Tender Description

INVITATION TO TENDER

TRAINING ON WATER POINT OPERATORS (TECHNICIANS)

Hargeisa Somaliland

Date: 21.03.2026

Tender Reference: - SOM1068/2026/014

Tender Procedure: National Open Tender

Madam, Sir,

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) is a German-based international humanitarian and development organization, founded in 1962, with the vision of a world free from hunger and poverty. WHH has been operational in Somaliland since 2001, implementing multi-sectoral programs in Awdal, Maroodi-Jex, Togdheer, and Sanaag regions. Its interventions focus on WASH, food security and livelihoods, climate resilience, and emergency response, funded mainly by the German Government (BMZ TDA/PA and AA), EU, WFP and private donors. 

About the project

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) has secured funding from the European Union for Lot 3: Reforestation, afforestation & land restoration in areas adjacent to Burao, Somaliland. The overarching goal of the proposed project is to contribute to systemic climate-change resilience, food, fodder and water security in vulnerable communities in Burao, Somaliland. This objective hinges on two key outcomes:

Outcome 1: Targeted vulnerable Somali communities apply dryland-specific reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable rangeland/ agricultural land management practices. 

Outcome 2: Targeted vulnerable Somali communities apply climate-smart agro-pastoral and pastoral production and water supply practices. 

RATIONALE FOR TRAINING WATER POINT OPERATOR

As part of the EU-funded programme on reforestation, afforestation, and land restoration in areas around Burao, Somaliland, interventions will construct and rehabilitate 26 communal water sources to provide safe water for approximately 76,000 beneficiaries, in line with SPHERE standards.

The sustainability of these water systems depends on skilled personnel to operate, maintain, and manage the infrastructure. Water point operators are critical for ensuring uninterrupted water supply, addressing technical faults, managing solar-powered systems, and monitoring water quality.

Given the technical complexity of modern water supply systems, including solar pumping equipment, there is a need to strengthen operators’ skills in preventive maintenance, basic electrical works, and system repairs. Targeted training will equip operators with the knowledge and competencies required to maintain water systems effectively, support Water Management Committees, and enhance community ownership and long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.

Important Dates:

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1. General remarks and special condition

The training facilitators should have:

• Practical experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of rural or urban water supply systems.

• Proven experience in solar-powered water pumping systems, including installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. 

• Hands-on experience with pump types commonly used in water supply systems (submersible, centrifugal, hand pumps, etc.).

• Demonstrated experience in basic electrical installations, control systems, and electrical safety related to water infrastructure.

• Practical knowledge of pipe and fitting installation, repair, and leakage control for water distribution networks.

• Strong expertise in preventive and corrective maintenance of water supply systems.

• Familiarity with operation and maintenance manuals and asset management approaches.

• Proven experience in delivering technical training to adult learners, particularly technicians and community-based operators.

• The training venue shall be safe, clean, and conducive to learning, with adequate space to accommodate all participants and facilitators.  It must be equipped with appropriate seating and tables. The venue shall have basic training facilities, including flipcharts or whiteboards, markers, and a reliable power supply.  The venue should also allow sufficient space for practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, and be equipped with relevant tools, equipment, and materials required for water system operation and maintenance demonstrations, including basic mechanical, electrical, and solar components, as applicable.

1. Scope of work

The training will target 32 operators from completed supply systems in 16 villages (two operators per village). Its purpose is to build their technical and operational capacity to carry out routine operations, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs, ensuring the long-term functionality and sustainability of the systems.

The training will will combine theoretical sessions with hands-on practical exercises, tailored to the different types of systems in the targeted villages, including solar-powered units, pumps, and distribution networks.

Key areas of focus will include system operation and maintenance, solar and pump repairs, basic electrical installations and safety, pipe and fitting repairs, quality monitoring, record-keeping, reporting, and coordination with Water Management Committees. The training will also establish direct linkages between operators and MoWRD technical staff for guidance on complex repair and maintenance tasks.

1. Expected Outputs

32 trained operators with enhanced technical skills, improved system reliability, reduced downtime, and strengthened coordination with communities and MoWRD for ongoing technical support.

1. WHH Policies

   All applicants must comply with WHH’s Code of Conduct, Anti-Terrorism Policy, and procurement standards. By submitting, companies agree to screening against international sanctions lists.

2. Language of bid:

   All documents must be submitted in English via the WHH E-tender portal. Hand or email submissions are not accepted.

3. Participation

Any company with the required technical capacity, as outlined in the ToR to provide the needed service may participate in this tender. At the request of WHH, the bidder must provide evidence of its expertise, reliability, and performance. Participation in this award procedure is free of charge. However, no mutual legal claims can be derived from participation until the Contract concludes. 

1. Contradiction or errors in the bid documents:

If the bidder notices contradictions or errors in the bid document or specifications that are unclear, the bidder must clarify the issue by making queries before the set deadline for submission of inquiries/questions. The principle hereby agrees to clarify all queries to all interested bidders upon request.

1. Alteration or withdrawal of bids:

 Bidders may alter or withdraw their tenders by written notification prior to the deadline for submission of the bid document. No bid may be altered after this deadline. Withdrawals must be unconditional and will end all participation in the tender procedure. Any such notification of alteration or withdrawal must be prepared and submitted in writing before the deadline. The outer envelope must be marked ‘Alteration’ or ‘Withdrawal’ as appropriate. No bid may be withdrawn in the interval between the deadline for submission and bid opening of bids and the expiry of the tender validity period. Any correction of information must be clear and is to be confirmed by signature, specifying the date.

1. Mandatory Documents:

The following documents must be submitted through the E-tender portal before tender closing date:

1. Financial Proposal: A quotation specifying daily rates in USD. The amount must be all-inclusive, covering all costs related to the training. The contracting agency will not be responsible for any additional charges, and providers must comply with local regulations regarding applicable taxes.

2. Training Methodology: A clear description of the proposed approach, combining theoretical instruction with practical exercises. The methodology should demonstrate how participants will acquire hands-on skills in system operation, maintenance, minor repairs, safety procedures, record-keeping, quality monitoring, and coordination with management committees.

3. Training Schedule: A detailed agenda indicating the number of training days, timing for each module, and allocation for theory and practical sessions. The schedule should ensure sufficient time for skills development, hands-on practice, and evaluation

4. Supplier declaration form: filled, signed and stamped.

5. Proven experience for providing such trainings and documentation proven having the required experience and facilities mentioned in section 1. general remarks and special conditions.

Any applicant who fails to submit the above mandatory documents will be automatically disqualified

1. Evaluation and Awarding Criteria

Financial Evaluation: Price (unit rates per vehicle type/region): 40%

Technical Evaluation: 60%

Skills Required

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