Request for Quotation (RFQ): Construction of CBFT Souvenir Shop and Exhibition Space

Terms of Reference (ToR)

1. Background descriptions

Habitat for Humanity Nepal (Habitat Nepal) is an international non-governmental organization committed to the vision that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live. In Nepal, Habitat Nepal partners with homeowners, duty bearers, civil society, financial institutions, academia, and other stakeholders to address the housing needs of low-income families. It promotes green, affordable, and disaster-resilient housing solutions, advocates land tenure security and joint land ownership, and empowers communities vulnerable to climate-related risks to adopt nature-based solutions. Through safe and adequate housing, Habitat Nepal supports families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance.

Through this Request for Proposal (RFP), Habitat Nepal invites qualified and experienced national firms/contractors specializing in bamboo construction to submit proposals for the design, supply, and construction of a Cement Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT) building for the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). CBFT, developed by the Hilti Foundation and BASE Bahay Foundation, is an innovative, eco-friendly, and disaster-resilient construction method using bamboo as the principal structural element. The selected firm will work closely with Habitat Nepal’s technical team to ensure compliance with structural safety standards, green building principles, and project sustainability requirements within the stipulated project timeline.

The project must be completed within the specified timeframe and will contribute to promoting bamboo as a sustainable and viable material for public infrastructure development in Nepal.

2. Objectives

The primary objective of this construction assignment is to:

• The main objective of this ToR is to outline the roles, responsibilities, scope of work, deliverables and timeline for the successful completion of construction activities as per the approved design, drawing, estimate, and project implementation plan.

3. Scope of Work

• Site preparation and layout marking.
• Procurement and transportation of construction materials.
• Construction of the structure as per the attached drawings and BoQ.
• Ensuring the use of quality materials (e.g., treated bamboo, Thread bar, RCC, cement, etc.).
• The timely completion of work as per the provided design, drawing and schedule.
• Compliance with environmental, social, and safety standards.

4. Deliverables

• Completed structure as per approved drawing and specification.
• Weekly progress reports (photos + brief narrative).
• Completion report including measurement book (MB), bills, and photos.
• Quality assurance documentation.

5. Specific Inputs from Habitat for Humanity Nepal

• Provide all required drawings for the construction of the demonstration building. 
• Coordinate with required stakeholders at various project stages.
• Facilitate consultants’ access to all necessary information.

6. Requirement of the consulting firm

To complete the assignment successfully, a multidisciplinary team is needed; therefore, the firm and group of individuals who will apply for the assignment will have the following knowledge, skills, and work experience requirements.

• Team leader should have proven experience in constructing Bamboo structure (particularly Cement Bamboo Frame Technology)
• Knowledge of building codes and structural safety standards.
• Field investigation and on-site analysis expertise.
• Construction scope as an objective shall be reflected in the firm legal registered documents. 
• Duration of the Assignment: The construction work is to be completed within 30 days from the contract award date. 

Necessary meetings and consultations with HFHN and stakeholders will be conducted within the duration as per requirement. 

7. Role and Responsibilities

8. Compliance

All construction activities must comply with:

• Provided design and drawing
• National Building Code of Nepal
• Local Government Norms
• ICIMOD and Partner’s Environmental and Social Safeguards

Annexes

Annex 1: Approved Design and Drawing

Annex 2: Detailed BoQ

Annex 3: Project Timeline

Annex 4: Site Layout Map

For more details, please go through the links below:

Link: BoQ for Contractor.xlsx

Link: LML ICIMOD_Structural Drawings

9. Queries on TOR

In case of any confusion or clarification in this TOR, the firm/individual can send their issues at info@habitatnepal.org or call at 01 5421182, 5454976

10. Payment

The assignment fee will be paid in three installments in the following manner:

• 1st Installment: 30% advance for starting construction after winning the proposal.
• 2nd Installment: 60% after completion of construction works and submission of completion report.
• 3rd Installment: 10% release after one month as retention period for repair and maintenance if necessary.

11. Documents Required

• Company Registration Certificate.
• VAT Registration Certificate.
• Latest Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Signed and stamped copy of financial proposal in a separate file with details of all relevant costs including but not limited to fees, travel, transport, accommodation and all applicable taxes.
• As required by Habitat Nepal’s Safeguarding Standards, all individuals involved in this assignment need to submit criminal background check (Police Report) to be eligible for assignments.
• CVs of the team members assigned for the project.

12. To Apply

Interested firms/organizations should submit their Technical and Financial Proposal including testimonials/certificates to procurement@habitatnepal.org. Please write CBFT SOUVENIR SHOP AND EXHIBITION SPACE, Lalitpur in the subject line of the email and submit the proposal no later than May 12, 2025.

13. Ethical Standards and Intellectual Property 

In accordance with its foundational mission principles, Habitat for Humanity Nepal is committed to the highest ethical standards and opposes all forms of discrimination, exploitation, and abuse. We intend to create and maintain a work and living environment that is safe, productive, and respectful for our colleagues and for all we serve. We require that all staff and representatives (consultants, contractors, vendors/suppliers, interns, volunteers, agents, and implementing partner organizations) take seriously their ethical responsibilities to Safeguarding (Child Protection, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Harassment, and Abuse) our intended beneficiaries, their communities (especially children), and all those with whom we work. Abiding with the organization, the consultancy service has responsibilities to maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, safeguards the rights.