AECF’s Request for Proposals– Terms of Reference: Mini-Grids Advisor for SMEs, November 2021
1.0 The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund
The AECF is a leading development finance organization that supports businesses to innovate, create jobs and leverage investments to build resilience and sustainable incomes for rural and marginalized communities in Africa. AECF’ s goal is to bridge the investment gap between early-stage enterprise and business maturity for entrepreneurs serving the poorest communities.
The AECF provides patient capital to new and innovative business models in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa through various financing instruments, which include grants, zero-interest loans, guarantees, and working capital facilities.
AECF’ s financing products are supplemented by three additional growth support services to improve the viability and sustainability of our investees, namely, (i) Advisory Services to improve investee internal capabilities (ii) Investment support in raising commercial capital in significant volumes and (iii) Knowledge and Insights for learning and evidence gathering for policy influencing and advocacy.
AECF has successfully implemented programs across 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, supporting over 373 enterprises, raising US$ 392 million in funding for programs, leveraging $750 million in additional capital and impacting 28 million lives.
2.0 About Renewable Energy and Adaptation to Climate Technologies in Sub Saharan Africa (REACT SSA) Program
REACT SSA is a SEK540m (approximately US$60m) Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA) funded program that provides matching grant financing and technical assistance (TA) to innovative renewable energy businesses / business ideas across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The program uses a competition-based challenge fund model to select innovative or early-stage companies. It also includes tools for lower risk scale enterprises through a results-based payment facility as well as very early-stage investments through an innovation fund. TA is provided for both business support and investment fund raising. The REACT SSA has invested in eight mini grids in four countries (Somalia, Liberia, Mali, and Burkina Faso) which are at various stages of implementation. We are seeking a Minigrid Engineer to provide advisory support to mini grid investees.
3.0 About the assignment
3.1 Purpose of the assignment
The overall objective of the assignment is to provide advisory support to the REACT SSA mini grid investees. The Mini-grid Advisor will carry out various technical and commercial advisory tasks for mini grid-connected and stand-alone renewable energy electrification projects under the REACT SSA. The job will particularly focus on advising investees on design, simulations, technical standards, bill of quantities and supervision of solar hybrid plants from kW-scale up to the MW range. Some work on electrical distribution networks is also envisioned (LV and MV).
3.2 Specific duties and responsibilities (the “Services”) of the consultant
a) Offer demand-based technical assistance and advice on mini-grids to Investees
b) Working with mini-grid investees and providing them technical, financial, and business advisory support on
a. Power plant design, optimization, and simulation: carry out technical tasks, component sizing, power plant design and dimensioning, electrical calculations, bill of quantities, schematics, and drawings (some degree of AutoCAD or similar is expected) in grid-connected plants and stand-alone power plants. This includes but not limited to RE mini-grid plants, solar PV power plants, energy storage, control and monitoring systems, distribution of electricity
c) Investee technical monitoring: field work to verify plant construction- electrical, civil, mechanical work. Tight control of quality and timeline
d) Support AECF investees to develop sound business models, update assumptions and technical due diligence to identify risks and validate estimates and assumptions.
e) Review and update the already developed financial model to shape projections and support mini grid roll-out & pricing strategies, and financial models that are realistic and clear for investors to understand the path to profitability of mini-grid projects
f) Helping to develop AECF’s internal capacity and knowledge of technologies, business models, regulatory issues, financing process, etc.
g) Delivering high quality work, with attention to detail and a focus on results.
3.3 Specific deliverables
a) Inception report that will include a clear methodology detailed activity plan and time schedule for supporting the various investees.
b) Updated business models, updated assumptions and technical due diligence provided to identify risks and validate estimates and assumptions.
c) Updated financial models to shape projections and support mini grid roll-out & pricing strategies, with a clear path to profitability
d) Technical operational support provided for efficient operations
e) Dashboards of investees’ performance, monthly reports indicating investees supported, the key areas of support, minutes of meetings among other supporting documents.
3.4 Duration of the assignment
The assignment is expected to commence in November 2021 and end in October 2022. It will be a consultancy arrangement with a maximum of 100 days billable days spread over a period of 12 months.
3.5 Payments
Payments will be tagged to agreed milestones and the contract can always be terminated, should the delivered milestones not meet the expected and agreed criteria.
3.6 Information on Institutional Working Arrangements
a) The consultant will be home based with regular visits to investees and the AECF office where necessary.
b) The consultant will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under this assignment.
c) The Consultant will be responsible for providing his/her own workstation (i.e., laptop, internet, phone etc.)
d) Payment will be made upon submission of a detailed timesheet and certification of payment, acceptance, and confirmation by the supervisor on das worked (with a ‘day ‘calculated as 8hours of work) and outputs delivered.
e) Travel- when COVID-19 and all security measures allow, the consultant may be expected to travel to the field sites in Somalia, Liberia, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
f) All travel expenses related to field visits will be covered by AECF and shall be reimbursed as per AECF rules and regulations for consultants.
4.0 Proposal submission
Qualified consultants are invited to submit a proposal that includes the following:
a) Qualification and experience of the consultant
b) Approach and methodology to undertake this assignment underpinned by a demonstration of value for money.
c) Previous experience in similar assignment(s) with mini grid companies, including those in the target project areas. At least three references should be included from mini grids supported.
d) Proficiency in English, French would be an added advantage.
e) A detailed financial budget (in USD) and work plan.
f) The technical and financial proposals will need to be submitted as separate documents.
5.0 Qualifications and experience
a) The ideal candidate for this position will have the following competencies
b) Educational Background. An engineering degree or similar, a Master’s in engineering is a plus.
Specific education in renewable energies, sustainable energy and/or energy access will be an advantage.
c) Previous Work Experience. Minimum 5 years of experience in electrical engineering is required. Minimum 3 years of experience in solar PV and other sustainable energy sources is required. Experience in MW range clean-energy generation and low and medium voltage distribution lines is required. Previous experience as minigrids operations engineer is highly desirable
d) Experience in business modelling and supporting minigrid projects raise financing is a plus
e) Computer Skills. Excellent command in Microsoft Word, Excel and AutoCAD are required.
f) Experience with simulation software and Solar PV design tools; Helioscope/PVsyst/ Homer, PV SYST is desirable
g) Experience in the Renewable Energy sector, with at least five years of experience in the mini-grids sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Proven experience in design of technical specifications/technical standards and should have adequate knowledge of applicable standards of PV
h) Relevant certifications by relevant regulatory bodies such as for Kenya- EPRA; T3 and A1 or Class B Required.
i) Proven knowledge and experience of working in detailed feasibility study, design, and evaluation of mini grid solar systems/ models.
j) Proven experience in design of technical specifications/technical standards and should have adequate knowledge of applicable standards of PV
k) Understanding of the mini-grids Energy smart metering tools like Spark meters and Hexing and cloud based billing systems.
l) Understanding of the mini-grids energy sizing, power plant construction, power transmission and distribution network architectures.
m) Experience working with rural and off-grid business models and technologies, and an understanding of unique challenges faced by businesses operating in Sub Saharan Africa
n) Expertise with policy advisory services on mini grids in Sub-Saharan Africa is a bonus o) Direct experience of working with green mini-grid project developers and understanding of the challenges that they face.
Skills
p) Ability to work with minimum supervision.
q) Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
r) Analytical skills, efficient designing and implementing of processes.
s) Methodical and well organized.
t) Ability and proven experience to think creatively, learn quickly and develop innovative solutions involving electrical and mechanical challenges.
u) Cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills
6.0 Reporting
The consultant will report to the Advisory Manager – AECF.
7.0 Evaluation Criteria
An evaluation committee will be formed by the AECF. All members will be bound by the same standards of confidentiality. The consultant should ensure that they fully respond to all criteria to be comprehensively evaluated.
The AECF may request and receive clarification from any consultant when evaluating a proposal. The evaluation committee may invite some or all the consultants to appear before the committee to clarify their proposals. In such event, the evaluation committee may consider such clarifications in evaluating proposals.
In deciding the final selection of qualified bidder, the technical quality of the proposal will be given a weighting of 70% based on the evaluation criteria. Only the financial proposal of those bidders who qualify technically will be opened. The financial proposal will be allocated a weighting of 30% and the proposals will be ranked in terms of total points scored.
The mandatory and desirable criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are identified in the table below.
A. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL 70
1. An understanding of the terms of reference
1.1 Demonstrate understanding of the assignment and expected outcomes. 10
1.2 Demonstrate relevant experience to undertake the given assignment with a minimum of five years. 10
2. Methodology and work-plan that will deliver the best value on the assignment
2.1 Methodology and delivery approach of undertaking the assignment in the provided timelines. 10
2.2 Demonstrate relevant services provided in the last three years with sample of work. 10
2.3 Provision of registration documentation and other relevant statutory documents. 5
2.4 Geographical Reach: Demonstrate relevant geographical experience, knowledge of different mini grids in sub-Sahara Africa and reach to effectively carry out the assignment. 10
3. Qualification and Experience
3.1 Qualifications and competence related to the assignment. The bidders must provide descriptions and documentation of technical expertise, experience, and assignment relevant to the task 15
B. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL: Clarity, relevance, reality to market value/ value for money of cost for the assignment (inclusive of any applicable tax, reimbursable and travel). 30
Total Score 100
8.0 Application details
The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all interested candidates based on merit without regard to race, gender, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law To be considered, your proposal reference “REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – MINI GRID CONSULTANT” must be addressed to aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org by 1700Hrs (EAT), 3rd December 2021. You may also send any enquiries on this call to this email address.
9.0 Tax
The AECF is obliged by the Kenyan tax authorities to withhold taxes on service contract fees as well as ensure that VAT, is charged where applicable. Applicants are advised to ensure that they have a clear understanding of their tax position with regards to provisions of Kenya tax legislation when developing their proposals.
10.0 Disclaimer
AECF reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party.
All information on: https://www.aecfafrica.org/index.php/node/689
