Splash International – Zambia has issued a request for proposals for the Operations & Maintenance and Systems Strengthening Support Project WISE II. The project aims to strengthen sustainable, government-led WASH services in 436 schools in Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Chipata. The selected partner will design and operate the O&M system with the goal of transferring responsibility to the Ministry of Education, local authorities, or other Zambian government institutions.
The framework agreement will cover the full scope of work, including operations and maintenance at schools and O&M systems strengthening. The first assignment will focus on 14 Project WISE II Cohort 1 schools in Lusaka and will last for 12 months. Offerors are required to submit technical and management proposals, financial proposals, and an indicative rate card for the framework agreement. The deadline for clarification questions is November 10, 2026, and the proposal submission deadline is November 19, 2026.
The project has four main objectives: to strengthen Ministry of Education, school, and partner systems for sustained preventive and corrective O&M of school WASH infrastructure; establish a practical maintenance-response mechanism; keep WASH assets functional through preventive and corrective maintenance; and generate an evidence-based, costed, and scalable O&M model. The project will cover up to 436 schools supported by Project WISE II in Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Chipata.
The scope of work includes O&M system, asset-condition and capacity assessments, design and roll-out of preventive maintenance systems, fault-reporting and rapid-response mechanisms, and capacity strengthening for Ministry of Education personnel and school management. The project will also involve monitoring, verification, data management, and learning. The selected partner will be expected to work with relevant Ministry of Education offices, local authorities, and utilities.
The framework agreement will be for three years from signature, with the first assignment lasting 12 months. The expected contract start date is January 1, 2027. The proposal validity period is 90 calendar days from the submission deadline. Offerors can submit their proposals via email to [email protected].
The project aims to move beyond reactive repairs by strengthening the capacity, processes, accountability, financing, and coordination needed for preventive maintenance and timely resolution of maintenance needs. The long-term objective is that responsibility for financing and managing school WASH O&M transfers to the Ministry of Education, local authorities, utilities, or other Zambian government institutions.
Key aspects of the project include establishing a practical maintenance-response mechanism, generating an evidence-based O&M model, and strengthening the capacity of schools and government to take on O&M responsibilities. The project will also focus on building institutional capability and avoiding arrangements that depend on continued donor financing.
Key points
- The project aims to strengthen sustainable WASH services in 436 schools across Zambia.
- The framework agreement will be for three years, with the first assignment lasting 12 months.
- The expected contract start date is January 1, 2027.
