SolidarMed is an international development organisation, registered as a non-profit in Switzerland with various projects across seven countries in the African region. Our health programmes are developed in close cooperation with local health authorities in all the regions that we work in.
Zambia’s country program works directly with the Zambian government and local health authorities to support the health system through strategic investments in human resources for health. Our funders include the Swiss government- Swiss Development Cooperation, Liechtenstein Development Service and the Hilti Foundation, the main funders of SolidarMed’s work in Zambia.
The ACEZ project was poised to support the Zambian Ministries of Health and Education to strengthen the decentralized dual vocational clinical education system to underpin high-quality healthcare delivery through more and better-trained doctors, medical licentiates, clinical officers, and nurses / midwives. As an international non-governmental organisation (INGO) with an MoU with the Ministry of Health, SolidarMed has a strong mandate to cooperate with the government on clinical education.
Policy
To improve the quality of healthcare delivery through more and better trained SolidarMed has set up Vocation centre of excellence (VCE) at Solwezi general, Kabwe general hospital, Kafue Hospital and Chipata Central hospital. The insufficient Power (in light of loadshedding) has affected the VCE operations.
However, to support/achieve some components of the eLearning Framework, the VCEs need constant reliable sources of power and unfortunately, the current loadshedding has negatively impacted this.
Program Introduction
These Terms of Reference (ToR) therefore, outline the objectives, scope of work, deliverables, and qualifications for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a 12 Hybrid Solar Power solution at the four (4) VCEs located in Chipata, Kabwe, Kafue and Solwezi.
Context
eLearning and other VCE Operations require constant reliable power sources to succeed. However, with, power outages and /or loadshedding being experienced by hospitals there is need of a solar backup.
It is in the above context that SolidarMed wishes to support the VCEs with the installation and setup of a 12kW Solar Power System at the four (4) VCEs to mitigate the present unreliable Power Supply at the institution.
Objective
The objective of this consultancy, therefore, is to design, supply, install, test, and commission a 12kW Hybrid Solar Power System with remote monitoring capability to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the four (4) VCEs. The system should combine solar energy, battery storage (Li-ion or equivalent), and the exiting power grid. During daytime the panels should power the loads first: any extra solar charges the battery.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will:
1. Supply and install all system components according to technical specifications outlined in the BOQ document [to provide link], including:
* High-efficiency solar PV panels
* Hybrid inverters
* Lithium-ion (or equivalent) battery storage system with in-built charge controllers
* Mounting structures and all electrical accessories
* System monitoring equipment (with remote access)
2. Integrate the system with the existing grid.
3. Test and commission the system to full functionality.
4. Train designated VCE facility managers in system operation and basic troubleshooting.
5. Provide a full set of technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, user manuals, and warranties.
6. Ensure post-installation support and maintenance for at least 12 months.
Deliverables Detailed system design and technical specifications
* Delivery and installation of all hardware
* Testing and commissioning report
* Remote monitoring dashboard setup
* Training the Facility Manager at the VCE
* Warranty documentation specifying minimum years for panels, batteries and inverters
* Preventive maintenance plan
* Final Project Report: A comprehensive report summarizing the setup and installation process, outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for future improvements.
Implementation Timeline
The entire project, from contract signing to commissioning, must be completed within 6 weeks. starting from
12th October 2025 to 20 November 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
Bidders must:
*Be registered and licensed to operate in Zambia with a Valid Company Certificate of Incorporation
* Valid Tax Clearance Certificate for 2025
* Valid Certificate from the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA)
* Demonstrate successful completion of at least three similar solar installations in the last five years.
* Include profiles of key technical personnel - Certified engineers and technicians.
* Favorable references from at least three (03) Clients for whom the Bidder has successfully completed similar work in the last five years.
* Have financial capacity to undertake the project
* Be Compliant with Zambian labour and environmental laws
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
1. Technical Proposal
Technical proposal and system design (30%)
Relevant experience and qualifications (20%)
Post-installation/After sales support and warranty offer (10%)
Delivery and implementation plan (10%)
2. Commercial Proposal
Cost competitiveness (30%)
Total Score for Technical & Commercial Proposals will be 100
Proposals will be assessed for both technical and commercial feasibility. Only those bids that pass the technical evaluation will be considered for commercial feasibility assessment and possible selection.
The Commercial Proposal must be separate from the Technical Proposal. Bidders who include their commercial Proposal within their Technical Proposal will be automatically disqualified.
Submission Requirements
Interested bidders must submit the following:
* Technical and financial proposals (in separate documents)
* Proof of similar projects (photos, client references)
* Company profile and team member profiles
* Detailed Project implementation schedule/plan
* Proof of business registration and up to date tax clearance
* Warranty and maintenance plan details
Budget
The consultant/agency should provide a detailed bid amount, including:
* Payments will be made- initially an advance to get started and then based on deliverables reached.
* 50% advance and remaining amount (50%) to be paid on completion
Reporting and Supervision
The Contractor will report to the SolidarMed Program Manager and/or VCE representative throughout the development and delivery phases. Regular updates should be provided showing progress made and status.
Evaluation and Monitoring
The success of the Solar Power System Installation will be evaluated through:
* The items outlined in the Deliverables section above
* Regular physical inspections of works
Conclusion
This project is a significant step towards mitigating the power deficit at the VCE thereby ensuring that it is running smoothly as well as contribute towards long term sustainability.
Work Location
During the period of engagement, the consultant will be flexible in virtual as well as in person facilitation and collaboration as needed and in discussion with SolidarMed’s ACEZ Program Manager, based in Lusaka.
Submission of application
Proposals, CV’s including evidence of delivery on similar projects should be delivered no later than the 23rd of September by 17.00 hours (CAT/Zambian time). The detailed Solar System Technical Specifications for the Supply and Installation of Solar System can be viewed
here
Interested consultants who require any clarifications may contact: zambia@solidarmed.ch .
Eligible consultants/firms should submit their CVs with a cover letter detailing the methodology and a daily rate (inclusive of tax, per diems, travel and other incidental costs) electronically to zambia@solidarmed.ch.
