Request for Proposal: Modification of Cassava Warehouse, Fabrication and Installation of Processing Equipment- Centro International de Agricultura Tropical (Deadline: 08/10/2025)

Request for Proposal: Modification of Cassava Warehouse, Fabrication and Installation of Processing Equipment- Centro International de Agricultura Tropical (Deadline: 08/10/2025)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: MODIFICATION OF CASSAVA WAREHOUSE, FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION OF PROCESSING EQUIPEMENT

Date : 23rdSeptember 2025

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ALLIANCE OF BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL AND CIAT

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (The Alliance) deliver research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. The Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/). With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people. The Alliance is a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org), a global research partnership for a food-secure future. This activity is part of the initiatives implemented by the International Institute of Tropical agriculture and INGABO syndicate to strengthen the cassava value chain under GWIZA MUHINZI project, with support from the European Union Commission.

TENDER INFORMATION:

1. TENDER SCHEDULE

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES.

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT invites qualified bidders to submit proposals for the construction of Greenhouse Hybrid Solar Dryer, and fabrication and installation of cassava processing equipment, in accordance with the terms of reference detailed below. Interested candidates are allowed to apply for any of the categories that better fit their expertise.

1. Construction of the Greenhouse Hybrid Solar Dryer for cassava

1.1. Specifications for Greenhouse Hybrid Solar Dryer

• Dimensions: 15m (Length) × 8m (Width) × 3.35m (Height)
• Shape: Curved on top with triangular sides
• Cover: Polycarbonate sheet (transparent)
• Frame: High quality Steel, not necessarily stainless steel, but should be properly painted with good quality paint 
• Foundation: Concrete and stones
• Door: The entrance will be fitted with a transparent door
• Ventilation: 4 exhaust fans powered by PV solar panels. Four vents – small openings with adjustable or movable covers – should be installed on the wall near the entrance, positioned 25 cm above the floor and fitted with filters. An option should be provided for the fans to operate on a different source of electricity (i.e., main grid line) in case the power generated by solar PV panels is depleted. However, sufficient storage capacity of solar energy should be adequate to operate them during day and nighttime – continuously – when there is sufficient sunshine to recharge during the day and reduce electricity costs. This applies also for the blower or fun installed in the burner. 
• Lighting: Four bulbs installed inside the dryer to ensure adequate illumination during nighttime operations. 
• Drying racks: Three (3) polished wooden drying racks, each consisting of 4 rows, fitted with food-grade mesh where grated cassava will be placed during the drying process. The mesh openings should allow air circulation but should not let cassava grates pass through it easily. The size of the grates is almost similar to grated carrots used in salads. The bottom of the mesh should be reinforced to increase its strength and prevent tearing when holding larger quantities of cassava grates. Parts of the wood that come into direct contact with the product should be covered with stainless steel sheets. The size of each drying rack: width: 1.50 m, height: 10 cm (internal dimensions). Distance between two rows: 0.55 m. 
• The sections of the drying racks that touch the floor should be fully covered with stainless steel sheets, up to 25 cm from the base, to protect them during floor cleaning.
• External heating System: It consists of a burner designed to generate heat from biomass (e.g., cassava peels, briquettes, etc.) and liquefied gas (2 cylinders with LG gas of 21.5 kg each should be provided). The filtered hot air will be delivered into the dyer by a fan/blower without any heat-damage to the structure. In case extreme heat could damage it or the product being dried, a thermostat must be included to regulate the temperature. The heating system should be protected from rainwater and painted where applicable to avoid corrosion. The heat (temperature) should be evenly distributed throughout the dryer. 
• Relative humidity (Rh) and Temperature (T°) records: The dryer should be fitted with data loggers to record the Rh and T° daily, inside the dryer (in 3 locations) and outside (in one location).
• Moisture meter: Handheld moisture meter (1 unit) to determine the drying efficiency of the dryer. 
• Pavement: Cemented floor (smoothened and easy to clean).
• Drainage: Ensure effective drainage of rainwater from the dryer.
• Accessories: 5 soft brushes for cleaning the mesh, 5 wooden rakes for even cassava grate spreading and 5 brushes (relatively hard), attached to a 1.5 m wooden handle each, to help wash peeled cassava.

Warranty: A one-year warranty and post-sale service must be provided by the successful bidder

Duration of the construction work: 3 months after receiving the 1st instalment

Location: Ruhango District 

II. Cassava Processing equipment

2.1. Specifications for cassava grating machine

2.2. Specifications for manual hydraulic press

Note: The frame should be designed to support the bags of grated cassava on all sides – from top to bottom – except on the front side.

3.2. Specifications for cassava milling machine

Location: Ruhango District 

Duration: 1.5 months after receiving the 1st instalment

 III. Modification of an existing building into a cassava processing unit

This activity consists of converting a building structure owned by a farmer cooperative into a cassava processing unit for high quality cassava flour (HQCF) production. The cooperative is located in Kigoma Sector, Ruhango District. The existing building was originally designed as a warehouse for dry cassava chips aggregation, implying that it was not suitable for HQCF production. The main units to be introduced include:

• Reception area for fresh cassava roots
• Fermentation system
• Drainage
• Storage area
• Milling facility
• Packaging area

The detailed information about the work to be carried out is found here (Refer the excel sheet attached on the link).

Note: 

• All surfaces that come into direct contact with food being processed must be stainless steel/food grade for all the items.

• Participate in testing the dryer to ensure it serves the purpose it was designed for (i.e., drying cassava grates to the moisture content ≤12%) within 2 to 4 days under optimum sunshine.
• The service provider should review the Rwanda FDA guidelines for food processing equipment and facilities to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. Rwanda FDA inspectors will participate in the evaluation process.
• Provide detailed technical drawings of each item 

• Providing maintenance services for one year in case of any failures after construction.
• The successful candidates tasked with transforming the building at RCC into a cassava processing unit and the establishment of the dryer will also assist in the application process of the permits from Rwanda housing or any other competent authorities.

Interested firms /Bidder/Consortia must provide information indicating that members of Consortia are qualified to perform the Services and demonstrate the following:

1. Be registered with relevant Professional Bodies in Rwanda
2. Have at least 5 years’ experience in dealing with Similar projects, value and scope. 
3. Provide Company details (year of establishment, ownership type)
4. Demonstrate availability of appropriate Skills among Staff, with resumes of key personnel relevant to the assignment
5. Provide Audited accounts for the last three (3) years
6. Provide proof of similar works done with references – contacts (e-mail addresses, telephone numbers) of referees (firms for whom you have provided similar services). 
7. Provide evidence of excellent technical capacity to ensure quality production
8. Provide evidence of Tax compliance

4. SUBMISSION 

Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT invites proposals to be submitted by email to The Procurement Office, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT on the following email address:

a.umugwaneza@cgiar.org with a CC to r.habimana@cgiar.org, y.butare@cgiar.org. by  6th October 2025, not later than 5.00 p.m. (GMT+2)

Subject heading on email should read as follows: MODIFICATION OF CASSAVA WAREHOUSE, FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION OF PROCESSING EQUIPEMENT

Fees quoted should be inclusive of all costs and must be expressed in Rwanda Francs. 

5. CORRESPONDENCE

All communications from Bidders to CIAT relating to the tender must be in writing and addressed to the above-mentioned addresses 

6. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Evaluation of the Tender will be based on fulfilment of the below qualification criteria:
 

7. ANTI-BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION

All Bidders are required to comply fully with the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Act.

8. EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Any Bidder is required to confirm in writing that:

• Neither it nor any related company to which it regularly subcontracts is insolvent or is being wound up, is having its affairs administered by the courts, has entered into an arrangement with creditors, has suspended business activities, is the subject of proceedings concerning those matters, or are in any analogous situation arising from a similar procedure provided for in national legislation or regulations;
• Neither it nor a company to which it regularly subcontracts has been convicted of fraud, corruption, involvement in a criminal organization, any money laundering offence, any offence concerning professional conduct, breaches of applicable labour law or labour tax legislation or any other illegal activity by a judgment in any court of law whether national or international.
• Neither it nor a company to which it regularly subcontracts has failed to comply with its obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions or the payment of taxes in accordance with the legal provisions of the relevant country in which it the Bidder operates.
• Any Bidder will automatically be excluded/Disqualified from the award if it is found that they are guilty of misrepresentation in supplying the required information within their tender bid or fail to supply the required information.
• They have not been barred from participating in any tender by any of the CGIAR organizations

9. CONFLICT OF INTEREST / NON-COLLUSION 

Any Bidder is required to confirm in writing:

• That it is not aware of any connection between it or any of its directors or senior managers and the directors and staff of CIAT which may affect the outcome of the selection process. If there are such connections the Bidder is required to disclose them.
• That it has not communicated to anyone other than CIAT the amount or approximate amount of the tender. That it has not and will not offer pay or give any sum of money commission, gift, inducement or other financial benefit directly or indirectly to any person for doing or omitting to do any act in relation to the tender process
• CIAT reserves the right to accept or reject any tender and to annul the tendering process and reject all tenders at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected tenderer or tenderers or any obligation to inform the affected tenderer or tenderers of the grounds for the procuring entity’s action

Attachment

We post daily tender alerts on all our social media pages!

Click the link and follow us to stay updated: FOLLOW US