Request for Expressions of Interest (Consulting Services, Framework Agreement)
Framework Agreement for Geospatial Electrification Planning and Analytical Services (COMESA, Zambia)
COMESA region (based in Zambia)
Coverage
3-year framework agreement (extendable by 2 years)
Contract Term
Consulting services (Quality-Based Selection)
Contract Nature
2026-10-27 10:00 (local time)
Bid Deadline
01Project Overview
Assignment
Framework Agreement for Geospatial Electrification Planning and Analytical Services
Reference
World Bank procurement notice OP00468662; reference ZM-COMESA-565158-CS-QBS
Employer
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat
Country
COMESA member states; the assignment is managed by the COMESA Secretariat (registered in Zambia)
Parent Project
Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation Program (ASCENT), World Bank project P180547
Source of Funds
Funding from the World Bank-supported ASCENT Program
Procurement Method
Framework agreement for consulting services using the Quality-Based Selection (QBS) method
Contract Term
The framework agreement is established for an initial period of three years and may, subject to satisfactory performance, continued need, availability of financing and applicable approvals, be extended for up to two additional one-year periods
Assignment Mechanism
Individual assignments comprise one or several service components and are issued upon a service request submitted by the requesting Project Implementation Unit (PIU) to COMESA
Source
World Bank Request for Expressions of Interest OP00468662, employer the COMESA Secretariat, published 1 Oct 2026, verified 3 Oct 2026: https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/procurement-detail/OP00468662
Background Source
World Bank project page P180547: https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P180547; COMESA website: https://www.comesa.int/
02Project Background
The Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation Program (ASCENT) is a multiphase programmatic initiative covering Eastern and Southern African countries. Its World Bank project number is P180547, it is implemented by the COMESA Secretariat, it was approved in November 2023 and is planned to close in December 2030.
The program's development objective is to increase access to sustainable and clean energy in Eastern and Southern African countries. It comprises five components, including Digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (D-MRV) platforms for energy access and climate finance, and a Project Preparation Facility (PPF) that provides project development support to national agencies and cross-border solutions.
Electrification planning is a prerequisite for expanding energy access. Geospatial least-cost modelling identifies the optimal combination of grid extension, mini-grids and standalone systems, while associated spatial data infrastructure and decision-support tools provide a transparent, consistent and reproducible analytical basis for national electrification investment planning. This framework agreement establishes a long-term channel through which participating PIUs can obtain such technical services.
03Scope of Work & Technical Specifications
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Objective | To support the development and application of geospatial least-cost electrification planning approaches, including identification of optimal combinations of grid extension, mini-grid and standalone systems to achieve universal access objectives, grounded in internationally recognised methodologies that ensure transparency, consistency and reproducibility of analyses |
| Service Component 1 | Development of National Electrification Analyses (NEAs): collection and validation of spatial datasets, development or updating of geospatial least-cost electrification models, analysis of grid extension, mini-grid and standalone electrification options, and preparation of electrification investment planning scenarios |
| Service Component 2 | Updating existing electrification plans and models: updating modelling assumptions and datasets, recalibrating electrification planning models, incorporating updated demand forecasts or policy targets, and producing revised electrification planning outputs |
| Service Component 3 | Spatial data infrastructure (SDI), data governance and interoperability: assessing SDI readiness, identifying data architecture and interoperability gaps, developing data governance frameworks and standards, and establishing geospatial data platforms, metadata catalogues and data-sharing mechanisms, including open-source or interoperable platforms such as GeoNode, CKAN or equivalent tools |
| Service Component 4 | Development of visualisation and decision-support platforms: developing geospatial dashboards and data portals for electrification planning outputs, and integrating them with national energy information systems |
| Service Component 5 | Capacity building and institutional support: training on modelling methodologies and planning tools, support for data management processes, and preparation of technical guidelines and operational manuals |
| Framework Term | An initial term of three years, extendable by up to two additional one-year periods |
| Terms of Reference | The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the primary procurement stage are available on the COMESA website: https://www.comesa.int/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TOR_FA_GeoSP_Primary_Proc-_-30.09.2026.docx |
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04Key Commercial Terms
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Contract Form | Established as a framework agreement under which individual assignments are issued through service requests, with no minimum volume of assignments committed |
| Selection Method | Quality-Based Selection (QBS), under which selection of the consultant is determined by evaluation of qualifications and experience, without price competition |
| Agreement Term | An initial term of three years, extendable by up to two additional one-year periods |
| Review Requirement | Whether prior review by the employer is required depends on the value and nature of each assignment and is normally governed by the World Bank Procurement Regulations review requirements for consulting services |
| Payment | Payment is made under the terms of each individual assignment and is normally conditional on acceptance of the deliverables |
| Dispute Resolution | Handled in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers and the terms of each individual assignment |
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05Bidder Qualification Requirements
01
Type of Solicitation
This is a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) addressed to consulting firms, on the basis of which a shortlist will be established
02
Years of Experience
At least ten years of relevant experience
03
Similar Assignments
Successful completion of at least three assignments of similar nature and complexity
04
Client Experience
Experience with government institutions, utilities, regional organisations or development partners
05
Regional and Sector Experience
Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably in the energy sector
06
Team Capability
Capacity to deploy multidisciplinary teams for multi-country assignments
07
Submission Requirements
Company profile and legal registration documents, a description of the firm's relevant experience, and the other qualification evidence required by the REOI
06Key Milestones
2026-10-01
Notice Published
2026-10-27 10:00 (local time)
Bid Deadline (EOI Submission)
Available on the COMESA website from the date of publication
Terms of Reference
A shortlist is established after evaluation of the expressions of interest, and a request for proposals is subsequently issued to the shortlisted firms
Shortlisting and RFP
The framework agreement is signed following evaluation of proposals and contract negotiations
Framework Agreement Signature
