REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: Galaxy Backbone Data Center and Sandbox Gap Assessment under the iDICE Programme

Technology and Creative Sector 

Financing Agreement reference:  2000200005160 Project ID No.: P-NG-K00-009 

Background 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) towards the implementation of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme and intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this finance to payments under the contract for a consultancy service to provide Data Center and Sandbox Gap Assessment for the iDICE Programme.  

One of the sub-components of the Enterprise and Skills Development component of the iDICE Programme is to strengthen the capacity of Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) and startups in order to upscale the infrastructures of ESOs (Hubs and accelerators), National Sandbox and National Data Centers. These hubs will play a major role in shaping students and researchers for technological advancement, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness while impacting research and development. 

The consultant shall perform the following services: 

1. Conduct Data Center Infrastructure Assessment  
2. Conduct Storage Capability Gap Assessment  
3. Conduct Network Connectivity and Security Capability Gap Assessment  
4. Conduct Software Development Capability Gap Assessment 
5. Recommend actions to improve efficiency  
6. Recommend actions for better cost management  
7. Assess Risk Management and Compliance  
8. Propose models for strategic planning and innovation  
9. Recommend actions to improve customer satisfaction  
10. Conduct data collection, analysis and reporting as required  

It is expected that the assignment will take three months from the date of contract commencement. 

Minimum Qualification, Skills and Experience 

Potential consultants should meet the following qualifications and experience requirements: 

1. Have a proven track record of successfully conducting and coordinating IT assessments and other technology-related projects. 
2. Evidence of compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards. 
3. Ability to design and implement scalable solutions that align with long-term growth objectives. 
4. Demonstrated Implementation of quality assurance processes to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of the projects. 
5. Commitment to delivering the project within agreed timelines without compromising quality. 

Legal & Compliance Requirements  

For a consortium of firms or single firms domiciled in Nigeria, the lead firm MUST provide the following documents:  

1. Evidence of legal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in line with the requisite CAMA Act. 2020, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.  
2. Evidence of registration with Galaxy Backbone and relevant industry certification pertaining to IT Project Management.  
3. Submission of Memorandum and Articles from CAC07 (i.e. Particulars of Board of Directors) and Form CAC02 (i.e. Particulars of Shareholders).  
4. Affidavit indicating that all documents submitted are genuine and verifiable.  

Financial and Tax Requirements  

1. Confirmation of financial capacity of the company (3 years audited statement of accounts and financial summary).  
2. Evidence of VAT Registration and Company Tax Clearance Certificates for the last 3 years.  

Firms that are registered outside Nigeria shall submit relevant legal and compliance documents as applicable to their countries of jurisdiction. 

The Bank of Industry (BOI) now invites eligible consultants (Firms) to indicate interest in providing these services by submitting their proposals, demonstrating experience in performing similar assignments with references and showing responsiveness to the qualifications requirements outlined in this REOI.  

Eligibility criteria and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s “Procurement Policy for Bank Group Funded Operations” October 2015, which is available on the Bank’s website at http://www.afdb.org. 

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e. from 8 AM to 5 PM on working days. 

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form and soft copy (in a flash drive) to the address below by 23^rd August 2024 at 12 PM and mention “Provision of Consultancy Services for the conducting of IT Needs Assessment for iDICE Programme”. 

Attn. 

iDICE Programme Coordination Unit 

Bank of industry 

23, Marina,  

Lagos 

E-mail: idice-proposals@boi.ng