Tender Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

DESIGN, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING OF THREE (3) SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

1. BACKGROUND

ActionAid International Somaliland (AAIS) is implementing the project “Strengthening Community Resilience to Recurrent Droughts in Somaliland”, funded by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). The project targets 3,360 beneficiaries across eight communities in Gabiley and Salahley districts over a three-year period, focusing on improving water access, climate resilience, and agricultural productivity.

Somaliland is highly vulnerable to recurrent droughts, water scarcity, and climate variability, which have significantly affected rural livelihoods, particularly smallholder farmers. Limited access to sustainable water sources and the high cost of diesel-powered irrigation systems continue to constrain agricultural productivity and resilience.

As part of the project’s intervention to improve access to sustainable water for both domestic use and irrigation, AAIS is implementing solar-powered water systems linked to shallow wells. These systems aim to provide reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable irrigation solutions while strengthening community resilience to climate shocks.

Field assessments conducted in the target locations confirm that:

• Shallow wells are technically viable with adequate recharge capacity 

• Solar conditions are suitable for photovoltaic system installation 

• The sites have sufficient potential to support irrigation for smallholder farming

This Terms of Reference (ToR) is developed to engage a qualified contractor to design, supply, install, and commission solar-powered irrigation systems in the selected project sites.

1. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of this assignment is to:

• Design, supply, install, test, and commission three (3) solar-powered irrigation systems 
• Ensure efficient, reliable, and sustainable water supply for irrigation 
• Build the capacity of community members on operation and maintenance (O&M)

1. OBJECTIVES

Overall Objective

To improve agricultural productivity and resilience through sustainable solar irrigation systems.

Specific Objectives

• Provide reliable water access for irrigation 
• Reduce reliance on diesel pumps and operational costs 
• Promote environmentally friendly and climate-smart agriculture 
• Strengthen local capacity for system management 
• Contribute to improved access to sustainable water and irrigation services under the project

1. SCOPE OF WORK
   1. Site Assessment

• Conduct hydrogeological and technical validation of existing sites 
• Assess water sources (shallow wells, river systems, etc.)
• Evaluate solar potential and environmental conditions

1. System Design

The contractor shall design three (3) solar-powered irrigation systems based on site-specific conditions and requirements.

• Design complete solar irrigation system including: 
  • Solar PV array 
  • Pump system (submersible or surface) 
  • Controller/inverter
  • Storage tank (if required) 
  • Distribution network (pipes, drip/sprinkler system where applicable)

   

• Provide: 
  • Detailed drawings
  • System sizing calculations 
  • Bill of Quantities (BoQ)

Design Requirement:
Systems shall be designed to ensure efficient, scalable, and adaptable water supply, allowing flexible usage arrangements and future adjustments without major redesign.

1. Supply and Installation

• Supply all required equipment and materials 
• Install solar panels, pumps, piping, and control systems 
• Ensure compliance with engineering, safety, and environmental standards 
• Integrate systems with existing water infrastructure

1. Testing and Commissioning

• Conduct system performance testing 
• Ensure optimal functionality under expected conditions 
• Provide commissioning report

1. Training and Capacity Building

• Train beneficiaries and local technicians on: 
  • System operation 
  • Routine maintenance 
  • Basic troubleshooting 
  • Water use management

1. DELIVERABLES

• Inception report with design and work plan 
• Detailed system design and BoQ 
• Installed and functional three (3) solar irrigation systems 
• Training report and attendance sheets 
• Operation & Maintenance manual 
• Final completion and commissioning report

1. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

• Estimated duration: 30–45 days from contract signing

1. LOCATION

• Gogaysa Village, Gabiley District 
• Ceelginiseed Village, Gabiley District

A total of three (3) solar-powered irrigation systems will be installed across these locations based on site suitability.

1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Systems must comply with the attached BoQ specifications 
• Designed for efficient and sustainable irrigation use 
• Suitable for arid and semi-arid environmental conditions

Each solar-powered irrigation system shall be designed to meet a minimum service capacity, ensuring adequate and reliable water supply aligned with project objectives. The system must be capable of supporting irrigation demand equivalent to 3–5 smallholder farmers or approximately 3–5 hectares, depending on site conditions, and deliver sufficient daily water output based on crop water requirements, available solar pumping hours, and water source recharge capacity. The contractor shall demonstrate, through detailed design calculations and commissioning results, that the system meets irrigation demand under normal operating conditions and that pump and solar capacities are appropriately sized. Furthermore, the system design shall allow flexibility to accommodate varying numbers of users over time and enable future expansion or adjustments without requiring major redesign.

1. SUPPLIER SELECTION CRITERIA
   1. Mandatory Requirements

• Company Profile 

• Company registration/License 

• Valid tax clearance 

• Minimum 5 years of experience 

• Detailed work plan of the assignment

• Proven track record (minimum 3 similar projects) 

• Bank statements for the last 2 years.

• Qualified technical staff (Skill (Attach the CV for the company Civil Engineers

Skills Required

Attachment

Follow us on social media