INTRODUCTION
The Integrated Project on Empowering Girls and Youths for sustainable Development project wishes to supplement and carry on the project of installing drip irrigation kits in sponsored communities in order to ensure that vulnerable and excluded young people, especially young women are resilient and food secure. By implementing these interventions, Zambia can create a more inclusive and resilient workforce that contributes to individual livelihoods as well as broader economic and social development of the country as it works to advance the rights of children and young people especially the girls and young women.
In Zambia, the majority of rural communities depend on rain-fed agriculture. However, erratic weather patterns, such as drought, often lead to significant crop damage and livestock losses. Food security remains a pressing issue, with approximately 40% of children under five stunted and 60% of the population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. Irrigation systems not only boost agricultural productivity but also significantly contribute to food security by stabilizing crop production, improving crop quality, and helping farmers cope with climate variability and water scarcity. This results in more reliable food supplies, better livelihoods for farmers, and enhanced economic and social stability.
The project intends to work with different stake holders such as the government and the private sector to provide technical assistance on effective crop and livestock management in order to maximise on productivity and avoid risks associated with traditional farming techniques.
Plan International Central Program Area initiated the drilling of boreholes in the sponsored communities as a way of responding to the drought that had affected both agricultural and livestock production in Chisamba and Chibombo district. The project embarked on the installation of Solar drip irrigation kits which are crucial for drought response, especially in water-scarce regions and the most drought affected areas. These kits would significantly improve irrigation efficiency, reduce water waste, and promote eco-friendly practices. By adopting sustainable irrigation kits, communities can effectively respond to droughts, ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.
With reference to the background above, the Integrated Project on Empowering Girls and Youths for sustainable Development project has recognized the need to continue with the installation of solar drip irrigation kits in order to allow sponsored communities produce all year around and not depend on rain fed agriculture. This will improve their social economic wellbeing and provide food for the children as well. The project will focus on fully installing of 2 solar powered irrigation kits and installation of 5 protected hand pumps. This will intensify the agricultural and access to clean water to the sponsorship households.
The target areas are Chisamba and Chibombo communities with a total household target of 200 households (1200 Direct Beneficiaries).
OBJECTIVES
To Enhance productivity through the adoption of climate smart agriculture practices and promote all year-round farming.
Expected Outputs
· Installation of 2 solar drip irrigation systems in Chankumba and Chibombo on approximately100 Meters depth drilled boreholes.
· Three (3) hectares per site of fields installed with irrigation system will have access to water for winter cropping using CSA model.
·Training of beneficiary on the basic operation and maintenance of the solar water pumping systems and irrigation Kits
· Setting up of drip irrigation systems for the 3 hectares field per Borehole in each community.
· Conduct monitoring of the sites after the installations (Technical support for 3- 6months after installation)
· Submit a certified testing report
·Installation of 1 solar mechanized water system with tap water, tank and stand at Shamakulika ECD Centre in Chikonkonmene
· Installation of 5 protected hand pumps to 5 Locations
Successful bidders to conduct site visitation, develop a BOQ with specifications and a site plan.
All works to be supervised by Plan International, the local authorities water engineers and irrigation specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture.
SCOPE OF WORKS
The following is a summary of the breakdown of the works per district:
Chisamba District
- Muswishi community 1 (Installation of a protected hand pump)
- Chankumba community 1 (Installation Solar drip irrigation system)
- Malombe community 1 (Installation of a protected hand pump)
- Chikonkonmene 1 (Installation of a Solar mechanized water system with tap water, tank and stand at Shamakulika ECD Centre)
- Chamuka 1 (Installation of a protected hand pump)
*** Site visit will be on 18th November 2025, meeting point is at Plan International Kabwe Office at 08: 30 hours.
Chibombo District
- Chibombo central 1 (Installation of a Solar drip irrigation system)
- Chikobo community 1 (Installation of a Protected hand pump)
- Mukalashi 1 (Installation of a Protected hand pump)
*** Site visit will be on 19th November 2025, meeting point meeting is at Plan International Kabwe Office at 08: 30 hours.
Items Required for the 2 irrigation kits.
Supply, Delivery & Installation of Commercial Irrigation kits- Complete with all accessories x 2
Accessories May Include
- Supply, Delivery & Installation Of 10,000Ltrs Water Tank
- Supply, Delivery & Installation Of water Tank
- Supply, Delivery & Installation Commercial Solar Water Pumps
- Supply, Delivery & Installation Full Irrigation Kits
- Supply, Delivery & Installation of All The accessories for irrigation
Items required for the protected hand pumps.
See the links below for drawings and BoQs (Document in the links can be downloaded)
BoQ 1
BoQ 2
Drawing 1
Drawing 2
Drawing 3
Drawing 4
Drawing 5
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Administrative Compliance
· ZPPA supplier registration
- Company registration certificate with form III indicating shareholding structure.
- Valid VAT tax registration/clearance certificate
- Valid Power of Attorney.
- Bids Validity 120 calendar days
- Litigation status indicating supplier has no pending litigation that would negatively affect the execution of this contract. This shall be provided by a registered legal practitioner or attorney. A written statement by the bidder himself shall not be accepted. Non- compliance with this requirement will result into disqualification of the bid.
- Valid NCC Grade 5 or better
- Workers’ compensation compliance
- Mandatory supplier questionnaire form (Link) (download and fill in offline)
Technical Compliance
Technical Understanding, Methodology and Work Plan (25%)
Bidders MUST demonstrate conformity of proposed irrigation system design, materials and handpump types with specifications (pumps, fittings, solar systems, tanks, etc).Bidders must submit clear and realistic work plan, installation procedure, delivery schedule, testing, and commissioning plan. Bidders must comply with related drawing and must indicate warranty for the major components of the irrigation system. Bidders MUST submit BoQs for the works and MUST indicate the delivery period of the works and must submit a work plan with their proposals.
Qualifications –(20%)
Team Composition- The team leader MUST have a diploma in irrigation, agriculture, plumbing, or water engineering. CV of the team leader should be submitted with the proposal. Required certification must be attached to the CV.
Experience of the team, teams with more experience with similar installations will be at an advantage.
Relevant Experience- (25%)
Bidders should have completed at least 2 projects of similar nature and size completed in last 3-4 years (e.g., irrigation ≥2 ha, handpump installations ≥2 sites). This information should be supported with evidence documents. The documentary evidence shall comprise: copy of verifiable contracts/LPOs together with its corresponding proof of performance such as copies of completion certificate, Payment Voucher for Invoice(s), or copy of signed payment certificates from the previous clients. Bidders must provide referees contact details (phone number and email) who may be contacted as part of the due diligence process.
Financial Proposal- (20%)
Lowest evaluated, responsive, and realistic total price, Cost-effectiveness in relation to proposed quality, warranty, and system lifespan.
Financial Health- (10%)
Demonstrated financial strength (bank statements for the last 2 years, credit line, turnover, audited financials for the last 2 financial years).
The bidder with the highest combined score i.e. Technical + Financial will be awarded the contract, subject to due diligence.
Note to bidders: .
· No subcontracting of the works shall be permitted.
· Warranties MUST be provided for pumps and all associated items.
HOW TO APPLY:
All company submissions should be addressed to:
The Supply Chain & Administration Manager
Plan International Zambia
St Eugene Office Park, Plot: #2866
Ibex Hill, Off Leopards Hill Road
Private Bag 518X RW.
Lusaka, Zambia
Tender documents should be emailed with subject line: INSTALLATION OF 2 SOLAR DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS ,1 SOLAR MECHANIZED WATER SYSTEM AT SHAMAKULIKA ECD CENTRE AND 5 PROTECTED HAND PUMPS and emailed to: planzamtenders@plan-international.org.Deadline for submission is Wednesday 26th November 2025 at 17:00hrs; Submission received after the indicated deadline would not be considered.
All clarifications must be sent to Theresa.nguni@plan-international.org by Thursday 20th November, 2025 at 17:00hrs. Responses to the clarifications will be sent to all bidders by Friday 21st November, 2025 at 17:00hrs. This email address should strictly be used for clarifications only. No bid submissions to this email for clarifications will be accepted.
