Background
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.
SolidarMed in line with Scaling up the Decentralised Education for Nurses and Midwives Program, is supporting the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ) in addressing this gap in establishing a quality eLearning platform. SolidarMed is supporting 10 colleges, one in each province to become the lead colleges in scaling up the model nationwide. NMCZ also recognizes clinical training as an important part of clinical governance and a means of maintaining and improving standards of patient care. 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 nurse education.
SolidarMed Zambia is pursuing collaboration with local government and non-governmental partners and stakeholders to find long term sustainable solutions to systemic and contextual challenges.
Policy
The clinical training of nurse and midwifery students is an essential component of health workforce development which has traditionally been led from academic health facilities, located close to large teaching hospitals. Our support focuses on Zambia’s eighth national development plan to prioritize investments in the health workforce and highlights various constraints in education and skills development including limited educational materials, insufficient Power (in light of loadshedding) and inadequate ICT equipment that support learning in resource limited settings.
Together with the NMCZ that regulates training of nursing professional practice and under the umbrella of the National Digital Health Strategy 2022-2026, SolidarMed supports the National eLearning Framework for Pre-service and In-service Nurses’ and Midwives’ Education.
However, to support/achieve some components of the eLearning Framework, NMCZ needs 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 supply, installation and commissioning of a 50kW Hybrid Solar Power solution at NMCZ in Lusaka.
Context
eLearning and other digital interventions require constant reliable power sources to succeed. However, according to the NMCZ eLearning Framework[1], power outages and /or loadshedding is among the key barriers to digital transformation and online education access in the country.
The National Digital Health Strategy[2] also states that Power access remains a challenge to be overcome to enable the digital health agenda.
The SUDEN Digital Data Baseline Report 202[3] highlights Fragile local and national ICT Infrastructure as another challenge.
It is in the above context that SolidarMed wishes to support NMCZ with the installation and setup of a 50kW Solar Power System at NMCZ Head Office in Lusaka to mitigate the present unreliable Power Supply at the institution.
Objective
The overall goal of the SUDEN project that runs from 2025-2028 is a phased approach to continue to localise development of eLearning content and instructional design capacity for the NMCZ and partner educational institutions. The focus will be to sustainably institutionalise the eLearning platform and hosting capacity within the NMCZ as the regulatory body. To achieve this, NMCZ needs constant round the clock reliable sources of power.
The objective of this consultancy, therefore, is to supply, install, test, and commission a 50kW Hybrid Solar Power System with remote monitoring capability to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the NMCZ Office. The system should combine solar energy, battery storage (Li-ion or equivalent), and the capability to integrate with a backup generator and the national grid.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will:
* Conduct a detailed site survey at the NMCZ Office in Lusaka.
* Supply, Install and Commision a customized 50kW hybrid solar solution based on actual power needs.
* 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)
* Make necessary renovations to the Power Control Room according to the specifications outlined in the Control Room renovations document
* Integrate the system with the existing grid and/or generator infrastructure.
* Test and commission the system to full functionality.
* Train designated NMCZ staff in system operation and basic troubleshooting.
* Provide a full set of technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, user manuals, and warranties.
* Ensure post-installation support and maintenance for at least 12 months.
* Involve qualified local contractors in the execution of the project.
Deliverables
* Installed, Tested and Commissioned 50KVA Hybrid Solar System
* Detailed technical specifications
* Delivery and installation of all hardware
* Power Control Room renovated according to specification
* Testing and commissioning report
* Remote monitoring dashboard setup
* Training completion certificate
* Warranty documentation specifying minimum years for panels, batteries and inverters
* Preventive maintenance plan
Implementation Timeline
The entire project, from contract signing to commissioning, must be completed within 6 weeks. starting from 6th October 2025 to 14th November 2025.
Preliminary Assessment
Bidders must provide:
* Certificate of business registration/incorporation with Form III
* Valid Tax Clearance Certificate for 2025
* Attach LPO copies of at least three similar solar installations in the last five years.
* Include profiles of key technical personnel - Certified engineers and technicians.
* Three (03) references from clients with whom the Bidder has successfully completed similar work in the last five years.
* 6 Month Bank Statement
* ERB (Energy Regulation Board) license, Valid Workers Compensation and NAPSA Certification
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
1. Technical Proposal
* Technical proposal for system supply and installation (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 – Technical & Commercial Proposals =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 consultant/agency will report to the SolidarMed Program Manager and/or NMCZ representative throughout the development and delivery phases. Regular updates should be provided showing progress made and status. In addition, a consultant/agency will be engaged to monitor and carry out periodic inspections on progress made as well as quality of work.
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 NMCZ thereby ensuring that the eLearning and digital transformation solutions being implemented by NMCZ run 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 Program Manager, based in Lusaka.
Site Visit
Mandatory site visit on 15th September 2025 14hrs at NMCZ Head Office in Lusaka (Plot 171 Luanshya Rd, Lusaka, Zambia, Lusaka, Lusaka Province 10101)
Submission of application
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 no later than the 19th of September by 17.00 hours (CAT/Zambian time).
The detailed Solar System Technical Specifications can be viewed
here , while the document addendum can be viewed
here and associated Control Room Renovation Specification can be found
here,
Interested consultants who require any clarifications may contact: zambia@solidarmed.ch
