Invitation to Tender for the Development and Deployment of Local Content for E-Learning at Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)
Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)
Invitation to Tender for the Development and Deployment of Local Content for E-Learning
(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.
Over the years, the USPF has implemented several projects across the country to promote ICT life style and inclusion. In order to improve the sustainability of these projects, the USPF wishes to partner with local companies to develop and deploy local content and application in some of the projects. Adequate funds are made available in its budget to meet this purpose.
(2) Objectives of the Project
The objectives of the project is to promote the development of local content and application that would be used to improve the sustainability of USPF school projects.
(3) Proprietary Rights
In recognition of proprietary rights, all proposals would be treated with confidentiality, and the proposals would be evaluated based on merit and compatibility with USPF projects.
(4) Eligibility Criteria
Interested qualified companies are required to demonstrate the following competencies;
(A) Specific Condition;
The firm must;
(a) be a structured company that possess both human and material resources such as equipment, infrastructure and have in place organized multiple teams to execute the project within the contract period.
(b) have obtained all necessary approvals from the relevant regulatory body(ies) that are responsible for approval of such content.
(c) submit to the Fund a verifiable sample of the solution and associated tools for the project.
(d) have experience in ICT / software deployment.
(e) have evidence of relevant technical experience with verifiable reference to similar assignment deployed in Nigeria (please attach letters of reference).
(B) General Conditions:
All submissions 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 Certified True Copies and Certificate of Incorporation and Form C07.
(b) Certified True Copies of Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, which must show that the Company has ICT related activities as part of its objectives.
(c) Three years 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.
(h) Company profile and organizational structure, including names and resume of key personnel and technical staff with addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
(I) Evidence of compliance with the Employee’s Compensation Act which stipulates a remittance of 1 % of the total annual emolument of workers to NSITF.
(j) Evidence of registration on the National Database of Contractors, Consultants and Service providers. Bidders are requested to submit an Interim Registration Report as the evidence of compliance with this requirement.
(k) Detail evidence of compliance with Pension Act, 2004 including evidence of remittances and ITF contribution.
(l) 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.
(5) Bid Bond
All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in line with Section 26 (1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
(6) Method of Submission of Bids
Interested and qualified bidders are required to collect tender documents from the Procurement Department of USPF Secretariat upon presentation of receipt evidencing the payment of a non-refundable tender fee of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50, 000.00) in bank draft made payable to “Universal Service Provision Fund”.
(i) The Bidders shall submit three (3) copies of their Tender Documents in separate sealed envelopes with the first copy marked “Original Bid” and the 2nd and 3rd copies marked “Copy of Bid”.
(ii) Each Bid Package shall be clearly marked with the following information;
- USPF/TD/LCD/2015/ at the top right hand comer.
- Name of Proponent.
- Contact Name, Phone Number and E-Mail Address.
(iii) The Proponent shall also prepare one electronic copy of the tender document (in CD, in a format readable by Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format).
(iv) All copies of the bids shall be duly signed by an authorized representative of the Proponent. In the event of any discrepancy between copies, the original shall govern.
(v) 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 noncompliance with this instruction. Bids that do not comply with this section may be rejected.
(7) Deadline for Submission of Proposals
All tender documents should be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked USPF LCD 2015 -at the top right comer with name of the company clearly printed on the reverse side of the envelope and must be hand delivered not later than Thursday, August 27, 2015 by 3:00pm to the following address:
The Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund
Universal Service Provision Secretariat
Nigerian Communications Commission Head Office,
9th Floor, Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama District, Abuja, FCT.
(KINDLY NOTE THAT BIDS WILL BE OPENED IMMEDIATELY ON THE SAME DAY)
(8) Disclaimer
(a) Late submissions shall be rejected.
(b) The USPF will not be responsible for any cost or expenses incurred by any interested party in connection with any response to an inquiry nor shall it entitle any party submitting documents to claim any indemnity from the USPF.
(c) The USPF is not bound to shortlist any bidder and reserves the right to annul the bidding process at any time without incurring any liabilities and assigning any reason thereof.
(d) This advertisement is published for information purposes only and should not be construed as a commitment or obligation on the part of the Fund to award a contract.
For further clarification on this advertisement, please email: uspfbids@ncc.gov.ng or uspfprocurement@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
