Invitation to Tender for Stakeholder Initiated Projects at Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)
Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)
Invitation to Tender for Stakeholder Initiated Projects
(1) Introduction
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, unserved 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).
(2) Project Description
The USPF in recognition of the creativity of individuals, communities & organizations, intends to execute 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 underserved areas.
The design and specifications of the proposed project depends entirely on the imagination or preference of the proponents. However, projects offering unique value propositions or innovative features over existing standard design USPF projects will receive priority consideration.
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.
(3) Subsidy
In consideration of the above, successful companies shall be supported with incentives in form of subsidy on an output based model to deploy projects across the country.
(4) Eligibility Criteria
(i) The companies must be capable of operating a broadband network and have the capacity to interconnect to an existing broadband network (wired or wireless).
(ii) The companies must provide verifiable proof of capacity to provide broadband internet (sources/partners/access & backhaul capacities). In addition, companies must have ability to deploy a commercial wireless network cybercafe operation, etc.
(4.1) General Conditions
All tenders must comply with the requirements of Public Procurement Act, 2007 and must attach the following:
(a) Evidence of incorporation with Corporate Affairs Commission. Companies must enclose Certificate of Incorporation and Form C07.
(b) Memorandum and Articles of Association of their Company, which must show that the Company has ICT related activities as part of its objectives.
(c) Evidence of three year Tax Clearance certificates (2012, 2013 and 2014).
(d) Evidence of Value Added Tax (VAT) registration certificate and past remittances.
(e) Audited accounts for the last year 2014.
(f) Verifiable evidence of financial capacity to execute the project.
(g) Evidence of proper understanding of telecommunication solutions for rural areas.
(h) Company profile and organizational structure, including names and resume of key personnel and technical staff with addresses and phone numbers.
(i) Evidence of compliance with Pension Act, 2004, including evidence of remittances and ITF contributions.
(j) Evidence of compliance with the Employee’s Compensation Act which stipulates a remittance of 1 % of the total annual emolument of workers to NSITF.
(k) Evidence of registration on the National Database of Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers. Proponents are requested to submit an Interim Registration Report as the evidence of compliance with this requirement.
(1) 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.
(4.2) Specific Conditions
In addition to meeting the qualification 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 a position to provide the following proof:
(a) Information about ICT projects carried out in the past three years, if any.
(b) Technical, financial and administrative manpower available to implement the project and their relevant experiences with respect to ICT service delivery.
(5) Instructions to Proponents
Project Consideration
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, modern equipment, and timeliness of project delivery, lower subsidy request, multiple service delivery and utilization of renewable energy resources stand better chance of being adjudged the most responsive bidders.
Specific Instruction to Proponents
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:
(a) Feasibility Study/Financial Proposal and Project Budget.
(i) 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.
(ii) 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:
(i) The nature of the Products and Services to be delivered.
(ii) The need and targeted beneficiaries.
(iii) Goals and Objectives.
(iv) Scope of Work- the coverage areas
(v) Methodology – deployment strategy.
(vi) Technology approach:- Technical specifications and schematic diagrams of the project details.
(vii) Implementation time frame detailing actions and their time scales.
(6) Methods of Submission of Proposal
(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
Universal Service Provision Secretariat
Nigerian Communications Commission Head Office
9th Floor, 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street
Maitama District, Abuja
(b) The Technical and Financial Proposal should be in separate envelopes and should be marked TD No. 002/USPF/STAKEHOLDER Initiated Project/2015” 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 advertisement, please email: uspfbids@ncc.gov.ng
Signed: Secretary,
Universal Service Provision Fund
Nigerian Communications Commission Head Office, 9th Floor, Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja, FCT. www.uspf.gov.ng
