Request for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Consultancy Services at Universal Service Provision Fund

Universal Service Provision Fund

Request for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Consultancy Services

The Universal Service Provision Fund (“USPF”) was established by the Nigerian Communications Act, 2007 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.

The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) further to the implementation of the 2012 budget and in compliance with the requirements of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 hereby invites qualified and reputable firms with proven experience to express interest to undertake the following Consultancies:

Relevant Telecommunications Experience

The proponents shall be required to demonstrate the following competencies:

a.       A general understanding of telecommunications networks.

b.       Ability in terms of manpower and expertise to work with various entities (USPF, Vendors, Operators, Community leaders etc.)

c.       An understanding of the telecommunications terrain in rural areas of

Nigeria

d.       An understanding of the what the USPF projects entails

e.       Experience with technical works, including ICT, hardware/software development/deployment and proof of previous project experience

f.        Relevant technical and business deployment potential with reference to similar projects done

g.       Strong client orientation, pro-active relationship management skills, good track records in technical capacity building and client relationship management especially in Nigeria

h.       Any other relevant information that would support your company’s proposal.

Eligibility General

Interested firms must submit the following documents:

1. Evidence   of incorporation  with   Corporate  Affairs   Commission. Companies must enclose certificate of incorporation and form CO7.
2. Submit Articles and Memorandum of Association of their Company, which must show that the Company has ICT related activities as part of its objectives
3. Must have three year Tax Clearance certificates (2009, 2010 and 2011).
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 works
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 ITF contribution

Specific Conditions

e-Health in Nigeria

In addition to the general eligibility, the prospective Consultants shall also be required to demonstrate the following minimum competencies:

a.       An understanding of the health industry and how ICT can be used to enhance healthcare delivery in the country

b.       An understanding of the ICT industry in Nigeria or worldwide

c.       Experience   in   operational   approaches   to   mobile   networks   and broadband application services

d.       Experience in ICT / Telecom Infrastructures

e.       Experience in Telecoms Design, Planning and Implementation

f.       Competent use of Telecoms Planning Tools such as Pathloss, Global

Positioning System (GPS) etc

g.       Evidence of relevant technical experience with reference to similar projects deployed on a national scale

h.       Relevant academic qualifications

i.        Partnership with international organization(s) that have successfully delivered e-Health services

j.        Basic Corporate Information including expertise to deliver on the project

k.       Measurable indicators and mechanism for verifying the indicators

1.       Demonstrate or show evidence of similar assignments carried out in the past

Fund Managers

In addition to the general eligibility the prospective Consultants shall also be required to demonstrate the following minimum competencies:

1. Membership of a relevant Professional body with a valid license to practice in Nigeria
2. Ability to comply with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) of any of the following:
   1. International Accounting Standards (IAS)
   2. Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC)
   3. Statement of Accounting Standards (SAS)
   4. All relevant publications of the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board (NASB)
   5. Auditing  Standards  Committee  for  the  Institute  of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) or any other relevant body
3. Track record of ability to manage public sector funds efficiently for not less than 5 Years
4. The firm must show evidence of a sound financial position for the last 5 years
5. The Ideal Fund Manager must be able to demonstrate success in Managing different classes of assets

Submission of Documents

The Expression of interest (EoI) should be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked USPF Eol – LOT NO – at the top right corner with name of the company clearly printed on the reverse side of the envelope and must be hand delivered not later than 2.00 p.m. Tuesday November 13, 2012. to the following address:

Office of the Secretary

Universal Service Provision Fund

USP Secretariat 9^th floor

Nigerian Communications Commission

Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama – Abuja

Please Note That:

1. Submissions after the date and time specified above will be rejected
2. This advertisement is NOT an invitation to tender as full tendering procedures will be applied ONLY to firms that meet the prescribed specifications above
3. This publication is for information only, and not to be construed as a commitment or obligation on the part of the Management of USPF
4. USPF is not obliged to shortlist any firm and reserves the right to annul the process at anytime without liabilities on its part or proffering any reasons for the annulment.
5. All costs incurred by interested parties in response to this advert or enquiries shall be borne by the firms and not the USPF.

All further enquiries regarding this advertisement should be directed by email to: uspfprocurement@ncc.gov.ng

Signed:

Secretary

Universal Service Provision Fund

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