TERMS OF REFERENCE For Functionality assessment of mini laboratories to monitor water quality for safely managed water in Madesh Pradesh

TERMS OF REFERENCE

For

Functionality assessment of mini laboratories to monitor water quality for safely managed water in Madesh Pradesh

BACKGROUND

Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e.v. is one of the largest private aid organizations in Germany with a dual mandate in both development cooperation and humanitarian response. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) fights against hunger and works together with civil society organizations in the countries where it operates. Welthungerhilfe’s vision is to create a world in which all people can exercise their right to a self-determined life in dignity and justice, free from hunger and poverty.

WHH has been operational in Nepal since 2012 and currently implements projects across eighteen districts under different thematic areas: Humanitarian Action, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Agriculture, Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management, Nutrition and Health, Economic Development, Civil Society Empowerment and Digital Innovation. At a broader level, WHH contributes to food systems transformation through agroecology, inclusive value chains, and strong local partnerships. Our work follows systemic transformation pathways focused on sustainable agriculture, resilient livelihoods, improved connectivity, and responsible governance to enhance nutrition, incomes, and local adaptive capacity. By promoting ecological farming practices, we aim to improve soil health and reduce reliance on external inputs. WHH strengthens value chains by enhancing market access and supporting cooperatives. Guided by the Right to Food and Food Sovereignty Act, we collaborate with all levels of government to promot

WHH has been continuing its implementation of WASH governance projects in Madhesh and Bagmati provinces covering 12 local government to strengthen the WASH system. Supporting local government to develop and implement WASH Plan, WASH Act, Building Block analysis, use of community score card, Establishing mini laboratories, School WASH plan, community water supply schemes, institution WASH, research and studies on sanitation, ground water and spring source, climate resilient water safety plan (CR-WSP) along with different hygiene and sanitation awareness program at community, local government and provincial level are currently running. These strategic interventions are designed to systematically strengthen local WASH systems, enhance community infrastructure, and promote sustainable development practices that directly benefit marginalized populations.

Access to safe water is critical for the health and well-being of communities, particularly in remote areas where resources are scarce. . There is no nearby place to check water quality, which is another problem. One of the commitments of joint sector review, 2023 is to identify the gap in safe drinking water and availability of functional lab at local government. This assignment aims to address critical issues related to water quality, identify the current status and recommend future sustainability model for established/existing mini laboratories and sustainable development in local communities to implement to monitor water quality with knowledge and skill related to open data ensuring improve health and hygiene. Additionally, this assignment aims to advocate local government representatives to invest in innovative approaches that leverage open data for sustainable development, ensuring that these communities have access to the resources and support necessary for a healthier future. Further the data can b

RATIONALE OF THE ASSESSMENT

The mini laboratories (minilabs) for water quality testing are small-scale setups established using water testing toolkits provided by the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or procured independently by service providers. These minilabs are intended to facilitate decentralized water quality testing, monitoring, enabling local-level service providers to conduct on-site tests and ensure the safety of drinking water. Although different government and different agencies have supported for the establishment of the minilabs with clear SOP and trained human resources, these minilabs do not have clear regulatory framework governing their operation, standardization, or quality assurance. Their effectiveness and sustainability remain uncertain, as no comprehensive study has been conducted to assess their functionality, technical capacity, and long-term viability.

In the context of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. These minilabs could play a vital role in achieving SDG Target 6.1, which focuses on universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. However, the absence of a structured oversight mechanism raises concerns about the reliability of test results, consistency in testing methodologies, and the ability of these minilabs to support the implementation of the National Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS).

To maximize their contribution, a regulatory framework is needed to ensure proper accreditation, capacity-building support, and integration into the broader water quality monitoring system. Establishing clear guidelines, ensuring financial sustainability, and enhancing collaboration between service providers, government agencies, and technical institutions will be critical in strengthening water quality surveillance and achieving long-term public health and environmental goals.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The study will be conducted under the technical and financial supervision of WHH with technical guidance from Department of Water and Sewerage Management (DWSSM) and World Health Organization (WHO) to meet the following listed objectives:

• To assess and benchmark existing minilabs/ test kits based on functionality, regulatory status, and operational challenges.
• To evaluate the sustainability of these minilabs by developing contextual indicators.
• To identify gaps in water quality data tracking and reporting at the national level.
• To recommend a data tracking mechanism for systematic reporting of water quality parameters and business model to sustain the functionality of the the minilab.
• To propose policy interventions for improved NDWQS implementation and national reporting.

METHODOLOGY

The study will use a mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques:

• Sampling: Representative samples from each province.
• Data Collection:
  • Assessments via surveys and interviews.
  • Field-level assessments for direct interactions and physical verification.
  • Conduct interviews, KII with stakeholders and community for sustainability of mini laboratories, test kit
• Indicator Development: Creation of contextual indicators for measuring functionality and sustainability.
• Risk Assessment: Identifying risks related to data fall and proposing mitigation measures.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant/firm, in close coordination with Welthungerhilfe Nepal shall submit the following deliverables by the end of assignment:

• Inception Report – detailing methodology and work plan.
• Interim Progress Report – summarizing findings and challenges.
• Final Benchmarking Report – including:
  • Complete data set of assessment of minilabs across provinces.
  • Sustainability and functionality scoring framework.
  • Data tracking mechanism proposal.
  • Business model for the sustainability of minilab/ testing kit
  • Policy recommendations and implementation roadmap.
• Presentation of findings to relevant stakeholders (together with WHH, DWSSM and WHO)

TIMELINE

The consultant/firm is expected to complete the assignment within 3 months after signing the contract.

ROLE OF WHH/ DWSSM/WHO

• Provide primary data from NWASH-MIS and support in field study modalities.
• Provide financial support to complete the study.
• Provide expert guidance and technical assistance in the design and implementation of the project, particularly in areas related to water quality monitoring, open data utilization, and water quality
• Conduct regular reviews and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Support in the finalization of report.
• Facilitate connections with government officials and other key stakeholders for the interaction, discussion

ROLE OF APPLICANT

• Ensure timely and effective delivery of all assignment components.
• Maintain regular communication with WHH, local government, provincial and federal government, labs and other relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee data collection, management, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Prepare and submit regular report to WHH as mentioned in deliverables
• Contribute to the final project report, highlighting key outcomes and lessons learned.

ASSIGNMENT LOCATION

This study will be conducted in Madesh Pradesh covering 10% of 400 mini labs and field test kit listed in NWASH-MIS system (refer to NWASH-MIS dashboard) , specifically in those LGs where mini lab and field test kit were provided.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All documents and data acquired from documents as well as during consultative meetings are confidential and to be used solely for the purpose of WHH. The quantitative data should be kept by consultant in confidential way adhering WHH data protection policy. The deliverables as well as all material linked to this study (produced by the consultant or the organization itself) are confidential and always remain property of the contracting party.

TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL OFFER

Applicants must provide technical and financial offers, including:

• Technical offer including a brief description of the overall design and methodology of the study.
• Detailed workplan/timetable, consultant/consulting firm are requested to submit their detail plan with distinct timeline vs activities to cover study period.
• Financial offer detailing the proposed budget for the study. It should state the fees per working day, the number of working days proposed and any other costs.
• CVs of proposed team members.
• Valid registration documents along with VAT registration and latest tax clearance certificate.
• 1-2 sample documents
• Duly filled up and signed supplier declaration form

BUDGET REQUIREMENT

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA OF THE CONSULTANT

• Locally registered in Nepal
• Preferred education background of Environmental Science, Water Resource Engineering, Public Health, or a related field.
• Experience in water quality assessment, regulatory analysis, and policy development.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including field surveys and stakeholder consultations.
• Well known on the different component and parameter of mini laboratories as per Nepal government guidelines and plicies.
• Knowledge of business models and entrepreneurial ideas.
• Familiarity with open data platforms and tools.
• Familiar with government WASH policies, WASH guidelines, plans, legal instruments and practices on sanitation, total sanitation
• Experience working with government agencies and development partners in the WASH sector.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSAL

The interested and qualified consultant(s)/ consulting firm and organization must submit their technical and financial proposal, including Supplier Declaration form, legal documents (registration & latest tax clearance in case of consulting firm and VAT registration card for individual) and CVs of key personnel by 17:00 hours (COB) dated 29 Aug 2025 via e-tender platform following this link: Public RFT - Functionality assessment of mini laboratories to monitor water quality for safely managed water in Madesh Pradesh. Applications received with incomplete documents and later than the above-mentioned date will be disqualified.

Any questions/clarifications needed can be requested via the same e-tender portal platform by 26 August 2025.

You can find the additional reference documents in this link: WHH Ref Documents

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for further evaluation process. Welthungerhilfe Nepal reserves all the rights to reject any or all application without providing any reasons.