RFB NO. DAPP/ BSD/01/06/2026
Request for Bids for the establishment of Solar Powered Irrigation Systems including Borehole Drilling in Nyimba, Lusangazi Districts of Eastern Province and Serenje district of Central Province
1.1. BACKGROUND
DAPP Zambia through the Enhancing Sustainable, Inclusive Resilience and Nutrition (ESIRN) Project focuses on enhancing the capacity of vulnerable smallholder farmers in Zambia, particularly women and youth, to withstand climate shocks and improve agricultural productivity and nutrition to equip the farming households with climate-resilient practices, access to irrigation, and financial literacy through various interventions.
DAPP Zambia through the ESIRN Project intends to establish 20 solar-powered irrigation sites including borehole drilling, equipping these with solar powered pumps, mounted up on tank stands.
The aim is toenhance access to irrigation and portable water to support the community with improved agricultural productivity through irrigation of gardens establishment of tree nurseries, use for livestock and domestic use, in order to enhance sustained community resilience.
Lot 1 – Nyimba (8 boreholes and solar irrigation systems)
Lot 2 – Lusangazi (8 boreholes and solar irrigation systems)
Lot 3 – Serenje district (4 boreholes and solar irrigation systems)
This Request for Bids (RFB) invites reputable, experienced, and technically capable drilling and Solar Powered Water Engineering firms to submit bids for above lots. One company can bid on more lots but will only be contracted for one.
1.2. SCOPE OF WORKS
The scope of works includes but is not limited to the following:
. Geological assessment and site suitability verification
. Equipment mobilization on site and demobilization
. Borehole drilling (industrial capacity, depth based on geological
assessment)
· Supply and installation of high-quality solar powers submersible pumps
· Supply of water storage tanks, elevation infrastructure and distribution
infrastructure
· Supply and installation of solar panels and all systems accessories
needed.
· Integration of solar power water reticulation system (panels, controller,
battery backup if needed
. Pump testing, water quality analysis and disinfect borehole were
required.
. Commissioning and training of local operators.
. Provide warranty and after service plan.
1.3 INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDING SUPPLIERS:
When submitting the bid suppliers should attach the following documents:
a) PACRA Certificate of Registration.
b) Valid ZRA Tax Clearance Certificate.
c) Valid NAPSA compliance certificate.
d) Valid Compliance certification with Workers Compensation for 2026.
e) Valid trading license (s).
f) WARMA Certification.
g) EIZ Certificate for the registered firm as well as valid membership for
the lead engineers.
h) NCC certificate for the registered firm.
i) Proposed methodology and approach in the provision of required
services.
j) Duration of project and Gantt Chart showing schedule of works.
k) Provide 3 written client references.
l) Evidence of ownership of drilling equipment and machinery necessary
to execute the works or evidence of possibility to hire the same.
m) Provision of 3 months’ latest bank statements.
1.4. PERSONNEL
- Registered EIZ Water engineer, Civil Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist or related qualifications with diploma or degree added advantage with at least 2 years’ experience in drilling works for supervision of works.
- Electrician at least 2-years’ experience specialized in solar power installations and training of local operators. (Solar specialized)
- Detailed CV of key staff (Water Engineer, Civil Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist and Solar Specialized Electrician) with proof of works carried out, past experience in similar works (Certifications of completion, award letters, Purchase orders etc).
1.5 PROJECT DURATION
The assignment must be completed within 30 days from the date of signing the contract.
1.6 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF BIDS
Completed Bids including a program of works must be received by DAPP Zambia via this email procurement@dappzambia.org with copy to info@dappzambia.org latest Thursday 18th June, 2026 at 17:00 hours local time.
INTERESTED FIRMS SHOULD REQUEST FOR TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FROM THE FOLLOWING EMAIL ADDRESS: procurement@dappzambia.org
Note that DAPP in Zambia does not ask for payment at any time of the bidding process.
