Propcom+ Description

Propcom+ is an FCDO-funded eight-year (2023-2030) rural and agricultural market development programme supporting climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture and forestry that benefits people, climate, and nature. The Palladium Group implements the programme, and it aims to transform Nigeria's rural economy by addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges in the country's food and land-use system. It will do this by (i) increasing productivity, improving nutrition and food security; (ii) enhancing climate resilience, pursuing lower emissions, and protecting and restoring nature, and (iii) helping to tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity. It does this by working as a ‘market facilitator, identifying constraints in Markets Systems and facilitating changes to enable rural markets to work better for the benefit of poor and climate-vulnerable smallholder farmers and rural small-scale entrepreneurs.

Propcom+ has a target of increasing the incomes and climate resilience of 3.9 million poor and vulnerable people in Nigeria, 50% of whom will be women, through a “3Ps” approach of interlinked components:

P1: Scaling-up a focused basket of Proven climate-smart interventions around agricultural and primary processing / storage practices and models to get these adopted by millions of poor and vulnerable smallholder farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.P2: Building markets by developing and Piloting new business models that improve productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, reduce emissions, and improve nutritional outcomes.P3: Enabling Policies that support a strengthened enabling environment for sustainable food and land-use system.

The programme adopts a two-tier approach to regional and state-level implementation. Tier 1 states are currently in North-West (NW) and North-East (NE) regions of Nigeria. Within the NW region, however, Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa (KKJ) states are considered as priority states for delivering climate-smart agriculture to help the poor and climate-vulnerable. Tier 2 States are currently from Southern Nigeria and will have a more focused set of priorities on deforestation-free commodities.

The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)
National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) is the foremost and only veterinary research institute in Nigeria with the mandate to conduct research into all aspects of animal diseases, develop and produce animal vaccines; provide surveillance and diagnosis; and provide extension and advisory services to poultry and livestock farmers. NVRI played a key role in the eradication of rinderpest in West Africa through the production of serum and animal vaccines. Presently, NVRI plays a key role in the plans for the global eradication of PPR, specifically manufacturing the vaccines for the control of the disease. 

Currently, NVRI has 20 livestock vaccines in its portfolio including a thermotolerant Newcastle disease vaccine (NDV-I2), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine to protect against Newcastle (ND) in poultry and PPR in small ruminants, respectively. The institute distributes its vaccine through its outstations/retail outlets nationwide and through other distributors, and to the West African Sub region. The Institute is endowed with highly trained workforce with experienced research scientists in varied fields of veterinary sciences, and other fields of applied sciences. The primary area of focus is research for development of vaccines, animal disease surveillance, diagnostics, and advisory services.

Background
Propcom+ and NVRI share a mutual interest to scale vaccine supply in Nigeria; and have collaborated to increase the institute’s vaccine production capacity through the acquisition of ultramodern production equipment. Once fully installed and optimised, local production of PPR and NDI2 vaccines is expected to increase by 600%, from less than 15 million doses to 110 million doses by 2028, reaching up to 600,000 underserved smallholder livestock farmers per year. In addition, stable energy supply is essential to sustain NVRI’s vaccine production, cold chain systems and laboratory operations. Currently, the institute combines several sources to address their energy requirements including the national electricity grid, diesel generators and a 60kVA integrated solar-powered system supported by Propcom+.

NVRI’s vaccine production has been significantly hampered by an unreliable grid power supply, leading to poor capacity utilisation, high energy costs, and ultimately, higher vaccine costs. To ensure stable, cost-effective, and sustainable vaccine production, there is a pressing need to explore cleaner and more reliable energy alternatives. However, identifying the most suitable solution requires a comprehensive assessment of NVRI’s current and projected energy needs. This will inform targeted recommendations on which components of the facility should transition to solar, optimising both operational efficiency and cost savings.

Purpose of the Assignment
To support this transition, Propcom+ is seeking a qualified energy expert or firm to conduct a detailed energy audit and feasibility study at NVRI. The consultant will be responsible for assessing current energy consumption patterns, identifying critical loads essential for uninterrupted vaccine production, and evaluating the technical and economic viability of integrating different options of solar energy solutions.

Objectives
The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

Evaluate NVRI’s current energy consumption patterns and identify inefficiencies that impact vaccine production and operational reliability.Assess the performance, contribution and efficiency of the existing 60kVA solar system in meeting NVRI’s energy needs across key vaccine production units, including laboratories, cold rooms, storage facilities, administrative offices and support systems.Determine the energy gap between current supply (from grid, generator, and solar) and the optimal demand required for uninterrupted vaccine production.Identify and recommend at least three options for additional solar capacity or hybrid energy solutions needed to close the energy gap in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. These options could be as follows: Minimum expansion (minimum investment needed to accommodate the new and essential equipment on the solar power system) with diesel generator supplement and grid backup. Medium expansion option (moderate investment needed to power critical equipment in the vaccine production chain) with limited diesel generator supplement and grid back up. Maximum expansion (investment needed to power full vaccine production chain) with grid and diesel only as backup.To assess the feasibility of adopting an “energy-as-a-service” model for NVRI, either to supply solar power to surrounding communities or to receive power from existing or upcoming mini-grids. Identify possible financing and investment options and arrangements for an “energy as a service” model.To identify potential pathways for collaboration with the EU-funded Nigerian Energy Sector Programme (NESP) and/or the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to support the implementation of the most viable model. The Consultant will also consider proposed support by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of the United States to avoid duplication and identify leverage opportunities.Develop actionable recommendations, including technical specifications, investment needs, and implementation roadmaps for scaling up solar power

Scope of Work
To achieve the objectives of the study, the consultant will be expected to undertake the following tasks:

Energy Audit and Load Profiling

Conduct physical inspections of NVRI’s vaccine production facilities, laboratories, solar installations, and power infrastructureConduct a comprehensive audit of NVRI’s current energy consumption across all departments and production units.Identify and categorise critical, essential, and non-essential loads, with a focus on vaccine production and cold chain operations.Analyse historical energy usage data, including grid supply, generator usage, and solar system performance.

Assessment of Existing Systems

Evaluate the performance and utilisation of the existing 60kVA integrated solar system.
Determine the extent to which the current solar system meets NVRI’s energy demands, particularly during peak production periods.
Engage with NVRI’s management, technical staff, maintenance teams, and relevant partners to gather insights on energy challenges and priorities.
Identify any operational, maintenance, or integration issues affecting the system’s efficiency.

Gap Analysis and System Sizing

Quantify the shortfall between current energy supply (from all sources) and optimal energy demand for uninterrupted vaccine production.
Recommend three additional solar capacity options and/or hybrid solutions (e.g., solar + battery + grid/generator) to bridge the gap.
Propose system sizing based on current and projected energy needs, including potential expansion of production.

Technical and Financial Feasibility Study

Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the various options comparing proposed solar solutions with current energy costs, as well as a potential energy-as-service model to meet NVRI needs.
Evaluate the financial viability and long-term savings of the recommended systems.

 Risk Assessment and Sustainability Planning

 Identify potential risks (technical, financial, operational) and propose mitigation strategies.Recommend maintenance protocols and capacity-building needs for NVRI staff to ensure long-term sustainability.
Map and evaluate potential partnership opportunities with NESP, NISHP and other stakeholders as well as green financing or commercial partnerships for financing, technical assistance, and regulatory compliance.
Develop recommendations on operational, commercial, and governance models for the selected energy-as-a-service pathway, including risk assessment and sustainability considerations

Reporting and Recommendations

Deliver a detailed report summarising findings, analysis, and recommendations.
Include system design schematics, implementation roadmap, and estimated costs.
Present findings to Propcom+, NVRI management and relevant stakeholders.

Deliverables, Duration and Timeline

The consultant shall deliver the following outputs within the timelines stated below:

S/NMoVDeliverables 
Week  1Inception Report Detailing the methodology, work plan, tools, and timeline (to be submitted within 5 working days of contract signing) Wk 1 2 Energy Audit Report Detailed analysis of current energy consumption, critical loads, and inefficiencies Wk 2 3 Solar System Performance Evaluation and Energy Gap Analysis Report Assessment of the existing 60kVA solar system’s capacity, utilisation, and operational status; Quantifying the shortfall between current supply and optimal demand for vaccine production Wk 3 4 Feasibility Study & System Design Recommendations Technical and financial analysis of proposed solar/hybrid solutions, including system sizing  Wk 4 5 Final Report and Implementation Roadmap A comprehensive report with consolidated findings, recommendations, and step-by-step implementation plan Wk 5 6 Presentation to Stakeholders A Power Point presentation summarising key findings and recommendations delivered to Propcom+, NVRI management and partners Wk 6

Note: All deliverables will be accepted after integration of team’s inputs and comments

Required Expertise and Qualifications

 The consultant (individual or firm) must demonstrate the following:

Hands-on experience in designing, installing and conducting energy audits or assessments for industrial or research facilities.
Knowledge of grid integration, energy storage and hybrid systems is relevant
Strong knowledge of renewable energy systems, especially solar energy solutions.
Relevant academic qualifications and experience (e.g. Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Studies, Renewable Energy, Environmental Sciences).Familiarity with solar design tools e.g. AutoCAD, PVsyst, HOMER will be an advantage
Experience working with public research institutions or vaccine production facilities is an advantage.
Excellent analytical, report writing, and presentation skills.

Reporting and Supervision

This consultancy will be managed by a team composed of the Propcom+ Strategy Director, Technical Lead for Scaling-up focused basket of Proven climate-smart interventions (P1) and relevant Staff of Propcom+.

Application Process
Interested consultants should apply using the following format:

The subject line of the applications should be:
Interested and qualified consultants/firms are expected to submit their expression of interest (technical and financial proposal) with the email subject “Energy Needs Assessment NVRI, Vom” to procurement.propcomplus@thepalladiumgroup.com by 5pm on Aug 30, 2025.

Proposals should include:

A cover letter indicating clear understanding of this Request for Proposal and the scope of work, and capacity statement of the firm or team of consultants.Technical proposal, including methodologies and timeline for each of the items in the scope of work and the level of effort (LOE) required.
Detailed CV(s) of consultant(s) (including company profile in the case of firms) who will undertake the assignment, including full name, telephone number(s). Evidence of previous similar assignments successfully undertaken and at least two references from previous clients.Proposed budget indicating clearly consultant’s fees and all necessary and justifiable logistical costs in local currency (NGN).

The scope of this consultancy includes all logistical arrangements necessary for the Consultant and her/his team to deliver the outlined work and should therefore be reflected in the financial proposal for this consultancy. For the avoidance of doubt, these costs include the cost of hiring and training of research assistants, transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other incidental needs of the team where these are necessary and justifiable.