Geotechnical investigation or Soil investigation services.

Reference Number: 83482585

Publication date: 04.02.2025

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.

Project: Support to establishing the Rwandan pharma and biotechnology                                 sector

Project number (PN): 21.2307.3-003.00

Consulting service for: Geotechnical investigation of the plot for construction of Rwanda

FDA Quality Control Laboratory    

Plot information: UPI: 1/03/08/02/4391 located in Kiyovu Village, Cyimo Cell,

Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District, City of Kigali, Rwanda

Client:  Deutsche Gesellschaft für

Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Career Center Building, 4^th Floor, KG 541 St

P.O. Box 59, Kigali, Rwanda

General information

Brief information on the project

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.

The GIZ cluster “Sustainable Economic Development” in Rwanda includes a module that focuses on supporting the establishment of the Rwandan pharmaceutical and biotechnological sector. The module has three strategic objectives for building capacities of actors of the pharmaceutical and biotechnological sector in Rwanda: 1) Advisory services for pharmaceutical and biotechnological sector have improved. 2) The network of Rwanda and International actors in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological sector have improved. 3) The infrastructure for regulation of pharmaceutical products has improved.

Although there is an overall framework that governs the regulation of the products produced in this sector, primarily responsibility lies with the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (Rwanda FDA) as a National Regulatory Authority (NRA) institution.

2. Context

There are various pre-determined international standards and qualifications that the Rwanda FDA is required to achieve and maintain. These include competent staff, pharmacovigilance mechanisms as well as the necessary accreditation by the World Health Organization in accordance with their Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT)

Adequate premises and infrastructure that is fit to regulate products that are produced domestically as well as imported is another requirement that the Rwanda FDA is seeking to attain to meet international standards. A National Quality Control Laboratory that is equipped to regulate pharmaceuticals and biotechnology products is quite stringent and requires adherence to a multitude of specifications.

As a result of this background and agreements between both governments, the Government of Rwanda requested support in the construction of a quality control laboratory that meets the existing international standards that are required when testing and regulating these globally innovative products.

Implementation of the construction of this highly specialized laboratory will require various forms of expertise. These include competences in different aspects of construction, architecture, engineering and laboratory mapping/management. As part of the design processes, geotechnical investigations of the plot on which this laboratory will be constructed is essential to provide critical information about the soil conditions, which directly impact the design and safety of the structure.

The geotechnical investigations will be necessary to:

• Investigate and determinate the properties of subsurface conditions and materials for the general planner to analyse and design  the foundations of the laboratory building(s) and other structures in the site based on the load characteristics of the buildings/structures and the properties of the soils and bedrock at the site.
• Plan the execution of earthworks, which include ground improvement, slope stabilization, and slope stability analysis(design of engineered slopes to increase stability).

The novel nature of such a construction project in the country and in the region would require experts specializing in Geotechnical Engineering to do the geotechnical investigations to support architects and structural engineers to design foundations and other structural elements that are appropriate for this specific site conditions, thereby ensuring the safety, stability, and longevity of the construction project of the new Rwanda FDA Quality Control Laboratory.

It is in this context that GIZ through its programme of supporting the establishment of the Rwandan pharmaceutical and biotechnological sector intends to hire the consultant to provide geotechnical engineering services for the construction of the reference and quality control laboratory for the RFDA in the plot UPI: 1/03/08/02/4391 located in Kiyovu Village, Cyimo Cell, Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District, City of Kigali.

3. Contract term

GIZ shall hire the contractor for the anticipated contract term, from 01^st March 2025 to 31^st August 2025.

The services described below in Section 4 shall be provided until 30^th April2025.

4. The contractor shall provide the following work/service

The geotechnical consultant will provide the following work/service to assess the subsurface

conditions and determine the properties of soil and rock of the site:

4.1 Desk Study: 

This will involve the collection and review of existing information about the site and its surroundings. This preliminary phase is crucial for understanding the geological, hydrological, and environmental conditions before conducting field investigations. Here are the steps involved in a desk study for geotechnical investigation:

• Review of existing data: Collect and analyze existing geological maps, soil maps, topographical maps, and previous geotechnical reports. This helps in understanding the general soil and rock conditions, as well as any historical data on the site.
• Historical land use: Investigate the historical use of the land to identify any potential contamination or previous construction activities that might affect the current project.
• Aerial photographs and satellite images: Examine aerial photographs and satellite images to identify surface features, drainage patterns, and any changes in the landscape over time.
• Hydrological data: Gather information on groundwater levels, surface water bodies, and flood history to assess potential water-related issues.
• Environmental considerations: Review environmental reports and data to identify any protected areas, habitats, or environmental constraints that might impact the project.
• Regulatory requirements: Understand the local building codes, regulations, and guidelines that govern geotechnical investigations and construction activities.

By conducting a thorough desk study, geotechnical engineers will develop a comprehensive understanding of the site conditions, which helps in planning detailed field investigations.

5. Site reconnaissance: 

A preliminary site visit will be conducted to observe the surface conditions, identify potential geotechnical issues, and plan the locations for detailed investigation.

5.1 Field investigations:

5.1.1 Drilling and Sampling: 

Drill 8 boreholes at strategic locations of the plot /building to collect soil and rock samples up to a depth of approximately 15 to 20m below existing ground level to develop information and collect data of the in-situ state of the soils. Therefore, disturbed and undisturbed samples shall be recovered. In situ testing in the borehole (Standard Penetration Tests - SPT) shall be carried out with a spacing of 1.5 m in cohesive and non-cohesive soil. Where the SPT blow count exceeds 50 blows although the required penetration depth of 30 cm has not been reached; the test can be stopped. The individual SPT penetration must be noted.

The method of advancement and the diameter of the borings shall be such that the boring can be completed and logged to the required depth, that in situ testing can be carried out and undisturbed samples of a diameter > or = 100 mm can be obtained. Flushing shall not be used for drilling in soil to preserve the natural moisture content and the sample quality. From the split barrel sampler, small, disturbed samples shall be retained for soil index testing. They shall weigh not less than 0.5 kg. Samples shall be stored and labelled immediately in airtight containers. Additionally, undisturbed open tube or piston samples shall be taken in each cohesive soil layer for further laboratory testing (triaxial, permeability and consolidation tests).The frequency of sampling and in-situ testing is dependent on the ground conditions. In the absence of other instructions as a minimum bulked disturbed samples shall be taken of each soil type and not less than every 5 meters. Undisturbed open tube/piston samples (cohesive soils) shall be taken of each cohesive soil type and not less than every 8 meters.

Rock Drilling

If massive rock or concrete is encountered rotational core drilling shall be employed. If massive rock is encountered the drilling depth will be reduced to a maximum of 4 m into solid rock. A minimum sample diameter of 100 mm shall be met. For massive rock drilling the use of flushing is allowed. Rock cores shall be stored in core boxes with subsequent photo documentation and reporting of RQD (Rock Quality Designation).

Groundwater

If groundwater is encountered in a borehole, it shall be recorded in the boring log. Any changes regarding the groundwater conditions during drilling as well as the ground water level at the end of every boring shall be recorded, too. When groundwater is encountered in the boreholes, samples of groundwater shall be taken.

Backfilling

Boreholes shall be backfilled preferably with arisings in such a manner as to minimize subsequent depression at the ground surface due to settlement of the backfill.

5.1.2 In-Situ Testing 

Conduct the following in-situ tests to measure soil properties directly in the field.

Standard penetration test (SPT):

Perform SPT at 1.5 m intervals in each borehole up to 20m to determine the relative density and strength of granular soils. This test involves driving a split-barrel sampler into the soil and recording the number of hammer blows required to drive the sampler a total of 450 mm is recorded. The number of blows for the first 150 mm is disregarded, and the blows for the remaining 300 mm are counted. This count is referred to as the N-value or blow count. Interpreting the Results by using the N-value to estimate various soil properties, such as density, strength, and bearing capacity. It can also be correlated with other soil parameters for design purposes.

5.2 Geophysical surveys: 

Perform geophysical survey using the following non-invasive methods to obtain information about the subsurface conditions without drilling.

5.2.1 Seismic refraction and reflection: 

• Seismic Refraction: Measures the travel time of seismic waves refracted at subsurface layers to determine the depth and velocity of these layers to identify soil and rock layers. It will be useful for determining bedrock depth and material strength
• Seismic Reflection: Measures the travel time of seismic waves reflected from subsurface layers to create a profile of the subsurface structure. It will provide detailed imaging of deeper structure

5.2.2 Electrical resistivity:

• Measures the resistance of the ground to the flow of electrical current. Variations in resistivity can indicate different soil types, moisture content, and the presence of voids or contaminants (Maps subsurface materials based on their electrical resistance and identifies ground water and clay).

5.3 Laboratory testing: 

Soil and rock samples collected during the field investigation are tested in the laboratory to determine the detailed information about their physical and mechanical properties, such as grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, shear strength, and compressibility. The standard laboratory testing shall comprise the following tests on soil and rock samples:

5.3.1 Soil testing:

• Grain Size Analysis: Determines the distribution of different grain sizes within a soil sample, which helps classify the soil and predict its behavior.
• Atterberg Limits: Measures the plasticity of fine-grained soils by determining the liquid limit, plastic limit, and shrinkage limit.
• Compaction Test (CBR): Assesses the soil's ability to be compacted and its maximum dry density and optimum moisture content.
• Modified Proctor Test: Similar to the compaction test, it determines the relationship between the moisture content and the dry density of the soil.
• Shear Strength Test: Measures the soil's resistance to shearing forces, which is critical for assessing slope stability and foundation design.
• Consolidation Test: Evaluates the rate and magnitude of soil settlement under load, which is important for predicting long-term settlement of structures.
• Permeability Test: Determines the rate at which water can flow through the soil, which is important for drainage and groundwater studies.
• Triaxial test

5.4 Data analysis and interpretation: 

The data collected from the field and laboratory tests will be analysed to develop a geotechnical model of the site. This model includes the stratigraphy, groundwater conditions, and engineering properties of the subsurface materials. The following key steps shall be done in the data analysis and interpretation process for geotechnical investigations:

5.4.1 Data collection 

• Field Data: Collect data from field investigations, including borehole logs, in-situ test results for Standard Penetration Test (SPT), and geophysical survey data.
• Laboratory Data: Gather results from laboratory tests on soil and rock samples, such as grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, shear strength tests, and consolidation tests.

5.4.2 Data processing 

• Data Organization: Organize the collected data in a systematic manner, typically using spreadsheets or specialized geotechnical software.
• Data Validation: Check the data for consistency and accuracy. Identify and correct any errors or anomalies.

5.4.3 Data analysis 

• Soil classification: Classify the soil based on grain size distribution and Atterberg limits. This helps in understanding the soil behaviour and selecting appropriate design parameters.
• Strength and compressibility: Analyse the shear strength and compressibility characteristics of the soil. This includes interpreting results from triaxial tests, direct shear tests, and consolidation tests.
• Hydraulic properties: Evaluate the permeability and drainage characteristics of the soil. This is important for assessing groundwater flow and potential issues related to water pressure.

5.4.4 Interpretation 

• Geotechnical profiles: Develop geotechnical profiles and cross-sections to visualize the subsurface conditions. This helps in understanding the spatial variability of soil and rock properties.
• Foundation design parameters: Determine design parameters such as bearing capacity, settlement characteristics, and lateral earth pressures. These parameters are essential for designing foundations, retaining walls, and other geotechnical structures.
• Slope stability analysis: Perform slope stability analysis to assess the risk of landslides or slope failures. This involves calculating the factor of safety for different slope conditions.
• Seismic analysis: conduct seismic analysis to evaluate the potential impact of seismic forces on the soil and structures.

5.4 Reporting

Prepare a comprehensive geotechnical report in English, summarizing the findings of the Investigation. The report shall include recommendations for foundation design, slope    stability, planning and execution of earthworks, ground improvement, drainage measures and other geotechnical aspects of the project. The report will have the following components:

5.5.1 Introduction

• Project description and objectives.
• Scope of the geotechnical investigation.
• Site location and description.
• Findings of desk study
• Site assessment results

5.5.2 Field investigation

• Description of the field exploration methods used (e.g., drilling, sampling, in-situ testing).
• Locations and depths of boreholes, test pits, and other exploration points.
• Types of samples collected (e.g., disturbed, undisturbed).

5.5.3 Laboratory testing

• Summary of laboratory tests conducted on soil and rock samples.
• Test results, including soil classification, moisture content, density, shear strength, consolidation, and permeability.

5.5.4 In-site testing

• Description and results of in-situ tests such as Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
• Interpretation of in-situ test data.

5.5.5 Geophysical surveys

• Summary of geophysical survey methods used (e.g., seismic refraction, electrical resistivity).
• Results and interpretation of geophysical data.

5.5.6 Subsurface conditions

• Description of soil and rock stratigraphy based on field and laboratory data.
• Identification of groundwater conditions.

5.5.7 Analysis and interpretation

• Evaluation of soil and rock properties.
• Assessment of geotechnical hazards (e.g., slope stability, liquefaction potential).
• Recommendations for foundation design, retaining structures, earthworks, and other geotechnical aspects of the project.

5.5.8 Conclusions and recommendations

• Summary of key findings.
• Recommendations for further investigation, if necessary.
• Design and construction recommendations based on the investigation results.

5.5.9 Appendices

• Borehole logs, test pit logs, and other field data.
• Laboratory test reports.
• Geophysical survey data and interpretation.
• Relevant calculations and analysis.

The report should be clear, concise, and well-organized, providing all necessary information to support the design and construction of the project. It serves as a critical document for engineers, architects, and construction professionals to ensure the safety and stability of the proposed structures.

Period of assignment: from 1^st March 2025 to 30^th April 2025.

1. Tender requirements

6. Qualifications of proposed staff

The tenderer is required to propose personnel for the positions specified here and described with respect to the areas of responsibility and qualifications on the basis of relevant CVs.

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

6.1 Expert 1: 

Team leader

6.1.1 General qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering

Professional experience: 7 years of professional experience in geotechnical investigations

6.1.2 Language skills:

Business fluency in English C1

6.2 Expert 2: Geotechnical Engineer

6.2.1 General qualifications

Education: 

University qualification (bachelor’s degree or Advanced diploma) in Geotechnical Engineering or bachelor’s degree in civil/structural Engineering with master’s degree in geotechnical engineering.

Professional experience:

5 years of professional experience in Geotechnical investigations

6.2.2 Language skills:

Business fluency in English  B2

7. Quantitative requirements

The specification of inputs:

Calculate your financial bid exactly in line with the quantitative requirements of the specification of inputs above. There is no contractual right to use up the full days/travel or workshops or budgets. The number of days and the budgets will be contractually agreed as maximum amounts.

Note: In case of subcontracting tasks (e.g. drilling etc.), EBM invoices from the subcontractors as proof for the services/works are required to be submitted with the commercial invoices.

8. Conceptual

The tender should indicate how the services outlined in Section I.4 (Tasks) are to be provided. Reference should be made to the following criteria:

• 1 Work schedule
• 2 Methodology proposed for the realization of service of the geotechnical investigations
• 3 Concept of the site assessment
• 4 At least three (3) references of completed similar/related projects for geotechnical investigations with proof (certificates of completion or contracts)
• 5 Required equipment and software which the company will use for testing, analysis and interpretation of data/samples with proof of possession or rental/service agreement.

Requirements on the format of the tender

The CV submitted for each expert can have a maximum of four pages. The concept should not exceed five pages. If one of the maximum page lengths is exceeded, the content appearing after the cut-off point will not be included in the assessment. External content (e.g. links to websites will also not be considered).

Option

During field investigations or after the requested tasks have been completed, there is an option of continuing or extending the essential elements of the tasks within the framework of a follow-on assignment. The details are listed below:

9.Nature and scope

The contractor is responsible for providing the following optional services:

• Verification of results of geotechnical investigations and or additional survey(s) during design phase of laboratory buildings and other structures and for the planning of earthworks
• Rock testing(during field investigation when hit the rock in drilling boreholes as below)

Uniaxial Compressive Strength Test: Measures the maximum axial load a rock sample can withstand before failure.

Triaxial Test: Similar to the uniaxial test but includes lateral pressure, providing more comprehensive data on rock strength under different stress conditions.

Point Load Test: A quick and simple test to estimate the rock strength by applying a load to a rock sample until it fractures.

Slake Durability Test: Assesses the resistance of rock to weakening and disintegration when subjected to cycles of wetting and drying.

Porosity and Density Tests: Determine the void spaces within the rock and its density, which are important for understanding the rock's strength and stability.

Petrographic Analysis: Involves microscopic examination of rock samples to identify mineral composition and texture, which can influence the rock's mechanical properties.

10. Requirements:

Exercising the option will depend on positive assessment of interim results. The decision on continuation is expected to be made in the period from 01^st March 2025 to 31^st August 2025.

The option will be exercised by means of a contract extension on the basis of the individual approaches already offered (contract supplement).

11. Quantitative requirements for the optional services

The specification of inputs:

12. Requirements on the format of the tender for the option

Please fill in both spreadsheets in the price schedule both for the main services and the optional services.

Appendix 1: The site has 3.4 hectares and contour lines with 15m of difference/interval in topography

The appendix 2: Illustrates the highlighted part for the concerned soil/geotechnical investigations circa 1.4 hectares

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
• At least 3 proofs of successful completion of related assignments. 
• Organizational profile and structure
• Proposed activities and plan and responsibility division among the team members.

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 18/02/2025 The technical offer has to be submitted in PDF format and as attachment to the email with the subject: Technical offer 83482585

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 83482585

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.