CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR ENLISTMENT IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPONENT OF THE NABAPALLAB PROJECT

SUBJECT Call for Expressions of Interest to collaborate with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - FCDO’s Adaptation in Ecologically Critical Areas in Bangladesh (AECAB), locally known as ‘Nature Based Adaptation towards Prosperous and Adept Lives & Livelihoods in Bangladesh (NABAPALLAB/ নবপল্লব)’ Project in Bangladesh.

Organization Background

iDE (International Development Enterprises) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending poverty. With over 40 years of experience, iDE is a pioneer in market-based development. Our work within agriculture, sanitation, climate change resilience, and gender equality stands out because we don’t simply provide handouts. Instead, iDE believes in powering small-scale entrepreneurs and building robust market ecosystems that lay the groundwork for low-income and marginalized people to prosper on their own terms. iDE has almost 1,300 global staff and offices in 10 countries across Africa, Asia, and Central America.

iDE established its first country program in Bangladesh in 1983. Today, it’s the longest-standing NGO specializing in market systems in Bangladesh. Our diverse portfolio spans across agricultural markets, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); renewable energy, and climate-smart technologies.

Project Background 

CARE Bangladesh Humanitarian and Climate Action Program is leading the Consortium that is  implementing NABAPALLAB in two Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) – the Sundarbans and Hakaluki Haor. The 10 KM buffer area of the 02 ECAs, which includes 18 and 05 adjacent upazilas and districts, respectively, including Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira, defines the project's location. The other consortium partners are CNRS, Cordaid, C3ER-BRAC University, Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK), Friendship, Humanity & Inclusion (HI), iDE, and Practical Action. This project is a key component of the Bangladesh-UK Accord on Climate Change and will deliver the adaptation outcome of the FCDO’s flagship Bangladesh Climate and Environment Programme (BCEP). The program will make a significant contribution in Bangladesh to progress against GoB’s policies and priorities e.g., the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), commitments to biodiversity conservation, ongoing 8th Five Year Plan, etc. It will also contribute to the UK’s commitment to International Climate Finance (ICF). The NABAPALLAB Consortium will focus on designing context-appropriate interventions with both conservation and livelihood benefits for marginalized people and natural ecosystems at their core.

In NABAPALLAB, iDE will provide strategic technical advisory support on market system development and assist the consortium in identifying available technologies and business models for various renewable energy solutions. This support aims to facilitate access to renewable energy, bolster resilient livelihoods, and enhance household incomes.

About the EOI

On behalf of the NABAPALLAB Project, iDE Bangladesh, is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from private companies engaged in renewable energy solutions, including but not limited to solar energy, energy storage, and energy-efficient technologies. The project seeks to collaborate with firms that have a strong track record in delivering innovative renewable energy products and services, particularly in rural and off-grid areas.

The NABAPALLAB Project aims to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities in the Sundarbans and Hakaluki Haor ECAs by integrating renewable energy technologies that support sustainable livelihoods, improve access to clean energy, and reduce environmental impacts. We are particularly interested in collaborating with companies that are either already operating in or have a strategic interest in expanding their business activities to Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat. Sylhet and Moulavibazar .

This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-impact development initiative while expanding your market presence in key regions of Bangladesh. Successful organizations may be eligible to access local data and information collected by the NABAPALLAB project and Grant Agreement to establish some pilots and demonstration units in the selected sites.

Eligibility

• Registered private companies with established operations and a proven track record in the renewable energy sector will be prioritized
• Registered private companies having the plan to expand operation in the selected districts will be appreciated.
• Companies with a commitment to social and environmental sustainability with an ambition for market development are strongly encouraged.

interested parties, please proceed with the following process.

PROSPECTIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

NABAPALLAB  is looking to collaborate with companies that can contribute to the following areas:

Proposed RE Techs

1. Solar for Retail and Small Business
2. E-Cook Stove and  Improved Cooking System (ICS) using biofuels/Environment friendly fuels  and supporting household level and entrepreneur level livelihoods
3. Biodigester for individual household and community groups
4. Vermicomposting for Household level Women Entrepreneurs
5. Solar Irrigation Pump (SIP)
6. Solar Powered Aerator for fish cultivation ponds
7. Solar Charging Stations for Auto Rickshaw and charging HH level Batteries
8. Solar Mini/Micro cooling and chilling center for fruits, vegetables, milk etc.
9. Solar Powered Husking Machine, Thresher, dryer etc.
10. Solar Community Based Rainwater Water Treatment Plant
11. Household level and entrepreneur level solar powered technology for poultry Farm such as solar incubator
12. Biodigester for Agar Atar Production
13. Solar-Powered Water Pumps for Cattle Raising and Fattening
14. Solar Powered System Nursery Management
15. Community Based Solar Power Fish Dryer
16. Net Metering system for Irrigation Pump, Solar Charging Stations, and other Solar systems and mini grid systems or solar village

The scope for collaboration could be but will not be limited to above mentioned technologies and the partners will also be engaged in below:

• Introduction of Energy-Efficient Technologies: Promoting the adoption of energy-efficient appliances and systems that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. This may include adding “solar-powering” options to existing farms in target areas through local channels developed through the project.
• Capacity Building and Training: Providing training and technical support to local communities for the operation, maintenance, and management of renewable energy systems.
• Establishing Value Chain: Establishing Dealer, sub-dealer, developing technicians and service provision and warranty related services at the local level.
• Pilot Testing and Innovation: Collaborating and co-invest on pilot projects to test and evaluate new renewable energy technologies and business models in the target regions.

INSTRUCTIONS

The Expression of Interest should:

• Be in English, no more than 2 pages in length, and no smaller than 12-point Calibri font
• Be submitted electronically in PDF format

Documents required:

1. Organizational Profile: A document outlining your organization’s objectives, management capacity, networks, affiliations, product categories, technologies, and operations. This document should not exceed 10 pages.
2. Legal Registration Documents: This should include your organization’s registration in Bangladesh, tax registration documents, and any other relevant legal documents.
3. Brief summary of your organization’s history, current business activities, and capacity.
4. Short description of the proposed idea, concept, and activities, indicating the potential impact on your business and how it would benefit communities in two Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA).
5. Short summary of any current or past work with projects funded donors/ development agencies, or international organizations within 5 pages.
6. Summary of offerings of proposed technology packages, along with an estimated contribution from your organization.
7. Summary of past pilot projects experiments and results
8. Summary of footprint in ECA

Please submit your application to bangladesh.procurement@ideglobal.org with the subject line “Enlistment in Renewable Energy Expression of Interest (EOI) for NABAPALLAB Project ” by 5 PM on 05 April, 2025 Bangladesh Standard Time. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but applicants meeting the deadline will be considered in the first pool.

Only shortlisted organizations will be contacted for the next round of the selection process.