Tender Implementation service of Desalination Feasibility Study for Aden

1.Project and Consultancy Overview

Addressing WASH Services in Yemen (USAID-H20), 2018-2026 project will restore vulnerable populations’ access to water/sanitation services through the rehabilitation of water/sanitation systems and the provision of spare parts, construction of household latrines and provision of essential WASH items, and rehabilitation WASH facilities in schools in Abyan, Aden, Al Dhale’e, Lahj and Taiz Governorates.

The Goal of the USAID-H20 Project is to increase sustainable access to safe and adequate water supply and sanitation services to conflict-affected vulnerable Yemenis in rural and urban areas. Water provision in the coastal areas of Aden and Lahj is increasingly becoming challenging because of the presence of brackish/salty water. The households that are not served /reached by the municipal service continue to walk long distances to get safe and potable drinking water.

CARE has proposed to reach these communities through the treatment of this brackish/salty water using desalination technology. This proposition has been included in the USAID-H20 project.

2. Purpose of the consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct a feasibility study regarding the installation of a desalination unit in rural and peri-urban communities within Aden, Abyan and Lahj Governorates. The study aims to identify feasible solutions to address the water needs of these communities by evaluating the viability and sustainability of implementing a desalination plant. Additionally, the consultancy aims to select a consulting firm to assist CARE in implementing the desalination plant, offering training on operation and maintenance, and suggesting design software for future desalination unit projects. The aim is to ensure access to safe and dependable water sources for the targeted communities, while enhancing local capacity and promoting sustainable water management practices. This consultancy has been devised to inform the planned intervention, which will provide safe drinking water to over 200 households (approximately 1,200 individuals) in Aden Governorate.

3. Consultancy Study Methodology

This methodology outlines a consultant’s approach to assess the feasibility of installing a desalination system for brackish water in Aden, Abyan and Lahj, Yemen. It also incorporates training for private sector firms, software development, construction, and installation.

Output 1: Data Collection and Analysis

Brackish/Saline Water Source Assessment:

1. Analyze existing data or conduct field tests to determine brackish water source characteristics (salinity, flow rate, seasonal variations).
2. Water Demand Assessment: Collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders to assess current and projected water demand for the peri-urban locations in Aden.
3. Site Selection: Evaluate potential locations based on proximity to the brackish water source, available land, infrastructure (power grid)/solar potential, and environmental impact of the waste.
4. Technology Selection: Research and compare desalination technologies suitable for brackish water (e.g., Reverse Osmosis (RO), Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR)) for two locations. Consider factors like salinity level, desired water quality, energy efficiency, and operation & maintenance (O&M) costs.
5. Regulations and Permits: Identify relevant environmental and construction regulations and obtain necessary permits before proceeding.

Output 2: Training and Capacity Building for CARE and Private Sector

1. Private Sector Training: Develop training programs for private sector firms on desalination technology principles, O&M procedures, and financial considerations for system operation. This empowers local businesses to participate in desalination project management.
2. Software Development: Explore the feasibility of developing or acquiring design software tailored to Yemen’s specific brackish water characteristics. This software can optimize system design, predict performance, and estimate costs for installation, operation, and maintenance of developed systems.

Output 3: Feasibility Report and Design

1. Feasibility Report: Based on collected data, analyze the technical, economic, environmental, and social feasibility of the desalination project. The report should include:
   • Capital and O&M cost estimates.
   • Projected water production and quality
   • Environmental impact assessment and mitigation strategies for discharges from the system.
   • Social and economic benefits (job creation, improved water security)
2. Detailed System Design: Develop a detailed design and costing of the desalination system considering:
   • Pretreatment requirements (sedimentation, filtration) based on raw water quality.
   • RO membrane selection and configuration based on salinity and desired permeate quality.
   • Energy source evaluation (grid connection, renewable energy)
   • Brine disposal plan (minimizing environmental impact)
   • Include in the design the delivery pipework and relevant appurtenances for the treated water to the households.

Output 4: Construction and Installation

1. Project Management: Develop a comprehensive project management plan outlining timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
2. Construction and Installation: Oversee the construction and installation of the desalination system, ensuring adherence to design specifications, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
3. Commissioning and Start-up: Perform system commissioning, testing all components, and fine-tuning operations to achieve optimal performance.
4. Training and Handover: Provide training to local operators on system operation, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting. This ensures smooth handover of the project to the local entity.

(Activities 2 through to 4 are planned for 2025 and would be done as a second phase in the consultant assignment.)

Consultant qualifications (National or International)

For this consultancy CARE seeks a firm or an individual with the following qualifications/experience.

• Engineering degree in (chemical, mechanical, or similar)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in desalination plant operations or design
• Expertise in reverse osmosis (RO) systems preferred.
• Knowledge of brine disposal and environmental regulations
• Experience in training private sector practitioners.
• Competency in design software and hydraulic modelling
• Arabic fluency, with English proficiency a plus

4. Terms of the consultancy

• Consultancy Nature: Short-term, company/firm (National or International)
• Consultancy Duration: 4 Months
• Data Sharing and Ownership: All qualitative or quantitative data resulting as a product of the consultancy and activities contained therein are ultimately the property of the USAID-H20 project Yemen. Any and all data, and subsequent reporting will be shared with CARE (as the recipient of the USAID-H2O Yemen activity) and with USAID.
• Consultancy Oversight: The assignment will be overseen by CARE Yemen- WASH Team and CARE USA’s Global WASH team. CARE will provide:
  • Overview and background.
  • Provide safety and security and assignment briefings on arrival.
  • Provide support on arrangement of meetings with local authorities.
  • CARE Resources: There will be 2 WASH field engineers and the Program Manager (WASH Team Leader) will be available to support.

5. Scope of Work:

The selected consultant will be responsible for performing the following tasks:

1. Conduct a thorough feasibility study to assess the water needs and challenges faced by rural and peri-urban communities in Aden Governorate.
2. Conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability and sustainability of implementing a desalination unit as a solution to address the water needs identified in the feasibility study.
3. Assess and recommend appropriate desalination technologies and systems suitable for the specific context and requirements of the target communities.
4. Develop a comprehensive implementation plan, including a timeline, cost estimates, and resource requirements for the installation of the desalination unit.
5. Provide guidance on the selection and procurement of necessary equipment, materials, and technology for the desalination plant.
6. Propose a design software that will enable future desalination unit designs, installation, and operation and maintenance activities. The software should be user-friendly and tailored to the specific project requirements.
7. Develop a detailed design of the two (2) desalination systems providing details of Pretreatment requirements, RO membrane selection/configuration, energy source evaluation and design, and Brine disposal plan. Develop a training program for local stakeholders on desalination plant operation and maintenance, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and skills for sustainable management.
8. Prepare a detailed report outlining the findings, recommendations, and proposed solutions based on the feasibility study.

6. Deliverables of the consultancy

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

1. Feasibility study report, including an assessment of water needs and challenges in rural and peri-urban communities.
2. Feasibility study report, outlining the viability and sustainability of the desalination unit installation.
3. Implementation plan, including a timeline, cost estimates, management plan and resource requirements.
4. Recommendations for appropriate desalination technologies and systems.
5. Design software proposal for future desalination unit designs, installation, and operation and maintenance.
6. Training program on desalination plant operation and maintenance.
7. Detailed final report summarizing the study findings, recommendations, and proposed solutions.

7. Timeframe:

The consultancy is expected to commence on TBD, and be completed within four months. A detailed work plan should be provided by the consultant, outlining the key milestones and deliverable submission dates.

8. Application Process

Application that includes:

1. Brief Proposal on completion of the consultancy task. (estimated bills for the implementation of the system, training costs for community group among others)
2. Detailed budget based on the cost of the deliverables as listed in section 6 above (Deliverables of the consultancy).
3. Provide an example of previous research work in a related field (e.g. Illustrative writing or project sample from a previous project in a similar field)- this can be submitted as an Annex.