Recruitment of a Consulting Firm for 2G to 4G Technology Transition

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(Consulting Services – Firm Selection)

Date of Issue: 16th October 2025

Country: Republic of Sierra Leone

Name of Project: Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Consulting Services: For Recruitment of a Consulting Firm for Engineering, Procurement, and Implementation of Technology Transition from 2G to 4G in 5 UADF Rural Telephony Project Sites.

Reference No: SL-MOF-512039-CS-QCBS

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• Introduction

The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) has committed to transforming its economy based on a more inclusive and human-centric digital growth and development approach. A high-level vision for the digital economy is articulated in the new National Digital Development Policy (NDDP), which was approved by the Cabinet in December 2021 setting the GoSL’s vision to transform Sierra Leone into an inclusive digital economy and society and to leverage digital technology to support the GoSL to deliver on its national development plan effectively and efficiently. The Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP) aims to expand access to broadband internet, increase digital skills, and improve government capacity to deliver public services digitally. The project will support the development of a strong enabling environment for the nation’s digital transformation and digital development agenda as articulated in the National Digital Development Strategy.

The Universal Access Development Fund (UADF) was established by the National Telecommunications Act, 2006, as revised by the National Telecommunications Authority Act, 2022 to promote the provision and expansion of universal access to telecommunications infrastructure and services, and the utilization of basic ICT and broadband services in underserved and unserved communities, especially in remote and rural areas, in Sierra Leone. The Rural Telephony Project (RTP), led by UADF, aims to enhance digital connectivity and bridge the digital divide in Sierra Leone’s underserved and unserved communities. This connected approximately 47,700 people across 114 rural and remote localities. 30 schools (primary and junior secondary schools) and 10 community healthcare facilities benefited from the RTP.

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• General Objectives

To engage the services of a qualified consulting firm to upgrade five existing rural telephony sites from 2G to 4G LTE by deploying reliable, solar-powered broadband infrastructure that enables multi-operator service delivery, supports local digital access, and ensures long-term sustainability and network performance in underserved communities.

Specific Objectives

• Conduct site validation and finalize detailed engineering designs for 4G LTE deployment

• Design, supply, and deploy complete 4G LTE solutions for each site in line with the technical and infrastructure requirements outlined in this ToR

• Upgrade and refurbish associated civil infrastructure, including shelters, charging kiosks, and fencing

• Integrate the new systems with remote monitoring platforms and ensure full technical functionality

• Implement effective cooling systems to protect sensitive 4G equipment from heat-induced failure

• Train local technicians and relevant government staff on system operation and basic maintenance

• Ensure 12-month post-deployment warranty support, including quarterly system performance updates

• Promote network availability for multiple mobile network operators through an Open RAN-based approach

• Deliver all required technical documentation, user manuals, and compliance reports

The Project Coordination Unit of the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project 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 core business and years in business, relevant experience, and technical and managerial capability of the firm. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016 Revised and updated, 7th Edition September 2025, and the National Public Procurement Act 2016, 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 Quality and Cost Base Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information and detailed Terms of Reference can be obtained at the link below: https://sldtp.gov.sl/2025/10/16/recruitment-of-a-consulting-firm-for-engineering-procurement-and-implementationof-technology-transition-from-2g-to-4g-in-5-uadf-rural-telephony-project-sites/ or https://mocti.gov.sl/recruitment-of-a-consulting-firm-for-engineering-procurement-and-implementationof-technology-transition-from-2g-to-4g-in-5-uadf-rural-telephony-project-sites/

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by e-mail on or before 30th October 2025 at 12:00 GMT.

Project Coordination Unit

Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Attn: The Project Coordinator

8th Floor,

Youyi Building

E-mail: [email protected] CC: [email protected]

Please indicate clearly the Name of the Assignment in the email subject heading and attachment as only electronic submission will be accepted.