Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)
Universal Service Provision Secretariat
Nigerian Communications Commission Head Office, 9th Floor,
Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja, FCT
Invitation to Tender Back-Bone Transmission Infrastructure (BTRAIN) Project
Introduction
The Universal Service Provision Fund (“USPF”) was established by the Federal Government of
The Universal Service Provision Fund (“USPF”) was established 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.
Consequently, USPF has provided funds in the 2013 appropriation to facilitate the project implementation of connections to National Transmission Backbone Infrastructure through the deployment of Optic Fibre Cable under its Backbone Transmission Infrastructure (BTRAIN) Project.
2. Objectives of the Project
The main objective of the BTRAIN project is to extend Optics Fibre Cable (OFC) backbone and associated transmission infrastructure to rural and semi-urban areas in order to achieve Goal 2 of USPF’s 5 year Strategic Management Plan (2013-2017) as well as the objectives of the National Broadband Policy, 2013-2018.
The OFC cable transmission infrastructure to be deployed in this phase is estimated to cover 3000km nationwide and would be implemented in six (6) Lots covering the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Lots in the BTRAIN 2013, coverage areas and the distances are as follows:
Lot 1: North West Zone (600Km)
Lot 2: North East Zone (600Km)
Lot 3: North Central Zone + FCT (600km)
Lot 4: South East Zone (400Km)
Lot 5: South-South (400km)
Lot 6: South West Zone (400km)
3. Subsidy/Incentives
In consideration of the above, the USPF has set aside sufficient funds in the 2013 budget to provide an output based subsidy as incentive to successful proponents to fast track the achievement of the objectives of the BTRAIN project. The amount of to be provided for each Lot is to be competitively determined.
4. Eligibility Criteria / Conditions
4.1 Mandatory/Specific Condition
a. A relevant license issued by Nigerian Communications Commission to provide service in this area of assignment.
b. Demonstrate the ability to interconnect to one or more existing OFC network
c. Provide proof of ownership, successful management and operation of network for at least the last three (3) years.
4.2 General Conditions
Interested Persons / Companies Consortium must have necessary competences and possess the following:
a. Evidence of incorporation Corporate Affairs Commission, Companies must enclose certificate of incorporation and form CO7.
b. Submit Articles and Memorand of Association of their Company, must show that the Company has ICT related activities as part of its objectives
c. Must have three year Tax Clearance Certificates (2010, 2011 and 2012).
d. Evidence of Value Added Tax (VAT) registration certificate and past remittances.
e. Audited accounts for the last three years
f. Provide verifiable evidence of financial capacity to execute the project.
g. Have a proper understanding of telecommunications solutions for rural areas.
h. Company profile and organizational structure, including names and resume of key personnel and technical staff with addresses and phone numbers
i. Detail evidence of compliance with Pension Act 2004 including evidence of remittances and ITF contribution.
j. A sworn affidavit bankrupt, in receivership or under liquidation or involved in any litigation which can potentially affect the company’s ability to conclusively participate in this engagement.
5. Method of Submission of Proposal
Interested proponents are required to collect tender document, from the procurement department of the USPF Secretariat upon presentation of a receipt evidencing the payment of a non-refundable tendering fee of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,000.00), per Lot.
Three copies of the Technical and Financial proposals must be submitted in separate envelopes clearly marked: USPF/RFP/BTRAIN/2013/Technical /Lot No (Kindly enclose a soft copy of the Technical Proposal on a compact disk) and USPF / RFP /BTRAIN/ 2013 / Financial / Lot No (Please insert appropriate lot number). Only tenders that meet technical qualification will have their financial bids opened. Unqualified technical bids will have their financial bids returned unopened.
A Certified-True-Copy of the tendering fee receipt duly signed by the Head of Procurement of USPF must also be submitted in separate envelopes for each lot and marked TF/Lot No (Please insert appropriate Lot number)
All proponents are to note that failure to comply with the tendering instructions shall lead to disqualification.
All tender documents must be Hand Delivered and should reach the office of the undersigned on or before 5th November, 2013, at 5.00pm.
The Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund
USP Secretariat 9th floor
Nigerian Communications Commission
Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama – Abuja
Signed:
Secretary
Universal Service Provision Fund
