Request for Expression of Interest for Design, Supply and Installation of 8 Solar Powered Water Systems and Stand-alone Solar PV Systems in 20 Schools and 4 Health Centers in Vanuatu

Title : Request for Expression of Interest for Design, Supply and Installation of 8 Solar Powered Water Systems and Stand-alone Solar PV Systems in 20 Schools and 4 Health Centers in Vanuatu
Reference : VU021REOI
Process : EOI

Deadline For Applications : 04 Nov 2025 16:00

Title : Request for Expression of Interest for Design, Supply and Installation of 8 Solar Powered Water Systems and Stand-alone Solar PV Systems in 20 Schools and 4 Health Centers in Vanuatu
Reference : VU021REOI
Process : EOI

Deadline For Applications : 31 Oct 2025 16:00

Date documents can be requested until : 27 October 2025 16:00
Title : Request for Expression of Interest for Design, Supply and Installation of 8 Solar Powered Water Systems and Stand-alone Solar PV Systems in 20 Schools and 4 Health Centers in Vanuatu
Procurement No. : VU021REOI
Process : EOI
Description : GGGI in Vanuatu invites all competent contractors to submit their Expression of Interest for the Design, Supply and Installation of 8 Solar Powered Water Systems and Stand-alone Solar PV Systems in 20 Schools and 4 Health Centers in Vanuatu.

Interested firms must provide detailed information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, evidence of familiarity with undertaking similar projects for developing countries and understanding of GGGI requirements and standards). The EOI should include track record and proven expertise in supporting similar project context and must exhibit management capacity, professional competencies and qualifications required to successfully complete the proposed action(s). This applies to applicants and any affiliated entity(ies).

A. BACKGROUND
1) GGGI’s Mission and Approach
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was established as an intergovernmental organization with the objective of promoting sustainable development of developing and emerging countries including the least developed countries. GGGI is dedicated to supporting the creation and diffusion of the model of economic growth known as “green growth”. The green growth model integrates economic growth, environmental sustainability, poverty reduction and social inclusion. GGGI has been operating in Vanuatu since 2015 and supporting the government in its green growth journey.

2) Project Background and Objectives
GGGI, in partnership with the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), the National Green Energy Fund (NGEF) and funded by the Government of Australia’s REnew Pacific program and co-financed by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aims to improve access to clean and reliable water in remote communities across Vanuatu. The “Empowering Rural Communities of Vanuatu through Renewable Energy Solutions” targets eight (8) communities through the design and installation of solar water pump systems (SWPS), alongside standalone solar PV systems for twenty (20) schools and four (4) health centers.

This intervention is aligned with national priorities under the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP), the National Energy Road Map (NERM) and the National Water Strategy which call for universal and affordable access to reliable energy and safe, and sustainable water services for all Ni-Vanuatu people. The NERM sets a target of 100% rural electrification by 2030, while the NSDP emphasizes equitable service delivery, inclusive development and climate resilience. The project aims to deliver climate-resilient infrastructure that reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreases household time burdens—particularly for women and youth—and enhances the functionality of community services such as health and education.
This initiative will deliver:
• Solar water pump systems (SWPS) in 8 selected communities;
• Stand-alone solar PV systems in 20 schools and 4 health centers.

3) Purpose
The DoWR, DoE and the NGEF in cooperation with GGGI Vanuatu seek firms to design, supply and install a total of 8 SWPS in targeted communities and 24 stand-alone solar PV systems in 20 schools and 4 health centers. Site selection has been approved by the DoWR, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, the Department of Agriculture and the NGEF, with the support of the Department of Cooperatives and GGGI (panel members).

The purpose of this Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) is to pre-qualify eligible firms based on minimum technical and institutional criteria. The project involves the design, supply, and installation of 8 solar water pump systems (SWPS) and 24 stand-alone solar PV systems (20 schools and 4 health centers).
Firms may express interest in Component 1 (SWPS), Component 2 (solar PV systems), or both.

Shortlisted firms will be invited to submit full proposals under a forthcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) phase for the remainder of the project, which runs until 21 May 2027.

1. SWPS component
a. Field Baseline Survey of Target Beneficiaries
b. Technical Design Reassessment and Update
c. Inclusive Water Access and Groundwater Assessment
d. Supply and installation of SWPS in 8 communities

2. Stand-alone Solar PV system
a. Technical Design Reassessment and Update
b. Supply and installation of stand-alone solar PV systems for 24 sites

B. Scope of Work, Components, and Duration
1) Description of Components and Scope of Work
This Request for Information (REOI) includes two distinct components under the REnew Pacific "Empowering Rural Communities of Vanuatu through Renewable Energy Solutions" project. Bidders may apply for either Component 1, Component 2, or both. More details will be shared in the subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) which will be issued to shortlisted, qualified, and eligible bidders. The scope below reflects the anticipated activities.

Component 1: Solar Water Pump Systems (SWPS) – 8 Communities
This component involves the design, supply, and installation of climate-resilient solar water pump systems in eight communities across Malekula, Paama, Tanna, and Santo islands. It comprises the following activities:
a) Baseline Survey and Field Assessment:
• Collect gender-disaggregated data on water access, collection burden, and governance participation using GGGI templates.
b) SWPS Design Update:
• Visit all sites to gather technical and demographic data. Update existing designs using GPS, population, topography, and water source information. Submit revised designs, BoQs, work plans, and cost estimates.
c) Inclusive Water Access and Groundwater Assessment:
• Assess terrain and accessibility of water points, considering the needs of women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities. Evaluate groundwater yield, recharge, and water quality. Recommend treatment options if needed.
d) Supply and Installation:
• Deliver, install, and commission solar water pump systems within 12 months. Provide two rounds of training on operations and maintenance—during installation and before commissioning. Ensure at least two years of after-sales service.

Component 2: Stand-alone Solar PV Systems – 20 Schools and 4 Health Centers
This component aims to equip 24 social infrastructure sites with standalone solar PV systems, including battery storage, to improve energy access and resilience in Ambae, Ambryn, Malekula, Paama, Santo, Malo, Tutuba and Tanna islands.
a) System Design Update and Engineering:
• Update existing solar PV system designs, including sizing of panels and batteries. Ensure systems are cyclone-resilient, off-grid compatible, and aligned with site energy needs.
b) Supply and Installation:
• Procure, deliver, install, and commission solar PV systems. Ensure safety, weatherproofing, and structural integration. Provide user-friendly manuals and two rounds of training. Maintain post-installation support for at least two years.

Note: Bidders may apply for one or both components. Final technical specifications and evaluation criteria will be provided in the RFP.

2) Duration of services
As a result of the current REOI, GGGI will issue RFP to the successful shortlisted firm(s). The successful firm (s) shall be awarded a design contract and a supply contract for all 8 communities in component 1 and/or all 24 sites in component 2 based on REOI and response to RFP. Components 1 and 2 start independently.
Component 1: Solar Water Pump Systems (SWPS) – 8 Communities
Activities a, b, c to be delivered within 2 months of contract signed.
Activities d will take 12 months to complete.

Component 2: Stand-alone Solar PV Systems – 20 Schools & 4 Health Centers
Activity a to be delivered within 2 months of contract signed.
Activities b will take 12 months to complete.