Request for Quotation (RfQ): Honeybee Hive

Request for Quotation (RfQ): Honeybee Hive

dZi Foundation:

dZi Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization working with rural communities in Nepal to achieve prosperity by eliminating barriers to basic needs, fostering opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and building their capacity to catalyze transformational change. dZi's strategic plan builds on years of experience, adapts to evolving policy and development landscapes, and sharpens its focus on partnerships, local ownership, and long-term sustainability beyond external investments.

1) Request for Quotation: 

The RfQ outlines the requirements for procuring 200 modern honey-bee hives for deployment in four municipalities in Khotang, Bhojpur, and Solukhumbu districts. The project aligns with Nepal’s Bee Promotion Policy 2073 (BS) and aims to enhance local livelihoods, promote sustainable beekeeping practices, and strengthen ecological resilience through pollination support. The hives must comply with national standards, be durable for mountainous terrain, and include capacity-building components for beneficiaries.

2) Specific Objectives:

Beekeeping is a critical income-generating activity in Nepal's rural regions, but traditional methods limit productivity. Khotang, Bhojpur, and Solukhumbu districts, with altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 meters, host diverse flora suitable for high-quality honey production. However, communities lack access to modern hives and training, hindering commercialization.

1. Procure 200 durable, standardized beehives for distribution to local beekeepers.
2. Enhance honey production through modern hive technology and training.
3. Support biodiversity conservation by promoting pollination-dependent agriculture.
4. Ensure compliance with Nepal’s Good Beekeeping Practice Directives 2074.

3) Technical Specifications

3.1 Hive design and materials

• Type: Langstroth hives (10-frame) with removable frames, as recommended for commercial scalability.
• Material: Seasoned timber with a minimum thickness of 15 mm for brood chambers. Plastic components (if used) must be food-grade.
• Bee Space: 10 mm ± 2 mm between frames and hive walls.
• Dimensions:
  • Brood chamber: 500 mm (L) × 400 mm (W) × 240 mm (H)
  • Frames: 355 mm (L) × 230 mm (W) with wax foundation sheets.

3.2 Additional equipment

• Per hive:
  • 10 frames with stainless-steel wiring
  • 1 bee brush, 1 hive tool, 1 queen excluder
• Per 10 hives:
  • 1 stainless-steel honey extractor (manual, 6-frame capacity)
  • 2 smokers with heat shields
  • 5 bee suits (full-body, ventilated fabric)

4) Delivery and Installation Requirements

4.1 Logistics

• Delivery locations: Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality and Aiselukharka Rural Municipality in Khotang district, Salpasilichho Rural Municipality in Bhojpur district, and Mahakulung Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu district in Koshi Province.
• Timeline: Delivery within 2 weeks of contract signing, installation completed within 4 weeks.

4.2 Installation and training

• On-site assembly: Supplier must supervise hive installation to ensure proper positioning (shaded, elevated areas).
• Training modules:
  • Basic beekeeping: Hive inspection, swarm management, pest control (e.g., Varroa mites)
  • Honey extraction: Use of centrifuges, filtration, and bottling
  • Record-keeping: Production tracking and quality assurance

5) Supplier Qualifications

5.1 Mandatory criteria

• Experience: Minimum 3 years supplying hives in Nepal, with references from at least two projects.
• Certifications: Valid business registration and tax compliance, including tax clearance.

5.2 Sustainability requirements

• Material sourcing: Locally sourced timber to reduce costs and carbon footprint, as applicable.
• Waste management: Recyclable packaging and non-toxic paints.

6) Evaluation Criteria

Minimum qualifying score: 70%

7) Payment Terms

• 50% advance: Upon contract signing.
• 50% upon delivery: After successful inspection of hives and equipment.

8) Submission of RfQ

Interested Nepali firms/suppliers meeting the above qualifications can submit their RfQ with (1) a cover page, (2) a brief technical and financial proposal, not more than 5 pages, (3) evidence of similar assignment, at least 3, and (4) company profile with tax clearance and certificate, if applicable. Please submit your RfQ by May 19, 2025, to procurement.np@dzi.org with a subject line, “RfQ for Honeybee.” Please ensure that the attachment should not be larger than 10 MB. No telephone inquiry, please. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for further processing. dZi reserves the right to accept and reject any or all proposals without assigning any reason whatsoever.