. Strengthening Coordination Mechanisms

• Strengthen WASH coordination platforms at the district and sub-district levels.
• Organize regular coordination meetings involving LGIs, DPHE, NGOs, and private sector, and provide tracking tools to measure progress against agreed actions.

 

1. Supporting Inclusive and Evidence-Based Planning

• Support LGIs to develop/update district and sub-district WASH plans and promote equitable resource allocation.
• Facilitate community consultations, ensuring inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups and promote the use of WASH data (coverage, functionality, vulnerability mapping) for evidence-based decision-making.

 

1. Strengthening Functionality of WASH Committees

• Support the formation/strengthening of community, ward, and union-level WASH and management committees on their roles and responsibilities.
• Establish accountability mechanisms, including regular performance reviews and feedback loops.

 

1. Monitoring, Learning, and Knowledge Sharing

• Introduce monitoring tools to track WASH service functionality and committee performance.
• Conduct periodic joint monitoring visits with stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-learning visits between unions/sub-districts to share good practices and innovations.

 

1. Key Deliverables

 

Tasks

Key Deliverables

Time Frame

Water supply and Water Safety Plan (WSP)

• Number of water networks constructed.
• Number of existing water networks upgraded, and ATM systems expanded.
• Number of water ATMs established across water networks.
• Water network management committees formed and capacitated.
• Number of Water Safe Wards established through the implementation of Water Safety Plan (WSP).

Need basis – to be specified in contract ToR.

Sanitation & Hygiene Services

• Number of wards in Cox’s Bazar district achieves improved WASH service levels in accordance with SDG service ladders through the implementation of the Community Approaches to Total Sanitation (CATS) approach.
• Numbers of people practicing improved latrines through SanMark approach.
• Number of climate resilient latrines constructed.
• Number of people practice hand-washing in three critical times.
• Number of reproductive age women and girls practice safe menstrual hygiene management.

Need basis – to be specified in contract ToR.

WASH in Institutes

• Number of schools with improved and gender inclusive WASH facilities and upgraded WASH blocks.
• Numbers of students have access to improved WASH services.
• Number of students practice hand-washing in three critical times.
• Number of pre-menstrual aged girls have awareness on safe menstruation management. 
• Number of girls practice safe menstrual hygiene management. 
• Strengthened the capacity of student groups, teachers and school management committees on operation and maintenance (O&M) of WASH facilities, including the establishment of a funding mechanism.
• Number of health care facilities (HCF) with improved and gender inclusive WASH facilities and upgraded WASH blocks.
• Numbers of patients and caregivers have access to improved WASH services.
• Strengthened the capacity of HCF management committees on operation and maintenance (O&M) of WASH facilities, including the establishment of a funding mechanism.

Need basis – to be specified in contract ToR.

Capacity Building of the Local Government, Private Sector and Community Structures

• Number of stakeholders (DPHE, LGIs, NGOs, and private sector actors engaged) to sustain WASH interventions.
• Number of local sanitation businessmen have strengthened capacity and improved local sanitation supply chains.
• Number of management committees (community structures), community entrepreneurs trained on tariff system development and management for sustainable service delivery.
• Number of LGI representatives trained on roles, responsibilities, governance, environmental & social safeguards (ESS), and climate-resilient WASH.
• Number of sub-districts have functional WASH coordination platforms on planning, implementation and reporting.
• Number of sub-districts, unions and wards developed WASH plans and sensitized for equitable resources allocation.
• Number of quarterly joint monitoring visits conducted with key stakeholders to ensure quality and accountability.

Need basis – to be specified in contract ToR.

Operation and Maintenance of WASH Facilities

• 100% water network systems are maintained and functional. 
• 95% of latrines are maintained and are always functional.
• 100% WASH Blocks in schools and HCF supported by UNICEF are maintained and functional.
• 80% supported people practice handwashing in three critical times.
• 80% supported villages maintained basic sanitation status.
• 80% supported villages maintained water safe status.

Monthly

WASH Inventory

• WASH inventory updated. 

Once a year

Knowledge Management

• Quarterly Progress reports along with case studies/human stories, lessons learned, video documentation, and photographs.
• Annual report along with case studies/human stories, lessons learned, video documentation, photographs.

Quarterly and yearly

 

1. Reporting requirements

The selected agency will follow quarterly narrative reporting submissions, followed by a progress review meeting.

 

5.1 Monthly Quantitative Progress – update monthly quantitative progress in UNICEF reporting platform facilitated by UNICEF PMR.  

 

5.2 Quarterly Performance Reports

Frequency: Submit every three months.

Content: Provide a comprehensive overview of the project's progress, including quantitative and qualitative data on key indicators. Highlight the implementation of activities, achievement of deliverables, stakeholder engagement, and lessons learned. Include photographs, case studies, or other evidence to illustrate progress.

 

5.3 Final Project Report

Due Date: Within one month of project completion.

Content: Present a comprehensive evaluation of the project's overall performance, including a comparison of planned versus achieved outcomes, analysis of the budget expenditure, challenges, and how they were overcome, success stories, and recommendations for future projects. Include an executive summary, methodology, results, discussion, and annexes with relevant documentation.

 

5.5 Ad-hoc Reports

Frequency: Adhoc as and when requested  

Content: Address specific inquiries or concerns raised by stakeholders, providing detailed information or analysis on particular aspects of the project as required.

 

1. Payment Modality

Payments will be made following agreed work plan and deliverables. But payments will be disbursed based on actual work completed in line with the milestones as outlined in the specific contract. Payment schedules along with deliverables milestones will be planned during issuing the contract/s.

 

1. Qualification requirements of the institution
   • The institution should have active experience in providing similar services for at least 08 years in Cox’s Bazar, preferably at JRP locations.
   • The institution should be registered and licensed to provide the selected services.
   • The institution should have implemented two contracts of a similar nature and magnitude with government or UN organization.
   • The        

7.1 Essential Qualifications:

• Experience: At least 08 years of experience in implementing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) projects, with a focus on climate resilience and community engagement.
• Past Performance: A portfolio of completed similar projects [at least three] that demonstrates the ability to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget. References or case studies may be requested to validate past successes.
• Technical Expertise: Access to or employment of experts in water and sanitation, environmental engineering, community development, and climate change adaptation.

 

7.2 Desirable Qualifications:

• Local Knowledge and Presence: Established operations or partnerships in Cox’s Bazar District or similar contexts, demonstrating an understanding of local challenges, culture, and the socio-economic environment.
• Innovative Approaches: A track record of employing innovative techniques and technologies in WASH projects to enhance effectiveness, sustainability, and climate resilience.
• Capacity Building: Experience in capacity building and training of local communities and institutions to ensure the sustainability of WASH interventions.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government bodies, local communities, international donors, and other stakeholders.

 

 

7a. Qualification of key experts

 

1. Project Manager:
   • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Engineering, Project Management, or related fields.
   • At least 7 years of experience in project management, with 3 years specifically in managing WASH projects.
   • Demonstrated leadership skills and experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.
   • Proven track record of successful project delivery within scope, time, and budget.

 

1. WASH Engineer:
   • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil or environmental Engineering.
   • Minimum 5 years of experience in designing and implementing water and sanitation infrastructure, with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience.
   • Familiarity with local and international WASH standards and best practices.

 

1. Community Development Officer:
   • Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Community Development, or related fields.
   • At least 5 years of experience in community mobilization, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement in WASH projects.
   • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in diverse cultural settings.

 

1. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer:
   • Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Development Studies, or related fields.
   • Minimum 4 years of experience in M&E, with specific experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting for WASH projects.
   • Proficiency in M&E software and tools.

 

Other desirable qualifications:

• Experience working in Cox’s Bazar District or similar contexts.
• Professional certifications relevant to the project scope (e.g., PMP for project managers, LEED for engineers).
• Local language proficiency for all team members.
• Prior experience with international donor-funded projects.

 

Submission Requirements:

• CVs for Key Personnel: Detailed curriculum vitae for each key team member, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

 

1. Evaluation process and method

 

Please refer to the below technical evaluation criteria and qualifying points. Customize the evaluation criteria according to the requirement in the ToR, if required.

 

Evaluation Criteria for Technical Proposal

 

CATEGORY

POINTS

OVERALL RESPONSE

(5)

·       Understanding of, and responsiveness to, UNICEF Bangladesh Office requirements.

2

·       Understanding of scope, objectives and completeness of response.

2

·       Overall concord between UNICEF requirements and the proposal.

1

METHODOLOGY AND DETAILED TIMELINE

(35)

·       Quality of the proposed approach and methodology.

5

·       Suitability of the approach: To what extent is the methodology is designed in response to the needs of the TOR.

10

·       Quality of proposed implementation plan, i.e how the bidder will undertake each task, and time-schedules.

5

·       Risk assessment - recognition of the risks/peripheral problems and methods to prevent and manage risks/peripheral problems.

5

·       Timelines proposed must be detailed and realistic along with deliverables plan.

10

ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY and PROPOSED TEAM

(30)

·       Professional expertise of the firm/company/organization, knowledge and experience with similar projects, contracts, clients and consulting assignments in Cox’s Bazar JRP locations.

10

·       Team leader: Relevant experience, qualifications, and position with the firm.

10

·       Team members - Relevant experience, skills & competencies.

5

·       Organization of the team and roles & responsibilities.

5

TOTAL MARKS

70

 

 

For this RFP, the Technical Proposal has a total score of 70 points. Bidders must score minimum of 49 points to be considered technically compliant and in order, for the Financial Proposals to be opened. Financial proposal has a total score of 30 points.

 

The final selection of the bidder will be based on a quality and cost basis as specified in the RFP.