Announcements

Request for the expression of interest for the hiring of consultancy services of sierra Leone’s hydrogeological groundwater mapping

Date of issue: 25th August 2021
Mode of Financing: Government of Sierra Leone
IFB No: NWRMA/HYDRO/ICB/2021/002

The National Water Resources Management Agency has received funds from Government of Sierra Leone) for the procurement of a consultant to conduct Sierra Leone’s Hydrogeological Groundwater Mapping and now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provision of the following services:

1. Detail desk study of the hydrogeology and Groundwater data collection
2. Determination of large-scale hydrogeological structures
3. Determination of aquifers and aquifer properties (quantity and quality)
4. Determination of groundwater recharge and discharge locations.
5. Development of groundwater database and information management system.
6. Capacity building of NWRMA staff in groundwater resources management and modelling
7. Development of project report and maps

In recent years, population increase, and the proliferation of organisations involved in mining, agribusiness, and other industries have posed a severe threat to groundwater resources. The 2016 water point mapping that mapped about 28,000 groundwater points across Sierra Leone and those water points mapped about 40% are not functional all year round. One of the reasons identified for the non-functionality of water points is seasonality fluctuations in the groundwater levels. Another reason for the non-functionality of water point is that poor sitting as information on the locations of sustainable aquifers is limited. Poor sitting is also due to the lack of detailed geological information.

Also, climate change impact like a decrease in rainfall could be contributing to a reduction in groundwater recharge. Also, there is an alarming change in the land use and land cover pattern of Sierra Leone, which is because of deforestation, new settlements, mining activities, etc. It has exposed the soil cover leading to high runoffs and a decrease in infiltration. These areas of deforestation could potentially be areas of groundwater recharge and discharge.
Currently, there is no groundwater database and a comprehensive groundwater information system for effective groundwater management. Groundwater data is presently being collected by different water users like borehole drilling companies, mining companies, research, and other entities.
These challenges are also localised in the Moyamba district. The 2016 WASH baseline survey shows that 27% of their water points are not functional all year round. Also, as Moyamba is a coastal district, groundwater close to the Atlantic Ocean are prone to seawater intrusion.

By conducting a detailed study of the hydrogeology, the determination of large-scale geological structures like faults, knowing the aquifer properties, determining the locations for groundwater recharge and discharge locations, and creating groundwater information management systems will ensure the groundwater at Moyamba district are effectively protected and managed.

Bidding is open to all consultancy firms who can demonstrate qualification in the following personnel:

Hydrogeologist (Team Leader)
Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher in Hydrogeology.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of practical working experience in hydrogeology.
• At least 5 years of proven experience in groundwater mapping, and experience in similar conditions particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Strong writing/communication skills in English.
• Demonstrable technical knowledge on Integrated Water Resources Management.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Able to work as part of a team whose members have diverse backgrounds and skills.
• Working experience with government agencies, civil society, local administrations, and international organizations.
• Understanding of groundwater monitoring, assessment, modeling, and transport concepts are a plus.

Geoinformatics Specialist
Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher in Geology, Geography, or related Engineering discipline.

Experience:

• Knowledge in GIS and RS software and good mapping knowledge.
• At least 4 years of practical working experience in geoinformatics. Relevant work experience in hydrogeology, and water resources management are an added advantage.
• Hands on experience in collecting, interpreting, and analysing geo-data.
• Good knowledge of cartography, database management, and programming.
• Strong writing/communication skills in English.
• Able to work as part of a team whose members have diverse backgrounds and skills.

Geoinformatics Skills:

• Knowledge of two or more GIS and RS packages preferably ArcGIS, QGIS, GRASS GIS, Mapinfo, PCI, SAGA, or ERDAS.
  Management Information Specialist

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Statistics.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of practical working experience in the design, development, and implementation a variety of data management tools, including designing user-friendly database and structured data analysis.
• Ability to handle web databases, web servers, operating systems, programming, and networking.
• Good experience in quantitative and qualitative research tools is desirable.
• Able to work as part of a team whose members have diverse backgrounds and skills.
• Strong writing/communication skills in English.
• Demonstrable experience as a trainer.

Database Skills:

• Strong database development skills using Microsoft ACCESS, EXCEL, or similar software.
• Knowledge of Microsoft SPSS is desirable.

Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding document at the address below between 25/08/2021 – 7/09/2021. Bidding documents may be purchased upon payment of a non-refundable fee of five hundred thousand leones (Le 500,000).

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 08/09/2021 at 12:30 pm. All bids must be accompanied by:

• A valid Business registration certificate
• Bid Security of Le 100,000,000.00 from a reputable Commercial Bank
• A valid tax clearance certificate
• A valid NASSIT clearance certificate
• Council Registration Certificate
• A signed Integrity Pact; [see attached]
• Signed and stamped bid form

Bids will be publicly opened on 08/09/2021 at 1 pm, in the presence of the bidders’ designated representatives and anyone who chooses to attend, at the address below. Late bids will be rejected and returned unopened to bidders.

National Water Resources Management Agency
Procurement Officer
29 King Harman Road
Freetown
+234078772305
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