Expression of Interest (EoI) 

Construction of Bitenga base camp water supply pipeline in Rutsiro district

Transaction no.:G-012179-129

Project processing number:7000008486

Internal order:12179010000

1. General information

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. The GIZ Office in Kigali covers GIZ’s portfolio in Rwanda and Burundi. GIZ Rwanda/Burundi implements projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union and other commissioning authorities in the following priority areas: Sustainable Economic Development, Good Governance, Climate, Energy and Sustainable Urban Development, Digitalization and Digital Economy, Mineral Governance, Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region.

1. Brief information on the project

A federally owned enterprise, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Federal Government in achieving its objectives in international cooperation for sustainable development. In Rwanda, GIZ has been operating over 40 years. GIZ Rwanda is active in sustainable economic development and employment promotion, good governance and decentralization, information and communications technology, and energy.

       2. Context

Skills Development for Economic Transformation (SD4T) 

Rwanda’s economic growth has been remarkable, annual growth rates averaged at eight per cent over the past two decades. Yet, unemployment (14.9 %) and underemployment (54.2 %) remain high. Most of the population works in the agriculture sector, where incomes are low. Moreover, the number of young people entering the labour market is increasing. A large proportion of local companies are unregistered micro-enterprises which are not very competitive and cannot harness the long-term potential for growth. Most of them are only creating a handful of jobs at present. Domestic value creation, specifically in the light industrial sector is low and meets international standards only to a limited extent. At the same time, the professional skills of many job seekers do not match the requirements of the labour market. 

With strategies like the National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1) and Made in Rwanda Policy, the Government of Rwanda is promoting skills development, the creation of off-farm jobs and domestic value creation. To contribute to the Rwandan Government’s strategy, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) commissioned GIZ to implement the programme “Skills development for economic transformation (SD4T)” from 2023 to 2026, as part of the priority area “Sustainable Economic Development” of the Rwandan German Development Cooperation. The programme is co-funded by the European Union (EU). The programme’s main political partners are the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) and the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC). As a specific focus, SD4T supports the Government of Rwanda in stepping up its efforts for local inclusion and graduation of refugees out of humanitarian aid, which is reflected in the Joint Strategy on Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities in Rwanda (2021-2024) by MINEMA and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 

The programme aims to create jobs and strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives in the light manufacturing industry (e.g. furniture production, metal processing etc.) according to the principles of inclusivity, productivity and environmental sustainability. This will be achieved by following an integrated approach to employment promotion, consisting of 1) the promotion of technical and vocational education and training to enhance the quality of labour supply, 2) private sector development to raise labour demand, and 3) economic policy advice to improve the matching of labour supply and demand. A specific focus is placed on the economic empowerment of women, refugees and host communities. 

Tourism as a Driver of Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

Tourism is one of Rwanda’s most important economic sectors and a major source of jobs. While Volcanoes National Park has long been the main attraction, Rwanda aims to diversify its tourism offerings, as outlined in the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan. Diversification requires better coordination among public and private stakeholders and improved infrastructure to support visitor experiences.

GIZ has supported tourism development for many years, especially through community-based tourism initiatives in the Kivu Belt and the development of the Congo Nile trail, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism (RCOT). This included strengthening nature-based tourism products such as hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and cultural experiences.

Rhineland-Palatinate Partnership and Tourism Infrastructure Development

The longstanding grassroots partnership between the State of Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) and Rwanda has supported numerous community-level initiatives. In Rutsiro District, support from the Municipality of Kallstadt has already contributed to the development of the Bitenga Base Camp and the mapping of surrounding hiking trails. These efforts align with national tourism priorities and contribute directly to expanding community-based tourism in the Kivu Belt region

Objective: To build on these achievements and further strengthen tourism development specifically along the Kivu belt, there is a need for critical facilities such as a reliable water pipeline system, which will serve tourists, local communities, and tourism operators. Thus, the objective of this assignment is to procure a qualified construction company to design and implement the required water pipeline infrastructure in Rutsiro district.

      3. GIZ shall hire the contractor for the anticipated contract term, from 01st July 2026 to 30th November 2026. 

      4. The contractor shall provide the following work/service

1. Site assessment and preparation

Conduct a detailed site verification survey and confirm pipeline alignment 

• Verification/review of the estimated water demand, the water source capacity to meet the demand, the supply and storage required to distribute water to the camp and communities
• Assess the necessity for water treatment to meet the water quality standards.
• Clear the right-of-way, prepare access routes and excavation areas.
• Identify, mark, and protect existing utilities or sensitive areas.
• Identify people to be affected by the project and their related damages (crops, trees, structures, etc) and do property valuation for compensation.

       ii. Procurement and transport of materials

• Supply all construction materials meeting approved technical specifications (pipes, fittings, valves, fixtures, concrete, stones, cement, sand, graves etc.).
• Ensure safe transportation, on-site storage of materials and security.

       iii. Construction of the water pipeline

• Excavate trenches along the approved alignment.
• Install the pipeline, fittings, valves, joints, and connection points according to engineering designs.
• Construct supporting structures (e.g., valve boxes, protective casings, anchoring blocks, chambers).
• Backfill and compact trenches to restore the terrain.

       iv. Construction of water supply infrastructure

• Construct and install intake or source connection facilities as per drawings and specifications.
• Construct and install new water reservoir as per drawings and specifications
• Build consumer or service points (e.g., tap stands).

       v. Testing and Commissioning

• Conduct pressure tests, leak detection, flushing, and system cleaning.
• Correct defects identified during testing.
• Demonstrate full functionality of the pipeline system to GIZ and local authorities.

       vi. Environmental and social safeguards

• Implement environmental protection measures (erosion control, waste management, spill control).
• Ensure worker and community safety, including PPE use, safe work zones, and signage.
• Comply with Rwanda’s environmental and construction regulations.

       vii. Documentation and Handover

• Submit as-built drawings, technical documentation, and test reports.
• Conduct handover to GIZ and relevant district authorities.
• Rectification of defects during liability period as per contractual agreement.

Milestones/partial works	Timeline	Criteria for acceptance
1. Site assessment and verification survey completed	End of Week 2	Survey report approved by GIZ
2. Procurement and delivery of materials	End of Week 4	Materials meet technical specifications
3. Completion of excavation and pipeline laying	End of Week 10	Works verified through site inspection
4. Construction of supporting structures and water infrastructure	End of Week 14	Structures completed and conformed to design
5. Testing, corrections, and commissioning	End of Week 16	Successful test reports; fully functional system
6. Submission of as-built documents and final handover	End of Week 18	Documentation complete; works accepted

II. Tender requirements

1. Qualifications of proposed staff

The tenderer is required to propose personnel for the positions specified here and described with respect to the areas of responsibility and qualifications on the basis of relevant CVs.

The below specified qualifications represent the requirements to reach the maximum number of points in the technical assessment.

      1.1 Expert 1: Team Leader (Water Engineer)

            1.1.1 General qualifications

Education: university degree (bachelor’s degree) in water engineering, civil engineering or plumbing

Professional experience: 8 years of proven professional experience in the Water sector

            1.1.2 Experience in the region/knowledge of the country

Western or Southern province of Rwanda

            1.1.3 Language skills:

business fluency in English and Kinyarwanda

Tasks of the team leader

• Overall responsibility for the advisory packages of the contractor (quality and deadlines)
• Coordinating and ensuring communication with GIZ, partners and others involved in the project
• Personnel management, identifying the need for short-term assignments within the available budget, as well as planning and steering assignments and supporting local and international short-term experts
• Regular reporting in accordance with deadlines

  1.2 Expert 2: Foreman/site manager

       1.2.1 General qualifications

Education:Advanced Level Certificate (A’ Level) or TVET Level V Certificate in Construction related fields (masonry or construction technology)

Professional experience:3 years of proven professional experience in Construction 

         1.2.2 Language skills:

business fluency in English and Kinyarwanda

Tasks of the foreman/site manager

• Adhere to relevant safety regulations
• Coordinate team and assign tasks to construction workers
• Reading and executing project plans
• Quality assurance of the construction and installation works
• Report project progress to superiors
• Management of the construction site

  1.3 Expert 3: Plumber(s)

      1.3.1 General qualifications

Education:secondary education qualification (TVET L5 Certificate) in Plumbing

Professional experience:3 years of proven professional experience in plumbing

               1.3.2 Language skills:

business fluency in English and Kinyarwanda

Tasks of the plumber

• Installation of pipes and fittings for all water facilities (reservoirs, chambers, stands etc)
• Maintenance of the supply of pipeline and water facilities during implementation and defects liability period

  1.4 Expert 4: Land surveyor (Technician)

       1.4.1 General qualifications

Education:Secondary education qualification (TVET Level V) Certificate in Land Surveying or geomatic sciences

Professional experience:3 years of professional experience in land surveying

                1.4.2 Language skills:

business fluency in English and Kinyarwanda

Tasks of the land surveyor

• Site assessment and topographic mapping to determine the most efficient routes for pipelines (water flows downhill), select optimal locations for reservoirs, pumping stations, and treatment plants, and assess the land's suitability for development.
• Create detailed maps and 3D models that guide implementation/execution of works
• Construction Layout and monitoring: During construction, stake out (mark on the ground) the exact locations and elevations for pipes, foundations, and other components, ensuring the project aligns with design plans.
• Documentation and reporting: prepare and certify detailed reports, maps, and legal descriptions that are required for project documentation

  1.5 Expert 5: Property valuer

       1.5.1 General qualifications

Education: Bachelors degree in Estate Management and Valuation or similar

Professional experience: 5 years of proven professional experience in property valuation

                1.5.2 Language skills:

business fluency in English and Kinyarwanda

Tasks of the property valuer

• Identification of people affected by the project
• Identify properties affected by the water supply line and facilities for compensation
• Estimate the value of damaged properties (crops and or structures)
• Prepare and certify valuation report for each affected person for payment
• Follow up on payment of compensation and claims
• Collaborate with Rutsiro district on compensation for the affected people

  2. Quantitative requirements (Tender specifications in the form of an unpriced BoQ)

Since the contract to be concluded is a contract for works, you should offer your services at a fixed lump sum price, which provides an itemised breakdown of all the relevant costs (fees, travel costs, etc.).The Tender specifications in the form of an unpriced BoQ) should provide guidance in this respect. The assessment of the financial bid is based on the lump sum price tendered, which must be realistic for the services to be rendered. In the contract itself, the budgets will be contractually agreed as maximum amounts.

      3. Conceptual

The tender should indicate how the services outlined in Section I.4 (Tasks) is to be provided. Reference should be made to the following criteria:

• 3.1. Proposed work schedule: The intended maximum completion date is 6 months. Bidder is free to propose a shorter execution period of at least 3 months.
• 3.2. Methodology proposed for the realization of the works
• 3.4. Equipment: List of minimum technical equipment:

1. Welding/Joining Equipment for HDPE fusion and solvent welding for PVC
2. Concrete Equipment: Mixers, breakers, Vibrators
3.  Essential plumbing equipment for water supply includes basic tools like wrenches (pipe, adjustable, basin), pliers, pipe cutters, hacksaws, and plungers
4. Water Testing & Quality Control: Field Kits: pH meters, chlorine testers, turbidity meters, hardness kits.

4. Eligibility criteria

• Company legally registered at RDB, (company should be registered for construction activities), VAT certificates, and valid tax clearance 
• Average annual turnover of 200.000.000 RWF for the last three financial years
• Three (3) reference projects completed related to construction of water supply system project with minimum value of fifty million Rwandan francs (RWF 50,000,000.00) 
• At least 5 employees / managers 

     III. Requirements on the format of the tender

The structure of the tender must correspond to the structure of the ToR. In particular, the detailed structure of the concept (Chapter 3) should be organized in accordance with the positively weighted criteria in the assessment grid (not with zero). The tender must be legible (font size 11 or larger) and clearly formulated. It must be drawn up in English (language).

The complete tender must not exceed 20 pages (excluding CVs). If one of the maximum page lengths is exceeded, the content appearing after the cut-off point will not be included in the assessment. External content (e.g. links to websites) will also not be considered.

The CVs of the personnel proposed in accordance with Chapter 4 of the ToRs must be submitted using the format specified in the terms and conditions for application. The CVs shall not exceed 4 pages each. They must clearly show the position and job the proposed person held in the reference project. The CVs can also be submitted in English (language).

As the contract to be concluded is a contract for work, please offer a fixed lump sum price that covers all relevant costs in reference to annexed bill of quantities, drawings and specifications.

      IV. Examination of site 

Tenderers shall visit the site of the Works only by prior approval of the Employer and obtain for themselves all information that may be necessary for completing their Tenders and for entering into a contract with the Employer. Tenderers shall acquaint themselves with the requirements of the contract, e.g. characteristics of the site and its surroundings, hydrological and climatic conditions.

In particular, Tenderers shall acquaint themselves with the conditions of

1. existing access roads or other means of communication and access to the site of works, incl. police regulations concerned therewith,
2. available land for storage, workshops, toilets, and site office(s),
3. available connections to electricity and water for construction,
4. the soil and subsoil to be excavated stored or removed from site.

The availability of local labour, their quarters on site (if necessary), local materials and other local resources, as well as any local technical and legal requirements, shall also be considered by the Tenderers.

The examination of the site will be conducted by a water engineer with all interested bidders, and it is planned on Thursday 04.06.2026, at 10:00AM, departure is at 10:00AM at Rutsiro District office.

        V. Submission of the offers

Please submit your self-declaration of eligibility using the designated form and your technical and financial bids by14.06.2026 inEnglish only to RW_Quotation@giz.de.

The offer must be submitted in 2 separated emails in PFD format. The email subject line should be in the form of:

• 7000008486 -TECHNICAL OFFER This includes eligibility documents and technical proposal in two separate PDF files
• 7000008486 - FINANCIAL OFFER in the format of BoQ provided 

Details of our submission requirements are explained in the enclosed terms and conditions for application. Tenders which are submitted after the deadline, or which do not comply with the terms and conditions for application, will not be considered.

The tender documents listed below must be submitted in full and as separate documents:

• Eligibility documents including completed self-declaration and annexes (RDB, VAT and tax clearance certificates, references 
• Financial bid in the format of BOQ provided
• Technical bid, including an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) for each expert and concept 

When preparing the financial bid, you must adhere to BoQ provided. The tenders received will be subject to a technical evaluation based on the CV and the concept in accordance with the technical assessment grid (see annex). Only tenders that score over 500 points in the technical evaluation will be accepted for the financial evaluation. 

Sustainability

We have developed a Guide for Practising Corporate Sustainability (GPS) so that our contractors can learn about corporate sustainability at GIZ. We encourage all tenderers to complete the GPS online course and obtain the certificate.

Completing the GPS will not influence the award decision in this procedure. However, we would very much welcome your participation: https://gps.giz.de/en/.

1. Annexes

• Tender specifications (in the form of an unpriced BoQ)
• Technical specifications for the tender (plans, technical descriptions, etc.)
• Assessment grid for the technical evaluation of tenders
• Self-declaration of eligibility
• Eligibility assessment grid
• Construction contract work