Consultancy service for Feasibility Study & Detail Designs for Nine (9) Groundwater Investigation for Borehole Drilling of Harwo,Dambal(two sites),Hadagalo, Shilabo (two sites),Lagahida, Mayumuluko & Dunyar project woredas

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION) FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA LOWLANDS LIVELIHOOD RESILIENCE PROJECT – PHASE II (LLRP-II)

Credit No.: 7519-ET

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for Hydrogeological and Geophysical Investigation for Groundwater Development at Nine (9) Drilling Locations in Dunyar, Shilabo (two sites), Dambel, Guradhamole, Lagahida, Mayamuluko, Harawo and Hadhagala Woredas, Somali Regional State

Reference No .: ET-SOM-RPCU-570299-CS-QCBS

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has received financing from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the Lowlands Livelihood Resilience Project – Phase II (LLRP-II) and intends to use part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include hydrogeological and geophysical investigations to identify, assess and recommend technically feasible, sustainable, climate-resilient, environmentally sound and socially acceptable groundwater drilling sites for water supply (domestic and livestock) and, where applicable, irrigation development at nine (9) drilling locations in eight (8) woredas of Somali Regional State, namely: Dunyar Woreda, Siti Zone (Asli kebele); Shilabo Woreda, Korahey Zone (Qudha’shir and Miyir Kaynan kebeles – two sites); Dambel Woreda, Siti Zone (Dalamane kebele); Guradhamole Woreda, Liban Zone (Dektah kebele); Lagahida Woreda, Erer Zone (Busa kebele); Mayamuluko Woreda, Erer Zone (Magaalacad kebele); Harawo Woreda, Siti Zone (Darcade kebele); and Hadhagala Woreda, Siti Zone (Geedwayn kebele). The Client may adjust the final locations and number of sites during implementation depending on field conditions and project priorities. The Services comprise: review of existing information and preparation of an Inception Report (including a data gap register, stakeholder engagement plan and security management plan); reconnaissance survey and baseline assessment, including mapping of seasonal livestock migration routes, grazing areas, existing water points and customary water rights; stakeholder consultation, conducted in the Somali language, with pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, customary institutions, women, youth and vulnerable groups; hydrogeological mapping, including assessment of transboundary aquifers; estimation of groundwater potential, recharge and likely yields using empirical and analogue methods; geophysical surveys (a minimum of three Vertical Electrical Soundings per site, i.e. at least twenty-seven (27) VES) and their interpretation, with a primary and at least one alternative drilling point for each site; sampling of existing water points and laboratory analysis for drinking, livestock and irrigation suitability; environmental and social impact assessment in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and IFAD requirements, including preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs); uncertainty, data gap and risk management, including site confidence classification, site risk registers and a decision matrix presented at a validation workshop; groundwater development planning; establishment of a GIS database and maps; capacity building of Client staff; estimation of the drilling contract period; and preparation of preliminary engineering recommendations, draft bidding documents based on the World Bank Standard Procurement Documents (technical specifications, drawings and bills of quantities, including drilling-risk provisions) and the Engineer’s cost estimate for the subsequent borehole drilling and test pumping works. The assignment is a pre-drilling investigation based on desk study, field reconnaissance, hydrogeological mapping, geophysical surveys, sampling of existing water points and empirical estimation. It does not include test well (exploratory borehole) drilling, borehole construction or pumping tests, which will be procured under a separate works contract. The implementation period is three (3) calendar months from the date of commencement, and the assignment is expected to start in December 2026. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below. Somali Regional State, Office of the President, Lowlands Livelihood Resilience Project (LLRP-II) Regional Project Coordination Unit now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: (a) Core business and years in business: the firm’s core business shall be in groundwater/hydrogeological investigation and water resources consultancy services. Provide the company profile, certificate of registration, and number of years in business.

(b) General experience: experience in consultancy services for water supply, irrigation and/or water resources development during the last ten (10) years.

(c) Specific experience: experience in assignments of similar nature and complexity, i.e. hydrogeological and geophysical investigations for groundwater development, borehole siting, groundwater quality assessment and preparation of drilling recommendations, bills of quantities and bidding documents, preferably in arid, semi-arid or pastoral/agro-pastoral areas with sedimentary, karstic or basement aquifer settings (such as the Ogaden basin and other lowland areas of Ethiopia), and under projects financed by the World Bank or other international development partners, including application of environmental and social (ESF/safeguard) requirements and in remote or security-constrained areas. For each assignment, indicate the client, location, contract value, duration, scope of services, and the firm’s role, supported by contract or completion certificates