Request for Proposal for Stakeholder Initiated Projects (BOTTOM-UP) at Universal Service Provision, Abuja
Universal Service Provision Secretariat
Nigerian Communications Commission Head Office, 9th Floor, Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja, FCT
Request for Proposal for Stakeholder Initiated Projects (BOTTOM-UP)
Background
The Universal Service Provision Fund “USPF” was established under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 by the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal service and universal access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in rural un-served and under-served areas in Nigeria.
In carrying out its mandates, the USPF has been implementing some projects designed by it. These projects are conceptualized and designed for implementation in various un-served and underserved communities by USPF (Top-Bottom Projects).
Objective
The USPF in recognition of the creativity of individuals, communities & organizations, intends to executes Stakeholder Initiated (Bottom-Up) Projects which are expected to be distinct from its existing projects. Such project will be conceptualized, designed and implemented by various individuals, community organizations, NGOs, private business entrepreneurs, etc. This is to ensure rapid deployment of needed ICT services in the un-served and under-served areas.
Project Design and Specifications
a) The design and specifications of the proposed project depends entirely on the imagination or preferences of the proponents. However, projects offering unique value propositions or innovative features over existing standard-design. USPF projects will receive priority consideration.
b) Thus, the USPF will consider for support any project that will deliver new connectivity for communities that lack ICT connectivity and/or value added services. The proposed project should be able to have practical applications, deliver clear benefits, and impact positively on the community it proposes to serve.
Project Consideration Criteria
- Due to the limited amount of funds available, sustainability and affordability of the project will be a key element for evaluation of the proposals. Hence, Proponents with best design, modem equipment, and timeliness of project delivery, lower subsidy request, multiple service delivery and utilisation of renewable energy resources stand better chance of being adjudged the most responsive bidders.
Instruction to Proponents
a. In addition to providing information that may assist USPF in analysis of the
proposed projects, all bids are expected to address the following key elements:
- Feasibility Study / Financial Proposal and Project Budget.
ii. Bill of Quantities (BoQs) should itemize ICT components, materials and facilities required specifying the individual cost of items and the proportion of the cost expected to be financed/subsidized by USPF.
iii. The proposal should specifically address the practicality, sustainability and affordability strategy of the intended project.
b. Technical details of the proposed projects should contain the following information:
- The nature of the Products and Services to be delivered.
- The need and targeted beneficiaries.
- Goals and Objectives.
- Scope of Work- the coverage areas
- Methodology – deployment strategy.
- Technology approach: Technical specifications and schematic diagrams of the project details.
- Implementation time frame detailing the actions and the time scales.
Eligibility Criteria
A. General Conditions
- Evidence of incorporation, with Corporate Affairs Commission. Companies must enclose Certificate of Incorporation and Form CO7.
- Submit Articles and Memorandum of Association of their Company, which must show that the Company has ICT related activities as part of its objectives.
- Must have three years Tax Clearance Certificate (2011,2012 and 2013).
- Certificate of VAT and evidence of past remittances.
- Audited accounts for the last three years.
- Provide verifiable evidence of financial capacity to execute the project.
- Have a proper understanding of telecommunication solutions for rural areas
- Show evidence of similar work.
- Company profile and organizational structure, including names and resumes of key personnel and technical staff with addresses and phone numbers.
- Detail evidence of compliance with Pension Acts 2004, including evidence of remittances and ITF contributions.
B. Specific Conditions
In addition to meeting the qualifications of being a legal entity to undertake business in Nigeria, interested bidders must be registered to undertake ICT related business and or must be community oriented and be in position to provide the following proof:
- Information about ICT projects carried out in the past three years, if any.
- Technical, financial, and administrative manpower available to implement the project and their relevant experiences with respect to ICT service delivery.
- Proponents must be duly registered to undertake ICT related business.
Submission of Proposals
a. Interested bidders wishing to respond to this Invitation for Proposal should submit: three (3) bound copies of detailed Technical, Business and Financial Proposals, plus electronic copies either by hand or through registered courier service to the following address:
The Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund
USP Secretariat 9th Floor
Nigerian Communications Commission
Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama – Abuja
b. The Technical and Financial Proposal should be in separate envelopes and should be marked RFP, NO. 002/ USPF/Stakeholder Initiated Project/2014”
Submissions will be evaluated periodically. Only projects identified to be suitable, sustainable and practicable which are in line with our mandate will be considered and responded to by the USPF subject to budgetary considerations.
For further clarification on the RFP, please email: uspfbids@ncc.gov.ng
Signed:
Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund
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