Request for Proposal: Technical Assessment Assignment Consultant
Location: Vientiane, Laos
Contract Type: Consultancy

About SNV:
SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyze partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. For more information on SNV, visit www.snv.org.

Background:
The BLF is a UK government-financed programme focused on protecting biodiversity and promoting its conservation, reducing poverty, and tackling climate change, including in the landscape around Phou Louang – Phou Khao Nok National Protection Forest, Bualapha District, Khamouane Province.

As a member of the BLF implementation consortium, SNV is responsible for two key components: supporting the development of alternative, sustainable livelihoods for local communities and improving their access to land and natural resources; and implementing interventions that promote sustainable agriculture models, enabling communities to generate income while reducing deforestation and enhancing climate resilience.

Water shortages during the dry season severely limit livelihoods, particularly the availability of water for livestock, crop irrigation, and other productive uses. These shortages are further intensified by the impacts of climate change. To strengthen community resilience to climate change and enhance income-generating opportunities, the project proposes to demonstrate improved water resource management and access to water for productive uses in five villages. Proposed smart water solutions may include small-scale infrastructure for water retention and storage, borehole development, and other context-appropriate interventions.

A water engineer or water resource management specialist will be required to assess feasibility, define appropriate solutions which fit within the available budget, and develop a costed plan for the BLF intervention.

Proposal Format:
Bidders are free to use their own format for the technical and financial proposals. Both must be entirely separate, and there may be no financial data included in the technical proposal. Financial proposals must be submitted in USD. All payments will be made by SNV in USD.

Contact Points:
For any questions, contact Vathana Keomany – vkeomany@snv.org

Selection Process:
Technical and financial proposals will be reviewed separately. Only technical proposals scoring at least 50% will move forward for financial review. Reviews are closed and not open to the public.

Technical Scores (70%):

• Water/Irrigation engineer or equivalent

• Experience in low-cost water solutions for productive use

• Experience in water resource assessment

• Ability to provide clear overview of financial costs

• Recommend pilot demonstration interventions for 5 communities, selecting interventions based on budget and costing

Financial Scores (30%):

• Lowest cost receives maximum points. Other bids are ranked relative to the lowest cost:

Bidders Score = 100 – ((Bidders Cost – Lowest Cost) / Bidders Cost × 100)

Financial proposals must include a statement indicating whether the contract and personnel shall be tax-free or, if not, a breakdown of the tax burden. Negotiations with the winning bidder will be restricted to the ToR and work plan.

Qualifications / Key Experts:

• Minimum qualification: Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or related field

• Minimum experience: 7+ years

• Skills: AutoCAD, design & construction of water facilities, data collection, analytical problem-solving, communication, organization, attention to detail, stakeholder management

• Experts must be available for 1–2 person-days and listed in the proposal

• Associations or subcontracting are not allowed

Data Protection:
SNV will maintain proposal submissions for evaluation and record-keeping for 10 years. Data will be securely stored electronically and in hard copy, used only for SNV programming purposes, and not shared outside of SNV.

Proposal Submission:

• Deadline: 31 Aug 2025, 17:00

• Email: ddarasavath@snv.org

• Email Subject Line: PRF# 460/25 Technical and Financial Proposal with Name of Bidder

Additional Information – Table of Contents of Report:

1. Introduction (½ page)

2. Climate description of target area (precipitation graph, water deficit, water cycle, hydrological characteristics)

3. Overview of selected villages (map and justification)

4. Description per village – population water needs, current sources, availability & shortage

5. Identified pilot demonstration options (with pictures/diagrams)

6. Suggested location on map & detailed technical description

7. Materials & skilled labor needed

8. Costing of pilot (max USD 25,000 per community)

9. Recommendations