Request for Proposal (RFP): CBFT House Construction

Terms of Reference (ToR)

1. Background descriptions

Habitat for Humanity Nepal (Habitat Nepal) is an international non-governmental organization that is driven by the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live. In Nepal, it addresses housing needs of low-income families through our partnership with homeowners, duty bearers, civil society, financial institutions, academia and relevant stakeholders. The organization serves people, families and communities that are at the bottom of the pyramid, by promoting greener, affordable and disaster resilient solutions and technologies for safe housing construction, advocating for land tenure security and joint land titles, and empowering communities at the risk of climate related disasters to apply local knowledge and practices for nature-based solutions. Through decent and adequate housing, it supports families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance.

Cement Bamboo frame technology (CBFT) is a disaster resilient and green building technology that uses bamboo as the only structural element. It is a technology that was developed by the HILTI Foundation and BASE Bahay Foundation to build stronger houses in a shorter period.

The construction assignment is for a single story CBFT demonstration building and a rest place. The first building should be of size 40*25 sq feet which consists of the meeting space and the second building is a round rest space of 20*20 sq feet. The major purpose of this project is to demonstrate the technology’s potential, versatility and scalability for replication.

2. Objectives

The primary objective of this construction assignment is to:

• Design and analyze the structural stability of proposed buildings.
• Construct both CBFT demonstration buildings in accordance with the requirements provided by Habitat Nepal. 

3. Scope of Work

1. Prepare and analyze the architectural and structural drawings for Demonstration Buildings. 
2. Conduct site inspections to identify site conditions.
3. Prepare cost estimation as per prepared drawings.
4. Prepare a work plan with a timeline for the construction.
5. Construction with all architectural finishings as per drawings.

4. Deliverables

1. A work plan indicating the timeline of all works (site preparation, foundation, panel construction, roofing, flooring, wall finishes etc.) and construction completion date.
2. Design, analysis report and Cost estimation.
3. Complete construction of Demonstration building.

5. Specific Inputs from Habitat for Humanity Nepal

• Provide all requirements with land details 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.

1. Team leader should have proven experience in constructing Bamboo structure (particularly Cement Bamboo Frame Technology)
2. Knowledge of building codes and structural safety standards.
3. Field investigation and on-site analysis expertise.
4. Construction scope as an objective shall be reflected in the firm legal registered documents. 
5. Duration of the Assignment: The construction works with all settlements and final reporting is to be completed in 60 days not exceeding end of April 2025. 
6. Necessary meetings and consultations with Habitat Nepal and stakeholders will be conducted within the duration as per requirement. 

7. 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 +977-9801142065.  

8. Payment Schedule

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

• 1st Installment: 20% advance for starting construction after winning the proposal with detail of inception report.
• 2nd Installment: 70% after completion of construction works and submission of completion report.
• 3rd Installment: 10% release after one month as retention period for repair and maintenance with final report, if necessary.

9. Documents Required

1. Company Registration Certificate
2. VAT Registration Certificate
3. Latest Audit Report and Tax Clearance Certificate.
4. 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.
5. CVs of the team members assigned for the project.

10. To Apply

Interested firms/organizations should submit their Technical and Financial Proposal including testimonials/certificates to procurement@habitatnepal.org. Please write CBFT Demonstration - Structural Consultation Proposal in the subject line of the email and submit the proposal no later than February 26, 2025.

11. 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.