Expression of Interest (EOI)

Technical Assessment for Phasing Out 2G/3G Networks in Rwanda.

Reference Number: 83478137

Publication date: 18.11.2024

Introduction

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. The GIZ Office in Kigali covers GIZ’s portfolio in Rwanda and Burundi. GIZ Rwanda/Burundi implements projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union and other commissioning authorities in the following priority areas: Sustainable Economic Development; Good Governance; Climate, Energy and Sustainable Urban Development; Digitalization and Digital Economy; and regional projects in the Great Lakes Region.

List of abbreviations

• MINICT The Ministry of ICT and Innovation
• NST National Strategy for Transformation
• BMZ German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
• EoI Expression of Interest
• GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
• ToR Terms of Reference
• MNO Mobile Network Operators

General Information: 

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise that operates worldwide for sustainable development. GIZ has worked in Rwanda for over 30 years. The primary objectives of the government of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Germany are poverty reduction and promoting sustainable development. GIZ Rwanda is active in Decentralization and Good Governance, Economic Development and Employment Promotion, Energy, and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) to achieve these objectives.

Background 

The Ministry of Information Technology and Innovation (MINICT) of Rwanda is leading an initiative to phase out 2G and 3G networks as part of the country’s goal to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure and become a leading digital hub in Africa. This transition aligns with global trends and the increased prevalence of data-driven applications over traditional voice services.

As the steward of national ICT policy and innovation strategies, MINICT is committed to leveraging emerging technologies to bridge the digital divide, improve the quality of connectivity nationwide, and foster a sustainable, inclusive digital economy.  This strategic transition is aligned with Rwanda’s broader objectives to enhance access to digital services, thereby empowering our citizens and advancing our journey towards becoming a knowledge-based economy. The initiative is also informed by several underlying considerations, which includes international trends, multilateral commitments, and manufacturing trends:

Objectives: 

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment of Rwanda’s telecommunications sector to evaluate the readiness of its infrastructure and technology ecosystem for the phase-out of 2G/3G networks. This includes evaluating current systems, projecting future requirements, and identifying risks and gaps.

The study should also analyse the technical and operational implications, including ARPU, the effects on the broader tech value chain, and the impact of global shifts in manufacturing and support for legacy systems.

Scope of the study:  

The consultant will undertake a technical and operational assessment covering the following areas:

Telecommunications Infrastructure Readiness

• Assessment of Current Infrastructure: Evaluate the state of existing infrastructure, including towers, base stations, and core networks, to assess their compatibility with 4G and 5G technologies.
• Network Upgrades and Investment Needs: Identify what upgrades or new infrastructure will be necessary to support the full deployment of 4G and 5G, especially in rural or underserved regions.
• Technology Value Chain: Assess the impact of global transitions away from 2G/3G on the availability and cost of legacy network equipment and identify supply chain risks related to maintaining these systems.

Consequences of Not Transitioning

• Operational and Maintenance Costs: Analyse the rising costs associated with maintaining obsolete 2G/3G infrastructure, including higher energy consumption, increased breakdowns, and more expensive repairs.
• Manufacturer and Supplier Dynamics: Explore how global manufacturers and suppliers are moving away from supporting 2G/3G networks and the implications for Rwanda if these technologies are retained.
• Obsolescence Risks: Identify risks associated with being dependent on deprecated technology, including vulnerabilities in network security, equipment sourcing, and regulatory non-compliance with international standards.

Coverage and Compliance with Universal Service Obligations

• Coverage Implications: Evaluate how phasing out 2G/3G will impact Rwanda’s ability to meet universal service obligations, particularly in remote and rural areas where 2G has traditionally been the primary coverage.
• Rural Connectivity: Assess whether Rwanda’s current and planned 4G/5G infrastructure can maintain or improve rural connectivity and identify any geographic coverage gaps that may emerge from the phase-out.
• Affordability and Inclusion: Propose strategies to ensure affordable and inclusive access to 4G/5G services, especially for low-income populations dependent on legacy networks.

ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) and Financial Impact on Operators

• ARPU Trends: Analyse ARPU trends related to 2G/3G versus 4G/5G, and project how the phase-out could affect telecom operators’ revenues.
• Revenue Loss and Mitigation Strategies: Identify potential losses from lower ARPU for 2G/3G users and provide strategies to help telecom operators maintain profitability post-transition.
• Consumer Migration: Assess how to facilitate the migration of 2G/3G users to 4G/5G in a way that maximizes operator revenue and minimizes disruption to users.

Device Ownership and Migration to 4G/5G

• Device Penetration and Readiness: Assess the current distribution of 2G/3G devices in Rwanda and identify gaps in the availability of affordable 4G/5G devices for low-income users.
• Impact of Device Costs on Transition: Investigate how the cost of upgrading to 4G/5G devices could create barriers to the transition and propose solutions such as device subsidies or financing programs.
• Strategies for Consumer Migration: Propose plans for educating consumers about the transition and encouraging device upgrades, particularly for users dependent on legacy devices.

Pricing and Market Implications

• Impact on Service Pricing: Analyse how the phase-out will affect service pricing, particularly for data and voice services, and propose strategies to ensure affordable access to 4G/5G services.
• Competition in the Telecom Sector: Assess the potential for increased competition in the telecom sector because of the transition and identify opportunities for smaller operators and new market entrants.

Security and Regulatory Compliance

• Network Security Risks: Evaluate the security risks posed by retaining 2G/3G networks, including vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and outdated encryption standards.
• Regulatory Alignment: Analyse Rwanda’s regulatory framework and compare it to international standards for phasing out legacy networks, identifying any areas where adjustments or new regulations may be required.

Environmental and Energy Considerations

• Energy Efficiency: Compare the energy consumption of legacy 2G/3G networks versus modern 4G/5G systems, identifying potential energy savings and environmental benefits.
• E-Waste Management: Propose strategies for managing the disposal or recycling of decommissioned 2G/3G infrastructure in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Methodology

The consultant will employ the following methodologies to achieve the project objectives:

• Desk Review:Review of relevant technical reports, ARPU data, and international best practices for 2G/3G transitions.
• Stakeholder Consultations:Interviews with key telecom operators, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Field Assessments:Technical evaluations of infrastructure in key geographic areas.
• Comparative Analysis:Case studies of other countries that have successfully transitioned to 4G/5G networks.

Deliverables:  

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

Deliverable 1: Inception Report:

• A detailed methodology and work plan within [insert timeline] after the contract is signed.

Deliverable 2: Technical Readiness Report:

• A comprehensive technical report covering all aspects of infrastructure readiness, ARPU impacts, device availability, coverage gaps, and operational risks.

Deliverable 3: Final Presentation:

• A summary of findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, including MINICT, RURA, and telecom operators.

Deliverable 4: Technical Transition Plan:

A proposed roadmap for the technical phase-out of 2G/3G networks, including infrastructure upgrades, consumer migration, and network security enhancements.

The project focal person(s) will review and approve these deliverables at each stage to ensure alignment with the project objectives and requirements.

Upon contract signature, GIZ and its key stakeholder MINCT will assign a focal person(s) to manage this assignment day-to-day. S/he will brief the contractor and share expectations on the outcome of this assignment. The contractor shall propose a plan and timeline for technical assessment within five working days.

Certain milestones, as laid out in the table below, are to be achieved by specific dates during the contract term:

The selected contractor must complete the project within Three (3) months of contract signing.

Period of assignment: from Contract signing until 28 February 2025.

Concept

For the bid, the bidder is required to show how the objectives defined in Chapter 2 & 3 are to be achieved, if applicable under consideration of further specific method-related requirements (technical-methodological concept). In addition, the bidder must describe the management system for service provision. This should also include a contingency concept if the timeline of the assessment due any impediments.

Technical-methodological concept

The bidder is required to consider the tasks to be performed with reference to the objectives of the services put out to tender. Following this, the bidder presents and justifies the strategy with which it intends to provide the services for which it is responsible.

The bidder is required to present the actors relevant for the services for which it is responsible and describe the cooperation with them. Experts in the field of Data Science and Telecommunications.

The bidder is required to present and explain its approach to steering the measures with the project partners.

The bidder is required to describe the key processes for the services for which it is responsible and create a schedule (project plan) that describes how the services according to the above sections are to be provided. In particular, the bidder is required to describe the necessary work steps and milestones to complete the project.

Personnel Concept

The bidder is required to provide personnel who are suited to filling the positions described, based on their CVs, the range of tasks involved and the required qualifications.

The below specified qualifications represent the requirements to reach the maximum number of points.

Team Lead / Telecommunications Infrastructure Expert

Responsibilities:

• Oversee project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines and deliverables.
• Act as the primary point of contact between GIZ, MINICT and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate team activities and stakeholder consultations.
• Conduct assessments of existing telecommunications infrastructure.
• Identify upgrade needs and investment requirements for transitioning to 4G/5G.
• Analyse the impact of global transitions on legacy network equipment.

Qualifications required:

• Education/training (2.1.1): University qualification (master’s or equivalent): Project management, Information Technology, Telecommunications or relevant field
• Language (2.1.2): Good business language skills in N/A
• General professional experience (2.1.3): 5+ years of professional experience in the Telecommunications engineering sector
• Specific professional experience (2.1.4): 5+ Years of experience in IT project management
• Leadership/management experience (2.1.5): 5 years of IT management/leadership experience as a project team leader or manager in a company
• Regional experience (2.1.6): 5+years of experience in projects in (region): Africa, of which 5+years in projects in (country): Rwanda
• Development Cooperation (DC) experience (2.1.7): N/A
• Other (2.1.8): N/A

Expert 1: Market Analyst:

Responsibilities:

• Analyse trends and project financial impacts on telecom operators.
• Evaluate coverage implications and compliance with universal service obligations.
• Propose strategies for maintaining operator profitability post-transition.

Qualifications required.

• Education/training (2.2.1): University qualification (bachelor’s or equivalent): Economics, Business Administration or a related field.
• Language (2.2.2): Good business language skills in N/A
• General professional experience (2.2.3): 5+ Years of experience in the IT or Telecommunications sector or a similar role.
• Specific professional experience (2.2.4): 5+ years of experience in market analysis, preferably in the telecommunications or technology sector
• Leadership/management experience (2.2.5): N/A
• Regional experience (2.2.6): 5+years of experience in projects in (region): Africa, of which 5+years in projects in (country): Rwanda
• Development Cooperation (DC) experience (2.2.7): N/A
• Other (2.2.8): N/A

Expert 2 : Data Analyst

Responsibilities:

• Conduct quantitative analysis data and other relevant metrics.
• Support market analysts in identifying trends and projections.
• Assist in developing data-driven recommendations for stakeholders.

Qualifications required.

• Education/training (2.3.1): University qualification (bachelor’s or equivalent): Data science, Statistics, data engineering, or a related field
• Language (2.2.2): Good business language skills in N/A
• General professional experience (2.3.3): 5+ years of experience in the IT sector in a similar role.
• Specific professional experience (2.3.4): 5+ years of experience with data analysis tools and techniques (e.g., Pythons, R, SQL)
• Leadership/management experience (2.3.5): N/A
• Regional experience (2.3.6): N/Aof experience in projects in (region): N/A, of which N/Ain projects in (country): N/A
• Development Cooperation (DC) experience (2.3.7): N/A
• Other (2.3.8): N/A

Costing requirements

The bidder is required to calculate their financial tender based exactly on the parameters specified in the inputs. The contractor is not contractually entitled to use up the days or budget in full. The number of days and the budget will be contractually agreed as maximum limits.

The bidder must also provide an estimation of any additional tools necessary to fulfil the project requirements outlined in the inputs.

Requirements on the format of the bid

The structure of the bid must correspond to the structure of the ToR. In particular, the detailed structure of the concept. The bid should be drawn up in English (language).

The CVs of the personnel proposed in accordance with the Personnel Concept section of this ToR must clearly show the position and job the proposed person held in the reference project and for how long. The CVs should also be submitted in English (language).

Contact 

If you have questions about the assignment, please contact procurement-rw@giz.de. Please note that we only point to publicly available information for a fair tender process.

Application 

The Expression of Interest will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Individual profile,
• Relevant experience,
• Your strategies to assure agility, flexibility, and responsiveness,
• Personnel offer
• Financial offer.

The EoI should contain the following:

For Technical Proposal:

• A Cover letter expressing interest in this assignment.
• Technical Proposal with a brief description of why you would be considered as the most suitable for the assignment, relevant expertise, and a detailed clear methodology, on how will be your approach and complete the assignment. It should be formatted, font type ARIAL, fond size 11, and should be clearly formulated. The offer should be drawn up in English language.
• The CVs shall not exceed 4 pages.
• Business /company registration certificate
• Tax clearance certificate.
• References and recommendations of similar works executed in Rwanda for the Financial Proposal:

• The Financial Proposal indicates the all-inclusive total contract price, supported by a breakdown of all costs. The cost must be in Rwf, and VAT must be excluded.

Submission of offer: The Expression of Interest should contain the following:

Technical Proposal:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in this assignment
• Technical Proposal (attached template for technical proposal MUST be used)
• Company registration certificate (RDB)
• VAT-Registration Certificate
• Latest tax clearance certificate
• Up to date CVs of proposed experts
• Self-declaration of eligibility

Financial Proposal: Financial offer indicates the all-inclusive total contract price, supported by a breakdown of all costs as described in the specification of inputs.

Your EoI has to be submitted in 2 separated emails to RW_Quotation@giz.de until 01/12/2024

The technical offer has to be submitted in PDF format and as attachment to the email with the subject: Technical offer 83478137

The financial offer has to be submitted in PDF format and the price must be in Rwandan Francs and VAT excluded (if applicable) and as attachment to the email with the subject: Financial offer 83478137

If the emails exceed the default email size of 30MB, offers can be exceptionally submitted through https://filetransfer.giz.de/ 

Offers submitted through any other sharing platform, as google documents or similar will not be considered.

Offers submitted in hard copy will not be considered.

GIZ reserves all rights.

Annex:

• Technical Proposal template
• Technical assessment grid
• Self-declaration of eligibility