Invitation to Tender for Establishment of Community Resource Centre (CRC) at Universal Service Provision Fund
Universal Service Provision Fund
Universal Service Provision Secretariat
Nigerian Communications Commission Head Office, 9th Floor,
Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja, FCT
Invitation to Tender for Establishment of Community Resource Centre (CRC) Formerly known as Community Communication Centre (CCC)
“To establish Community ICT Centre that will enable beneficiary communities gain access to durable and affordable ICT infrastructure and services”
1. Background:
The Universal Service Provision Fund (“USPF”) was established 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.
The USPF has identified several gaps and demand for ICT services such as access to internet, emergency call centres, public phone facilities, ICT training centers and other value-added services. In order to bridge these gaps, the USPF has provided funds in the 2013 appropriation to facilitate the establishment of Community Resource Centres (CRCs) to increase geographic coverage, availability and use of ICTs within the country that will stimulate the growth of other small to medium investments.
2. Objective
The objective of this project is to facilitate the establishment of CRC to provide shareable and affordable ICT infrastructure and services in semi urban communities through the provision of subsidies for internet access infrastructure, hardware software, bandwidth, ICT training etc.
3. CRC Project Implementation
To bring its policy objectives to fruition, the USPF envisaged the establishment of at least 30 CRCs in identified locations in the country.
3.1 The CRCs will be built, owned and managed by successful Proponents.
3.2 CRC Operators are to conduct their site survey and propose Three (3) locations in each state of which one will be selected. The locations must not have enjoyed similar facilities from either the USPF or any other Government Agencies and MDAs Such as NCC, NITDA, PTDF etc.
3.3 Successful Proponents are to manage and operate the CRC in partnership with local entrepreneurs.
4. Scope of Work
The Scope of Work for this assignment includes the following:
A) Infrastructure:
i. Build and furnish the Community Resource Centre in line with the design specification provided by the USPF.
ii. Procure and deploy a minimum of 20 desktop computers for the centre.
iii. Provide internet access and establish WiFi hot spots to cover a minimum radius of 100meters.
B) Services:
i. Access to internet services and other ICT related services.
ii. ICT training facilities.
iii. ICT awareness programmes etc.
5. Eligibility
A) Specific Conditions:
The Proponents shall be required to demonstrate the following minimum competencies:
i. An understanding of the ICT industry in Nigeria or worldwide.
ii. Experience in ICT Infrastructure deployment.
iii. Evidence of relevant technical experience with reference to similar projects deployed in Nigeria and the cost of such projects.
iv. Relevant academic qualifications.
v. Evidence of Financial capacity to execute the project in partnership with the USPF.
B). General Conditions:
All tenders must comply with the requirements of Public Procurement Act, 2007 and must attach the following:
a) Evidence of incorporation and /or registration with Corporate Affairs Commission. Companies must enclose Certified True Copies of the certificate of incorporation and form CO7.
b) Submit Certified True Copies of Articles and Memorandum of Association of the Company, which must show that the Company has ICT related activities as part of its objectives.
c) Must have three year Tax Clearance certificates (2010, 2011 and 2012).
d) Evidence of Value Added Tax (VAT) registration certificate and past remittances.
e) Audited accounts for the last three years
f) Have a proper understanding of telecommunications solutions.
g) Company profile and organizational structure, including names and resume of key personnel and technical staff with addresses and phone numbers.
h) Detail evidence of compliance with Pension Act 2004 including evidence of remittances and ITF contribution.
i) A sworn affidavit that the firm is not bankrupt, in receivership or under liquidation or involved in any litigation which can potentially affect the company’s ability to conclusively participate in this engagement.
6. Methods of Submission of Bids
i) Interested Proponents are required to collect RFP documents from the Procurement Department of the USPF Secretariat upon presentation of receipt evidencing the payment of a non-refundable tender fee of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250, 000.00) in bank draft made payable to “Universal Service Provision Fund”.
ii) The Proponents shall submit three (3) copies of the Technical Bids and Financial Bids, in separate sealed envelopes marked the first copy “Original Bid” and the 2nd and 3rd, copies as “Copy of Bid”.
iii) Each Bid Package shall be clearly marked with the following information:
- Technical Bid marked USPF/RFP/CRC/2013/Technical at the top right hand corner.
- Financial Bid USPF/RFP/CRC/2013/Financial at the top right hand corner.
- Name of Proponent, Contact Name, Phone Number and E-Mail Address should be written at the back of the envelopes
iv) The Proponent shall also prepare one electronic copy of the Technical Bid (in CD, in a format readable by Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format).
v) A Certified-True-Copy of the tender fee receipt endorsed by Head, Procurement must be submitted in a separate envelope and marked TF/CRC/2013.
vi) All copies of the Bids shall be duly signed by an authorized representative of the Proponent.
vii) All submissions shall be packaged together in a single container; box or envelope which shall be sealed so that it is not possible to open it without visual evidence of such tampering. USPF will assume no responsibility for the content of tamper evident Bids or for non-compliance with this instruction. Bids that do not comply with this section may be rejected.
All tender documents must be Hand Delivered and should reach the office of the undersigned on or before Thursday 28th November, 2013 by 5.00pm.
The Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund
Universal Service Provision Secretariat
Nigerian Communications Commission Head Office
9th Floor, 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street
Maitama District, Abuja
Failure to comply with the tendering instructions shall lead to disqualification
Signed:
Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund
