Universal Service Provision Fund Invitation for Proposal for Stakeholder Initiated Projects (Bottom-Up)

Background, Goals/Objectives
a) The Universal Service Provision Fund (“USPF”) was established under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 by the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal service and universal access to information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in rural, un-served and under-served areas in Nigeria.

b) In carrying out its mandates, the USPF has been implementing some projects designed by it. These projects are conceptualized and designed for implementation in various un-served and underserved communities by USPF (Top-Bottom Projects).

c) The USPF in recognition of the creativity of individuals, communities & organizations, is desirous of stake holder initiated (Bottom-Up ) Projects which are expected to be distinct from its existing projects which will be conceptualized, designed and implemented by various individuals, community organizations. NGOs, private business entrepreneurs, etc. This is to ensure rapid deployment of needed ICT services in the un-served and under-served areas.

Project Design and Specifications
a) The design and specifications of the proposed project depends entirely on the imagination or preferences of the proponents. However, projects offering unique value propositions or innovative features over existing standard-design USPF projects will receive priority consideration.

b) Thus, the USPF will consider for Support any project that will deliver new connectivity for communities that lack ICT connectivity and/or value added services. The proposed project should be able to have practical applications, deliver clear benefits, and impact positively on the community it proposes to serve.

Project Consideration Criteria
a) Due to the limited amount of funds available, sustainability and affordability of the project will be a key element for evaluation of the proposals. Hence, Proponents with best design, modern equipment, and timeliness of project deli very, lower subsidy request, multiple service delivery and utilization of renewable energy resources stand better chance of being adjudged the most responsive bidders.

Instruction to Proponents (Bidders) addition to providing information that may assist USPF in analysis of the proposed projects, all bids are expected to address the following key elements:

i. Feasibility Study/ Financial proposal and project budget.
ii. Bill of Quantities (BoQs) should itemize ICY components, materials and facilities required specifying the individual cost of items and the proportion of the cost expected to be financed/subsidized by USPF.
iii. The proposal should specifically address the practicality, sustainability and affordability strategy of the intended project.

a. Technical details of the proposed projects which should contain the following information:
i. The nature of the Products and Services to be delivered
ii. The need and targeted beneficiaries
iii. Goals and Objectives
iv. Scope of Work- the coverage areas
v. Methodology - deployment strategy
vi. Technology approach: Technical specifications and schematic diagrams of the project details
vii. Implementation time frame detailing the actions and the time scales

Eligibility General

1. Evidence of incorporation with Corporate Affairs Commission. Companies must enclose certificate of incorporation and form C07.
2. Submit Articles and Memorandum of Association of their Company, which must show that the Company has ICY related activities as part of its objectives
3. Must have three year Tax Clearance certificates (2009, 2010 and 201 1)
4. Evidence of Value Added Tax (VAT) registration certificate and past remittances
5. Audited accounts for the last three years
6. Provide verifiable evidence of financial capacity to execute the project
7. Have a proper understanding of telecommunications solutions for rural areas
8. Show evidence of similar work
9. Company profile and organizational structure, including names and resume of key personnel and technical staff with addresses and phone numbers
10. Detail evidence of compliance with Pension Act 2004 including evidence of remittances and 1TF contribution

Specific Conditions:
In addition to meeting the qualifications of being a legal entity to undertake business in Nigeria, interested bidders must be registered to undertake ICT related business and or must be community oriented and be in position to provide proof:
a. Information about ICT projects carried out in the past three years. If any.
b. Technical, financial and administrative manpower available to implement the project and their relevant experiences with respect to ICT service delivery.
c. Proponents must be duly registered to undertake ICY related business.

Submission of Proposals
a. Interested bidders wishing to respond to this Invitation for proposals should submit Three (3) bound hard copies of the Technical, Business and Financial Proposals plus electronic copy either by hand or through registered courier service to the following address:

The Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund USP Secretariat 9th Floor
Nigerian Communications Commission Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama -Abuja

Closing Date
13th November, 2012

b. The Technical and Financial proposal should be in separate envelope and should be marked “USPF/RFP/No 003/Stakeholder Initiated Project”

Submissions will be evaluated periodically. Only projects identified to be suitable, sustainable and practicable which are in line with our mandate will be considered and responded to by the USPF subject to budgetary considerations.

For further clarification on the RFP, please email: uspfbids@ncc.gov.ng

Signed:
Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund