Job Details

Job Description

Plan International Zambia is an international non-governmental organization that strives for a significant contribution to vulnerable and excluded adolescent girls to reach their full potential.

In order to achieve the goal, Plan International Zambia (PIZ) through the Eastern and Central Program Area is implementing a project called BRECS (Building Resilience through Climate Smart Sustainable Livelihoods). The (BRECS) project, implemented by Plan International in collaboration with Jesus Cares and Diaconia, aims to enhance the capacity of communities in Central and Eastern Zambia respectively, to adapt and build resilience to the impacts of climate change by focusing on green enterprises, sustainable farming practices, hydroponics systems in schools, protection of children and young people, and promoting-making.

1.      Objectives of the Activity

To supply, construct, and install complete and functional Deep Water Culture hydroponics systems inside 6 school greenhouses located at:

Lot 1

• Chowa Panga Secondary School- Central Province
• St. Pual’s Boys Secondary School-Central Province

Lot 2

• Chadiza Boarding Secondary School- Eastern Province
• Chanjowe Secondary School- Eastern Province
• Mbande Secondary School- Eastern Province
• Mbozi Secondary Schools- Eastern Province

Plan International Zambia reserves the right to split the contract award based on Lots and/or award to one contractor.

2.      Scope of Work

The selected contractor shall undertake the supply of materials, civil works, and installation of the DWC hydroponic systems.

a) Supply of Materials

Item                                          Specifications

-Dam liner                                   -500 microns, 1.5m x 30m (for lining  hydroponic beds)

-Styrofoam rafts                         -30mm thick, 1.2m x 3m, pre-drilled for net pots.

-Propagation caps / Net pots  -Standard size compatible with raft holes.

-Air Pump                                   -AC230/115V, 50/60Hz, 200W.

-Air tubes                                    -4mm flexible tubing.

-Diffuser pipe / Air stones      -For even oxygen distribution in water.

-Submersible Filter Pump      -350HP (optional, for draining or nutrient circulation).

-Hydroponics Fertilizer          -Balanced water-soluble formulation (macro & micronutrients).

-Growing Medium                  -25kg (for seedling propagation only).

-Phosphoric Acid                    -35kg (for pH regulation).

-Electric cable                         -2.5mm, 300m (black and red).

-Single & double socket boxes (tropical)   -For powering pumps and aerators.

-Insulation tape & thread tape  -For electrical safety and pipe sealing.

-Conduit pipes and sockets      -For organizing and securing wiring/tubing.

-Knapsack sprayer (16L)          -For nutrient or pest application.

-Pesticides/Insecticides            -Copstar 1L; Mancozeb 1kg; Lambda 1L; Cartap 1kg; Acetaprimid 200g(1L formulation).

1.  Deliverables

The contractor must ensure the delivery of:

–  Cured pan bricks with internal plastering to ensure water tightness, and reinforced with a concrete footing and coping for structural stability.

–   Fully installed and operational DWC hydroponics systems in each school.

–   Aeration and water systems tested and functional.

–   All safety, plumbing, and electrical connections certified secure.

–   A Maintenance & User Manual provided for each site.

–   One Completion Report per school, including:

3.      Project Completion

Upon completion of the installation, the hydroponics systems should meet the specified dimensions and standards reviewed and certified by the Ministry of Agriculture through the Technical services branch. The contractor will conduct a 1-day practical training per school for teachers and students on:

–         DWC system operation and basic maintenance

–         Nutrient preparation and pH monitoring

–         Pest and disease control

–         Safety practices and troubleshooting

4.      Timeline

All activities, including supply, installation, testing, and training, must be completed within 21 working days of contract signing. Completion certificates to be provided by the MoA through the TSB

5.      Warranty

12 months warranty on all installed systems. Where applicable, 10% retention of the total cost until the end of the warranty period.

6.      Evaluation Criteria:

Administrative requirements and statutory obligations:

• Company profiles (clearly indicating the current physical address, contact telephone number and valid email address of business)
• Certificate of business registration/incorporation with Form III indicating shareholding structure.
• ZRA registration certificate; valid tax clearance certificate
• Valid Work mans compensation certificate

Failure to submit all documents above will lead to disqualification Technical Requirements (60 POINTS)

• Relevant experience with hydroponics installations. Vendor must demonstrate having completed similar works. This will be determined by submission of at least 2 Previous Purchase orders/contracts/completion certificate/invoice. Vendors must also provide contact details of references where work was completed. (10pts)
• Vendors must submit a Clear plan for site preparation, installation, and testing (10pts)
• Adherence to ToRs: Vendors must submit methodology that complies with       ToR (20pts)
• Schedule of works (10pts)
• After-sales support (10pts) Key personnel (10 POINTS)

Vendor must provide Project Manager with the following qualifications:

Minimum:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Horticulture / Agronomy
• Irrigation Engineering
• Environmental Science / Technology
• Civil or Water Engineering (with hydrology or irrigation experience)
• Registered with Engineering Institute of Zambia

Desirable: Specialized training or certification in hydroponics, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), or urban farming

Vendors must submit copies of certificates for the Project Manager Financial Proposal (30 POINTS)

Price Competitiveness (30pts) TOTAL: 100PTS

The vendor(s) with the highest scores shall be considered for award.

All submission for this tender 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

All bid Submissions should be [email protected]  by 17: 00hrs CAT on 28th  August 2025. Any submission received after the deadline will not be considered.

All clarifications must be sent to : [email protected]. All clarifications must be received by 21st August 2025. Responses to the clarifications will be sent to all bidders by 17:00hrs on 22nd August 2025.

“Women-owned, led and influenced companies’ are encouraged in this tender.”