Consultancy services for providing drone skills training program in Rwanda

Reference Number: 83489211

0. General background

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, Mineral Governance, Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region.

1. Context

African partners are increasingly looking for their own solutions in Africa, especially in the area of digitalization and data-driven approaches. The potential of data-centric, digital solutions, such as civilian drone applications for environmental purposes or interactive language models tailored to local languages, holds great promise for accelerating socio-ecological and economic transformations across the continent.

The drone and the aerospace industry in Rwanda are working to understand, define and ultimately integrate the operation of the UAS. These systems are based on cutting-edge developments in aerospace technologies, offering advancements which may open new and improved drone applications as well as improvements on the safety and efficiency.

In 2018, Rwanda implemented one of the first national-scale performance-based regulation for UAS in the world. The regulation was developed by RCAA (Rwandan Civil Aviation Authority) with support from the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in consultation with experts from all over the world. The performance-based regulation (PBR) relies on a dynamic risk mitigation and enables RCAA to approve new types of missions regardless of the technology used while guaranteeing the safety of airspace. Rwanda’s implementation of PBR for all category of unmanned aircraft has led to an increase in operations for its drone ecosystem, promoted expansion of domestic industry participants and is being seen as an example to follow by neighbouring countries.

In March 2019, Rwanda passed a new regulation for UAS, reducing the prices of drone registrations and operation permits, and simplifying requirements for different types of drone operations, which will further boost the ecosystem.

About the Drone Knowledge & skills hub

The drones’ knowledge and skills hub was established at the University of Rwanda, College of Science & Technology at the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (UR-ACEIoT). The hub is dedicated to empower individuals and institutions in Rwanda by providing knowledge skills, and resources necessary to advance drone technology, innovation, and strengthen the drone industry in Rwanda.

Specifically, the primary goal of the hub to

• Foster innovation in drone technology to address local and global challenges
• Provide hands-on technical training to build a skilled workforce
• Ensure collaboration among academia, industry, and government to drive advancements 

About the GIZ Digital Transformation Center Rwanda

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

The Digital Transformation Centre is a Rwandan-German initiative to develop impact-driven digital solutions in Africa at regional and continental levels. Therefore, it provides advisory services, training for government institutions and local tech companies, and a modern space to boost creativity and collaboration. 

The Digital Transformation Center is also a space dedicated to delivering impact-driven digital solutions, developing the capacities of the local innovation ecosystem, and replicating and scaling up digital solutions at the regional and continental levels. Innovation is implemented at the Digital Transformation Center in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and its implementing agency. The Digital Transformation Center supports public and private sectors in transferring knowledge and skills and developing organizational, structural, and technological capacities. 

The Digital Transformation Center is an innovative hub that provides a range of facilities, including boardrooms, event spaces, and innovation labs. It is a collaborative space for Africans to develop and contribute to digital solutions tailored to the continent. The centre hosts events on current ICT topics, provides training and capacity development opportunities, and facilitates networking among industry professionals.

About the Triangular cooperation for Digital innovation Made in Africa

The project "Triangular Cooperation for Digital Innovation Made in Africa” main goal is to strengthen the application of data-centric digital innovations proudly labelled "Made in Africa" within the framework of triangular cooperation in East and West Africa. The project involves partners from Rwanda, Côte d'Ivoire and Germany with inter-changing roles depending on the topic.

In the triangular cooperation, each partner has a different role: a lead partner who primarily contributes knowledge and expertise; a beneficiary partner who derives significant benefits from both financial support and knowledge transfer; and a supporting partner who facilitates exchange processes through facilitation, networking and the provision of financial resources.

The focus is on the societal level, in particular the design of sustainable, cooperative triangular relationships with the aim of creating framework conditions for the application of data-oriented digital innovations, e.g., regulation of drone flights, capacities for data analysis and the use of digital data. Accordingly, the main goal is to strengthen the application of data-oriented digital innovations "Made in Africa" within the framework of triangular cooperation in West and East Africa.

In this context, we are working in 3 key areas:

• Use cases of data-driven digital innovations "Made in Africa", with a focus on gender equality and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
• Cross-national cooperation for data-oriented, digital innovations "Made in Africa" between Rwanda, Côte d'Ivoire and Germany.
• Strengthen the capacities of local actors—including local developers, universities, companies and start-ups, governments, and civil society—in developing and applying data-oriented civilian use of drones.

In line with ongoing efforts to strengthen local capacity in drone technology and its application across sectors, the University of Rwanda, through its Drones Knowledge and Skills Hub, in partnership with GIZ Rwanda, Ministry of ICT and innovation (MINICT) and Rwanda information society Authority (RISA), is organizing a comprehensive drone skills training program.

This training initiative targets professionals from academia, both faculty members and students as well as early-stage startups that are actively integrating drone technology into their operations. The program aims to build foundational and applied skills in UAV operation, safety, and data utilization, particularly in emerging sectors such as geographic information systems (GIS), media and film production, drone journalism, event coverage, real estate monitoring, mining site inspection and aerial photogrammetry.

The training program seeks to empower participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to foster innovation, enhance service delivery, and contribute to the growth of Rwanda’s digital and creative economy.

2. Tasks to be performed by the contractor:

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Drone skills training program are:

• Skill Development: To train individuals in the technical and operational aspects of drone including hardware, sensors, flight planning & execution, post-processing and different applications in the sectors such as forestry, agriculture and biodiversity.
• Safety and Compliance: To ensure that drone operators are knowledgeable about safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and best practices for safe drone operations.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: To encourage the development of innovative applications for drones and support entrepreneurship in the drone industry.

Operational Context

Rwanda is rapidly becoming a leader in drone technology within Africa, leveraging this technology to address various operational challenges across multiple sectors. The country's strategic integration of drones into healthcare, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development demonstrates its commitment to innovation. Progressive government policies, such as the Rwandan Civil Aviation Authority's regulations on UAV operations and the proposed Drone Operation Center, have created a favourable environment for the growth of drone-related activities. These initiatives aim to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and ensure regulatory compliance in the burgeoning drone industry.

To fully realize the potential of drones in addressing operational challenges, there is a critical need for skilled professionals who are well knowledgeable about drone applications in different sectors and who can manage the hardware and software components effectively. The Drone skills training Program is designed to bridge this skills gap by offering comprehensive training to aspiring drone operators. This program ensures that participants are well-versed in regulatory requirements and industry standards, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate drones safely and efficiently. By developing local expertise, Rwanda can ensure a steady pipeline of trained professionals capable of advancing drone technology and its applications.

This growth not only creates job opportunities and drives innovation but also enhances Rwanda's capacity to address local challenges with tailored solutions. A robust domestic drone industry supports Rwanda's vision of becoming a hub for technological advancement and sustainable development in Africa. This industry growth is integral to the country's broader goals of digital transformation and economic development. By fostering a skilled workforce, Rwanda can improve healthcare delivery, optimize agricultural practices, strengthen disaster response capabilities, and stimulate economic growth.

Program Components

The Drone skills training program consists of several key components:

Curriculum review and Preparation of the training program framework:

The program will feature comprehensive training modules that cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Topics will include introduction to drone technology, drone operations, flight operations, data management, and regulatory compliance. These modules will be designed to provide a solid foundation in drone technology and operations.

Training delivery:

To ensure accessibility and flexibility, the program will be structured in 4 weeks model where the training pool will be divided in 2 groups, The training will be structured in the following context

• 2 weeks will focus on theory classes. Participants will engage in hands-on training with drone simulators and real-flight experiences to build practical skills.
• 2 weeks of individual projects and practical training will focus on post-processing (Agisoft, WebODM, QGIS, Multispectral and Mission Planning) and an introduction to fixed wing and BVLOs operations. 

This approach will help trainees gain confidence and competence in drone operations.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive certification recognizing their competency in drone operations.

Target Group

The Drone skills Training Program aims to reach a diverse 50 group of participants mainly composed by university of Rwanda students; the group will include:

• Students: University student particularly those studying engineering, geography, environmental science, ICT or film/photography (Creative industry).
• Professionals (UR alumni): Individuals working in sectors where drone technology can be applied, such as research areas, disaster management, agriculture, filming and photography.
• Entrepreneurs or Academic instructors: Existing entrepreneurs looking to innovate and create new business opportunities using drone technology or academic instructors looking to gain drone skills for their lectures/courses or research purposes.

The bidder is required to train up to 50 participants from all sectors with a 70% representation of women in the cohort. The contractor is responsible for defining the expected target level of drone operation proficiency, assessing the current drone related skills level of all participants, adopting a comprehensive drone training curriculum, training up to 50 selected participants, establishing a methodology to measure and report the improvement in skills for all trainees, and documenting peer reviews. 

The training should follow standardized Modular toolkit for UAS training, and the training project will run in agile mode.

The following work packages and tasks must be fulfilled:

Work package 1: Preparation of the training program and institutional Certification support

• Provide technical and procedural support to the University of Rwanda to finalize the certification and approval process with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), including alignment with regulatory standards.
• Draft and facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or technical cooperation agreement between the University of Rwanda and the Centre Universitaire de Recherche et d’Application en Télédétection (CURAT) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, outlining joint activities and collaboration mechanisms.
• Organize and coordinate the selection process for eligible students and faculty from University of Rwanda, ensuring gender diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities (PwDs).
• Support the logistical planning and coordination of the training, including identification and booking of a technically equipped suitable training venue, procurement of supplies and provision of on-site coordination support.

Work package 2: Training Design and curriculum review

Develop a training programme framework (TPF), align with and approved by GIZ team and its partners. The TPF should include:

• Detailed definition of the target group and their needs for training
• Definition of the training objectives and outcomes
• A revised structured curriculum with modules covering both theoretical and practical content.
• Design of training materials and exercises
• Methods for measuring the effectiveness of the training.
• Perform inbound assessment.

Work package 3: Implementation of the Training

• Execute intensive theoretical sessions and practical hands-on drone training, based on the approved TPF.
• Coordinate the participants into manageable cohorts to ensure effective learning (target cohort: 50 participants) and share a detailed training guide and schedule at least two weeks before commencement.
• Provide and manage all training materials, including printed manuals, visual aids, and access to recommended free online learning platforms.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with participants throughout the training cycle, including follow-up support.
• Monitor attendance and ensure timely delivery of sessions in coordination with instructors and facility staff.

Work package 4: Completion of the training

• Develop and implement M&E framework subject to review and approval by GIZ, the framework should measure short-term learning outcomes and long-term impacts on proffessional development and application.
• Collect and analyse post-training feedback through surveys, interviews and performance assessments
• Prepare a comprehensive final report summarizing:
• Participant feedback and learning outcomes
• Recommendations
• Documentation of best practices and lessons learned.
• Final list of trained students and participation statistics.

The contractor is requested to provide an implementation plan for the project including the following milestones.

Period of assignment: From 15^thJune 2025 until 15^th February 2026

3.Concept

In the tender, the tenderer is required to show how the objectives defined in Chapter 2 are to be achieved, if applicable under consideration of further method-related requirements (technical-methodological concept). In addition, the tenderer must describe the project management system for service provision.

Note: The numbers in parentheses correspond to the lines of the technical assessment grid.

3.1Technical-methodological concept

Strategy (1.1): The tenderer is required to consider the tasks to be performed with reference to the objectives of the services put out to tender (see Chapter 1 Context) (1.1.1). Following this, the tenderer presents and justifies the explicit strategy with which it intends to provide the services for which it is responsible (see Chapter 2 Tasks to be performed) (1.1.2).

Cooperation (1.2): The tenderer is required to present the actors relevant for the services for which it is responsible (1.2.1.) and describe the cooperation strategy to interact with them (1.2.2).

Steering structure (1.3): The tenderer is required to present and explain its approach to steering the measures with the project partners (1.3.1) and its contribution to the results-based monitoring system (1.3.2).

Processes (1.4): The tenderer is required to describe the key processes for the services for which it is responsible and create an operational plan or schedule (1.4.1) that describes how the services according to Chapter 2 (Tasks to be performed by the contractor) are to be provided. In particular, the tenderer is required to describe the necessary work steps and, if applicable, take account of the milestones and contributions of other actors (partner contributions) in accordance with Chapter 2 (Tasks to be performed) (1.4.2).

Learning and innovation (1.5): The tenderer is required to describe its contribution to knowledge management for the partner (1.5.1) and GIZ and to promote scaling-up effects (1.5.2).

3.2  Project management of the contractor (1.6)

The tenderer is required to explain its approach for coordination with the GIZ project. In particular, the project management requirements specified in Chapter 2 (Tasks to be performed by the contractor) must be explained in detail (1.6.1.).

The tenderer is required to draw up a personnel assignment plan with explanatory notes that lists all the experts proposed in the tender; the plan includes information on assignment dates (duration and expert days) and locations of the individual members of the team complete with the allocation of work steps as set out in the schedule (1.6.2.).

The tenderer is required to describe its backstopping concept (1.6.3.). The following services are part of the standard backstopping package, which (like ancillary personnel costs) must be factored into the fee schedules of the staff listed in the tender in accordance with Section 3.3.1 of the GIZ AVB:

• Service-delivery control
• Managing adaptations to changing conditions
• Ensuring the flow of information between the tenderer and GIZ
• Assuming personnel responsibility for the contractor’s experts
• Process-oriented steering for implementation of the commission
• Securing the administrative conclusion of the project

4. Personnel concept

The bidder is required to provide skills suited to deliver the tasks described below, based on his/her CVs, showing the range of tasks involved and the required qualifications. The assignment is designed for individual consultants/firms that together cover the qualifications specified below to perform the assigned task and all associated tasks. The specified qualifications represent the ideal profiles to reach the maximum number of points in the evaluation of the bid. The qualifications do not constitute minimum requirements. Bidders who do not meet all requirements are still eligible to apply and be evaluated.

Team leader

Tasks of the team leader:

• Overall responsibility for the advisory packages of the contractor (quality and deadlines)
• Coordinating and ensuring communication with GIZ, partners and others involved in the project.
• Personnel management, in particular identifying the need for short-term assignments within the available budget, as well as planning and steering assignments and supporting local short-term experts.
• Regular reporting in accordance with deadlines
• Controlling training and closing projects of varying types and sizes.

Qualification of team leader:

• Education/training (2.1.1): Master’s degree in ICT, Aeronautics, Project Management, computer science, information systems or similar.
• Language (2.1.2): Excellent business language skills in English; Language skills in Kinyarwanda would be an additional asset.
• General professional experience (2.1.3): 5 years of professional experience, especially in leading training in emerging technologies (Data science, AI or drones) or in the field of aviation.
• Specific professional experience (2.1.4): 3 years of experience in project management for emerging technologies (Data science, AI or drones) related training programs.
• Leadership/management experience (2.1.5): 3 years of experience leading and managing projects.
• Regional experience (2.1.6): 3 years of experience in projects in Rwanda or Eastern Africa.

Short-term expert pool with minimum 2 maximum 3 members

Tasks of the short-term expert pool:

• Conduct training according to the course outline, covering best practices in drone piloting techniques applicable in different scenarios, including take-off, navigation, landing, and emergency procedures.
• Provide participants with training materials, including drone operation manuals, safety guidelines, training slides, quizzes, and simulated flight exams.
• Perform assessments to evaluate trainee proficiency in both theoretical and practical aspects of drone piloting.
• Provide participants with customizable templates and checklists for drone operation, maintenance processes, and regulatory compliance.

Qualification of Short-term Expert pool:

• Education/training (2.6.1): Bachelor’s degree in aeronautics, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, information systems or a related field is preferred.
• Language (2.6.2): Excellent business language skills in English; Language skills in Kinyarwanda would be an additional asset.
• General professional experience (2.6.3): 3 years of professional experience in training or teaching adults, preferably in a technical or aviation-related field.

Specific professional experience (2.6.4):

• 1 expert with 3 years of experience in providing theoretical courses about drone piloting and processes.
• 1 expert with 2 years in experience in instructing fixed wing and BVLOS operations.
• 1 expert with 3 years of experience in administration and finance

Regional experience (2.6.5): 3 years of experience in projects in Rwanda.

Other (2.6.7):

• Relevant certifications in drone operation and aviation (e.g. RCAA Remote Pilot Certificate)
• Additional certifications such as certified flight instructor or Certified drone pilot trainer are highly desirable.

 Costing requirements

Assignment of personnel

Expert days:

On-site assignment in country of assignment for 200 total expert days as below:

• Up to 50 exys for short term expert pool

Specification of inputs

Travel

The assignment is taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. Should the bidder not be based in Kigali, the bidder is required to calculate the travel based on the places of performance stipulated in Chapter 2 and list the expenses separately by daily allowance, accommodation expenses and other travel expenses.

Workshops, events and trainings

The contractor implements the following workshops/study trips/training courses:

• 200 expert days implementation of the training and facilitating the in practical for the cohort. More details on other tasks are mentioned in the table of milestones above.

    The fixed budget for workshops is to cover the following costs for up to 50 participants:

• Workshop equipment and venue
• Workshop materials
• Catering costs for 50 participants
• Training Equipment (Propellers, Batteries, range extenders, GPS navigation devices& Antennas)

6.  Inputs of GIZ or other actors

GIZ and/or other actors are expected to make the following available:

List of the trainees in coordination with UR

7. Requirements on the bids

Format

The structure of the bid must correspond to the structure of the ToRs. In particular, the detailed structure of the concept is to be organized in accordance with the positively weighted criteria in the assessment grid (not with zero). It must be legible (font size 11 or larger) and clearly formulated. The bid is drawn up in English.

The complete bid shall not exceed 11 pages (excluding CVs).

The CVs of the consultant proposed in accordance with this ToRs must be submitted using the format specified in the terms and conditions for application. The CVs shall not exceed 4 pages. The CVs must clearly show the position and job the proposed person held in the reference project and for how long. The CVs are submitted in English.

If one of the maximum page lengths is exceeded, the content appearing after the cut-off point will not be included in the assessment.

Please calculate your price bid based exactly on the costing requirements. In the contract, the contractor has no claim to fully exhaust the days/travel/workshops/ budgets. The number of days/travel/workshops and the budget amount shall be agreed in the contract as ‘up to’ amounts. The specifications for pricing are defined in the price schedule.

8. Submission of the offer

8.1 Technical offer: Technical proposal must include the following documents:

Eligibility documents:

• Self-declaration of eligibility for the award
• Administrative documents of the Company: RDB registration certificate, VAT registration certificate and Tax clearance certificate
• 3 Company’s references for the project in the technical field of Emerging technologies (AI, Data Science or Drones) including at least 2 in Eastern Africa in the last 3 years. 

Please submit the documentary evidence for the above criteria. Non-submission/Partial submission of documents mentioned above will lead to a rejection of the entire offer. 

Technical proposal:

• Technical Proposal (attached template for technical proposal MUST be used)
• Up to date CVs of proposed experts with copies of degrees and certificates

8.2       Financial offer:

Financial offer indicates the all-inclusive total contract price, supported by a breakdown of all costs as described in the specification of inputs. The costs must be in RWF and VAT excluded (Price sheet must be used).

Please submit EoI in 2 separated emails to RW_Quotation@giz.de until latest 02.06.2025:

1. The technical offer must be submitted in in PDF format via email, with the subject line clearly stated as: “83489211-Technical Offer”. It must include two separate PDF attachments: Eligibility Documentation and Technical Proposal with the CVs of proposed experts
2. The financial offer must be submitted in PDF format and as attachment to the email with the subject: “83489211 - Financial offer”.

If the emails exceed the default email size of 30MB, offers can be exceptionally submitted through https://filetransfer.giz.de/, as indicated. The subject of recipient notification must be edited with the subject indicated and the notification message must include the password to access the files.

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

Without the subject mentioned, your offer may not be considered

Offers submitted in hard copy will not be considered.

GIZ reserves all rights.

9. Annex:

• Annex 1 - Eligibility assessment grid
• Annex 2 - Self-declaration of eligibility
• Annex 3 -Technical Proposal template
• Annex 4 - Technical assessment grid
• Annex 5 - Price sheet

10.  List of abbreviations