Section 1 – General Information

Section 2 – Scope of Procurement 

2.1 Introduction to Offerors 

CNFA is a not-for-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to stimulating economic growth in the agricultural sector by nurturing entrepreneurship, private enterprise, and market linkages. CNFA specializes in fostering private sector investments in training, new technologies and marketing to increase competitiveness of agricultural value chains and rural development, increase people’s incomes, develop skills in the rural workforce, and facilitate exports.

2.2 About Hinga Wunguke

Hinga Wunguke is a USAID program implemented by CNFA in Rwanda. The Feed the Future Rwanda Hinga Wunguke Activity is a five-year (2023 - 2028) USAID-funded initiative to improve incomes and nutritional outcomes by sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening domestic consumption and markets for high-value and nutritious agricultural products. Hinga Wunguke is designed with four complementary objectives: (1) Agriculture productivity sustainably increased, (2) Farmer & agribusiness access to finance increased, (3) Producer market and nutrition outcomes improved, and (4) The enabling environment to foster market driven agriculture strengthened. Hinga Wunguke is implemented in 13 districts (Feed the Future Zone of Influence) of Rwanda including Bugesera, Ngoma, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Gakenke, Burera, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngorerero, Karongi, Nyamasheke and Nyamagabe. Hinga Wunguke uses a market system development (MSD) approach to strengthen public and private sector engagements by partnering and co-investing in identified interventions to drive systemic change within specific value chains. Hinga Wunguke focuses on high value and nutritious value chains for the domestic market. 

2.3 Overview of the Assignment 

Hinga Wunguke pursues active collaboration with key market actors (public and private) including businesses, government institutions, and civil society to address challenges related to low agricultural productivity, scarcity of affordable nutritious foods, limited access to market and finance, and low level of innovation. To achieve its productivity and nutritional outcomes outlined above, Hinga Wunguke focuses on strong collaboration with MINAGRI/RAB and other market system actors to improve food security, safety and nutrient content through bio-fortification, promotion of safe and nutritious foods or value addition. In order to increase the availability of safe, affordable and nutritious products to women and children, Hinga Wunguke explores the 30 crops inside seven recommended food groups for women of reproductive age (WRA) including grains, white roots and tubers, plantains, pulses, nuts and seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, vitamin A rich vegetables and fruits, and including other vegetables and other fruits.

In this context, food safety starts in the production process with soil as the medium for crop production and the quality of produced food largely depends on the soil quality and other external inputs used to boost crop productivity. Soils contain many different elements including essential metals (Fe, I, Co, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo, Se) to maintain various physiological functions and are usually added as nutritional additives in food. Other metals (As, Cd, F, Pb, Hg) have no established biological functions and are considered as contaminants and/or undesirable substances.

Trace elements in an agroecosystem are either inherited from soil parent materials or inputs through human activities such as repeated use of metal-enriched chemicals, fertilizers, and organic amendments. Hinga Wunguke would like to contribute to food safety starting with potential sources of contaminants such as lead (Pb) which may come from different sources including soils, mineral fertilizers, and water, and then enter food systems where they are consumed by humans and animals.

2.4 About Lead (Pb)

Lead (Pb) is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the major chemicals for public health concern (Dobrescu, et al., 2022). The Pb is one of the most common heavy metal contaminants in soils (Collin, et al., 2022), and shares about 10% of total pollution produced by heavy metals (Collin, Baskar, et al., 2022). Several studies have established a link between Pb contamination and neurodevelopment inhibition and stunting in children (Kelsey M. Gleason et al. 2016). The accumulation of lead has been documented in several crops for which the harvested part is from the soil, including cassava, potato, sweet potatoes and carrots but also fruits and vegetables (Samuel Collin et, 2022; Monika Rusin et al. 2021; Bankole, Ruth Temidayo et., 2019).

The uptake of Pb by the plants affects their metabolic functions, growth, and photosynthetic activity. The accumulation of Pb in excess can cause up to a 42% reduction in the growth of plant roots (Collin, Baskar, et al., 2022). According to WHO, there is no level of Pb exposure so far that has been identified without harmful effects on human health (Bellinger, 2008). Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health and cause well-documented adverse effects such as damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, hearing and speech problems. Lead also causes long-term harm in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and kidney damage. Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight. However, the harmful effects of Pb exposure can be preventable. Therefore, the identification and control of lead hazards in agricultural soils and external inputs to the soils is a vital process.

Pb is mainly introduced in the soil by frequent anthropogenic activities such as mining and use of agricultural fertilizers and insecticides (Chen, et al., 2019, Rantalainen, et al., 2006, Rhee, et al., 2014, Zhu, et al., 2022). All heavy metals have similar harmful effects on plants, such as low biomass accumulation, chlorosis, growth, and photosynthetic inhibition, altered water balance and nutrient assimilation, and senescence (Collin, Baskar, et al., 2022), all of which leads to plant mortality. The accumulation of heavy metals contaminates food by interference between the soils and roots (Shahid, et al., 2015). Absorption of Pb in the roots is observed in many species of plants, and it is accumulated in roots, and a small fraction is transported to aerial plant parts (Kumar, et al., 2017).

In this context, conducting soil testing for potential Pb contamination of root crops, particularly for areas under potato, sweet potato, and cassava cultivation, is crucial for ensuring high levels of human health and nutrition. These root crops are staple foods in the Rwandan diet and directly affect the well-being of the population. The proposed soil testing will help in identifying nutrient deficiencies or toxicities in the soil, which can significantly impact the growth, yield, and nutritional value of the crops. By understanding soil composition, Hinga Wunguke can then assist farmers to make informed decisions about fertilization and soil management, leading to healthier agricultural outputs fit for human consumption. Moreover, soil testing can detect harmful contamination of Pb, which, if absorbed by the crops, can pose serious health risks to Rwandan consumers, especially children which are disproportionally affected due to their smaller size. While the cost of soil testing may seem high, the long-term benefits of producing nutrient-rich, safe crops for consumption far outweigh these initial expenses, contributing to the overall health and nutritional security of the population and directly contributing to the achievement of Hinga Wunguke objectives and targets.

This RFP proposes sample collection from areas suspected of high Pb contamination, including those in districts targeted by Hinga Wunguke. As Pb may come from different sources, the first phase will focus on analyzing soil, water, mineral fertilizers and roots/tubers from intense agricultural areas. The data will provide insight into the Pb level in areas where root and tuber crops prioritized by Hinga Wunguke, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots are grown. Cassava will be included in the list given its significancy as a food security crop with great potential to be processed and fortified to increase the availability of affordable and nutritious flour products for rural Rwandan communities. 

2.5 Assignment Description:

Hinga Wunguke plans to hire a qualified consultant to trace the Lead (Pb) contamination source through soil, water, mineral fertilizers, and roots/tubers laboratory analysis in targeted districts focusing on tubers/roots value chains. The consultant will make recommendations to address issues related to Pb to facilitate increased productivity and nutritional outcomes for rural communities. Recommendations will also include the next steps.

2.6 Assignment Objectives: 

• To trace sources of Pb contamination in cassava, potato, sweet potatoes, and carrots
• To assess magnitude of Pb contamination in soils, water, mineral fertilizers, and roots/tubers
• To propose remediation approaches for food crop production free from Pb contamination.

2.7 Methodology

The suspected source of Pb such as inherited soils and external agro-inputs (fertilizers), nature and contaminated water should form the samples for analytical processes. Soil and water samples will be collected in the Hinga Wunguke target districts and a few non-Hinga Wunguke targets districts producing more roots/tubers (sweet potato and cassava) including: Gatsibo, Kayonza, Ngoma, Bugesera, Gakenke, Burera, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Ngororero, Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke, Kamonyi, Ruhango and Nyanza. Additionally, as Pb uptake by crops may translocate into different parts of the crop, samples of fresh roots and tubers also will be collected in the same locations where soil samples will be collected to analyze to what extent Pb from the soil may migrate to edible parts of the crops.

Furthermore, samples of mineral fertilizers will be collected from the stores of fertilizer importers in Rwanda. Hinga Wunguke will check with RICA to conduct the analysis of Heavy Metals for fertilizers entering the country before they are distributed to decide if the available data could be used instead of conducting another analysis. Depending on sample analysis cost and statistical degree of freedom, representative samples should be collected from each category and pulled to make at least two (2) composite samples for soil and two (2) composite samples for fresh roots/tubers.

For the laboratory analysis, the samples should be sent to an accredited laboratory capable of analyzing heavy metals such as Pb in soil, water, mineral fertilizers, and roots/tubers. Laboratory identification will be made in collaboration with Hinga Wunguke and RAB. To increase the accuracy of results, Hinga Wunguke will provide a database of main roots and tubers producing locations within the above-mentioned districts to ensure that samples are collected at the right locations. Ideally, the laboratory identified to perform the analysis should provide protocols for sample collection.

The intent of Hinga Wunguke is to send these collected samples to internationally accredited laboratories outside of Rwanda. As these laboratories are not in the country to collect samples, Hinga Wunguke will hire a qualified consultant to collect samples following the protocols shared by the laboratories or designed by the Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Board (RAB) in collaboration with the hired firm or consultant. The hired firm or consultant (s) will collect, prepare, ship, and follow up sample analysis with the selected laboratory. Based on the analysis, the consultant will prepare a report with findings and recommendations.

2.8 Categories of lead contamination source, number of samples, and locations (Districts)

2.9 TASKS 

The detailed activities include but not limited to the following:

• Collecting soil, water fertilizer, roots/tubers samples based on the protocols provided by the laboratory or co-designed by consultants, Hinga Wunguke and RAB.
• Establishing a database of all collected samples including location (district, sector, cell, village, geographical coordinates, crops grown where the sample was collected)
• Sending samples to accredited laboratory as agreed between the consultant, Hinga Wunguke and RAB
• Preparing soil, water fertilizer, roots/tubers samples based on the protocols provided by the laboratory or co-designed by consultant and RAB.
• Drafting the final report including the methodology used to collect and prepare samples, map clearly showing locations where samples were collected, laboratory analysis results and interpretation, a map of the distribution of Pb metal concentrations using ArcGIS software (ArcMap 10.8) and recommendations to Hinga Wunguke and other stakeholders.
• Presenting laboratory analysis results to Hinga Wunguke and other key stakeholders
• Prepare the final report including the methodology used to collect and prepare samples, laboratory analysis results, interpretation of results, a map of the distribution of Pb metal concentrations using ArcGIS software (ArcMap 10.8) and recommendations to Hinga Wunguke and other stakeholders as well as feedback from participants to the presentation of the draft report. 

2.10 Deliverables and Schedule: 

The firm or individual consultant is expected provide the following deliverables within this estimated performance timeline. 

Section 3 – Evaluation Methodology and Criteria 

Evaluation Criteria: CNFA will use a Weighted Trade-Off Analysis, Including Cost Criteria evaluation methodology for this solicitation. Weighted Trade-Off Analysis selects the offeror providing the best overall value to CNFA, considering both financial and technical factors, according to the assigned weights provided in the evaluation criteria. The Chief of Party will assign the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) to assess the offer acceptability in accordance with the following criteria:

Section 4 – Offer Format Instructions 

The firm or the individual Consultant offers in response to this solicitation must comply with the following instructions:

1. Submissions will be accepted in the following language(s): English
2. Include the following in the footer of the offer document:
   1. Consultant or Firm Name
   2. Solicitation Number
   3. Page Numbers
3. Offer in the format provided in Annex 1, Parts 1 and 2 

Section 5 – Complete Offer 

A complete offer must include the following documents:

1. Completed Annex 1 – Offer Template
2. Copy of the Offeror’s Identity and TIN (if applicable)
3. Background, Work Plan and Budget as outlined in Annex 1, Parts 1 and 2
4. CV resume of applicant or proposed team 

Section 6 – CNFA Terms and Conditions 

1. Ethical and Business Conduct: CNFA is committed to integrity in procurement, and only selects offerors based on objective business criteria such as price and technical merit. CNFA does not tolerate fraud, collusion among offerors, falsified proposals/bids, bribery, or kickbacks. Any organization or individual violating these standards will be disqualified from this solicitation, barred from future procurement opportunities, and may be reported to both CNFA’s Client – as applicable – and the appropriate Office of the Inspector General. 

Employees and agents of CNFA are strictly prohibited from asking for or accepting any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, object of value or compensation from current or potential vendors or suppliers in exchange for or as a reward for business. Employees and agents engaging in this conduct are subject to termination and will be reported to CNFA’s Client – as applicable – and the appropriate Office of the Inspector General. In addition, CNFA will further inform these agencies of any Offerors’ offers of money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, object of value or compensation to obtain business. 

Please contact the designated Point of Contact on the Solicitation Cover Page with any questions or concerns regarding the above information or to report any potential violations. Potential violations may also be reported directly to CNFA’s Fraud Hotline in writing via email at FraudHotline@cnfa.org or you may make an anonymous report by phone, text, or WhatsApp to the CNFA Global Fraud Hotline at 202-991-0943.

2. Terms and Conditions: This Solicitation is subject to CNFA’s standard terms and conditions. Any resultant award will be governed by these terms and conditions; a copy of the full terms and conditions is available upon request. Please note the following terms and conditions will apply:

• CNFA’s standard payment terms are 30 calendar days after receipt and acceptance of any commodities or deliverables. Payment will only be issued to the entity submitting the offer in response to this Solicitation and identified in the resulting award; payment will not be issued to a third party.
• No commodities or services may be supplied that are manufactured or assembled in, shipped from, transported through, or otherwise involving any of the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria.
• Any international air or ocean transportation or shipping carried out under any award resulting from this Solicitation must take place on U.S.-flag carriers/vessels unless otherwise approved by CNFA.
• United States law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. The selected offeror under any award resulting from this Solicitation must ensure compliance with these laws.
• United States law prohibits engaging in any activities related to Trafficking in Persons. The selected offeror under any award resulting from this Solicitation must ensure compliance with these laws.
• The title to any goods/services supplied under any award resulting from this Solicitation shall pass to CNFA following delivery and acceptance of the goods by CNFA. Risk of loss, injury, or destruction of the goods shall be borne by the offeror until title passes to CNFA.
• The offeror is prohibited from providing certain telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as a critical technology as part of any system, produced by the following covered companies, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, in the performance of any resulting award: Huawei Technologies Company; ZTE Corporation; Hytera Communications Corporation; Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company; Dahua Technology Company; and any other company as determined by the United States Government. The offeror certifies it will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to CNFA in performance of the award. If covered telecommunications equipment or services are offered, the offeror must disclose it. 

3. Disclaimers: This is a Solicitation only. Issuance of this Solicitation does not in any way obligate CNFA, its project(s), or its Client(s) to make an award or pay for costs incurred by potential offerors in the preparation and submission of an offer. In addition:

• Offerors are responsible for ensuring their offers are received by CNFA in accordance with the instructions, terms, and conditions described in this Solicitation; failure to adhere to instructions may lead to disqualification
• CNFA may cancel the Solicitation and not award at any time
• CNFA may reject any or all responses received
• Issuance of the Solicitation does not constitute award commitment by CNFA
• CNFA reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on offeror failure to follow the Solicitation instructions
• CNFA will not compensate offerors for response to the Solicitation
• CNFA reserves the right to issue award based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion
• CNFA may negotiate with offerors for their best and final offer and/or request clarifications from any offeror prior to award
• CNFA reserves the right to increase or decrease its order for quantities or units with the selected offeror
• CNFA may reissue the Solicitation or issue formal amendments revising the original Solicitation specifications and evaluation criteria before or after receipt of proposals
• CNFA may modify the specifications without issuing a formal notice to all offerors when the revisions are immaterial to the scope of the Solicitation
• CNFA may choose to award only part of the activities in the Solicitation, or issue multiple awards, if in the best interest of CNFA
• CNFA reserves the right to waive minor offer deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition
• Offerors understand that CNFA’s Client(s) is not a party to this Solicitation and the offeror agrees that any protest hereunder must be presented – in writing with full explanations – to CNFA for consideration. CNFA’s Client(s) will not consider protests regarding procurements carried out by CNFA. CNFA, at its sole discretion, will make a final decision on any protest for this procurement.