Consultancy Services for Reviewing Engineering and Preparing Bidding Documents — ASCENT Project, Malawi

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

COUNTRY: Malawi

NAME OF PROJECT: Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT) Project

Grant No.: IDA E4010

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for Reviewing Detailed Engineering Design for Medium Voltage Distribution lines, Preparation of Bidding Documents, Provide Procurement Support During Tendering for MV Network and Works Supervision of EPC Contractor under Ascent Project

Reference No. MW-ESCOM-532658-CS-QCBS

Date of issue: 20 May, 2026

The Government of the Republic of Malawi through the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT) Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) shall include, but not be limited to, the following: undertaking the review and development of detailed engineering designs; preparation of complete and biddable design packages; support for a timely, transparent, and efficient procurement process; supervision of EPC implementation and contract administration; strengthening client capacity and project documentation; ensuring compliance, effective risk management, and achievement of project results; as well as provision of capacity building and knowledge transfer to the Client’s personnel and relevant stakeholders

The detailed Terms of References (TORs) for the assignment can be found at the following website: www.escom.mw or can be obtained at the address given below.

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

• Be a registered agency/firm operating under either international laws or the laws of the Government of Malawi.

• Have a minimum of 10 years of experience in power distribution engineering services with extensive experience in developing countries.

• Be financially sound, well reputed and soundtrack record of successful implementation of assignments with the World Bank or similar international organisations.

• Proven experience in designing and implementation of medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) power distribution networks. MV refers to a voltage level of up to 33 kiloVolts and LV refers to a voltage level of up to 11 kilovolts.

• Experience in preparation of detailed technical specifications, Bill of Quantities (BoQs), and bidding documents for EPC contracts using World Bank or similar procurement frameworks.

• Proven track record in construction supervision for MV distribution networks, including quality assurance, contractor oversight, ESHS compliance, and certification of works.

• Experience conducting GIS based route surveys, mapping, topographic data capture, and integration with client MIS/GIS environments.

• Demonstrated ability to implement and monitor ESHS, OHS, gender, and SEA/SH risk management in infrastructure projects.

• Previous assignments in similar settings in Sub-Saharan Africa or other developing economies will be an added advantage.

• Proven capacity to supervise and coordinate all administrative and technical aspects of the consultancy.

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” Seventh Edition, September, 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultants Quality and Cost Based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e 0830 to 1200 hours from 1330 to 1630 hours Malawi Time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form on English to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 8 June 2026 at 17:00hrs Malawi Time.

Submissions must be clearly labelled with assignment Title and reference number.

The Chairperson of the Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Ltd

ESCOM House, Annex Building, 9 Haile Selassie Road.

Projects Procurement Section

P.O. Box 2047

Blantyre, Malawi

+265 1 822 000

e-mail: [email protected]

www.escom.mw