OUTLINE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTING SERVICES

Project Preparation Support for SASEC Power System Expansion Project (SPEP)
A.

Background

1.
SPEP includes construction of (1) the 220kV Dana-Kusima-New Butawal, and 400kV
New Butawal-Bardaghart transmission lines, and associated substations; (2) Manang-KhudiUdipu-Marki Chowk- Bharatpur 220kV transmission line and associated substations; (3) Marki
Chowk-Matartha 220kV transmission line and associated substations; (4) Samundratar-Trishuli
3B hub 132kV transmission line and associated substation at Samundratar; (5) Grid substations
reinforcement; (6) distribution systems in East, Central and West regions. The project will be
implemented by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). NEA is the Executive Agency (EA). The high
temperature low sag (HTLS) type conductor of size equivalent to MOOSE will be applied for
subprojects (1) and (2). The overall procurement and consulting service contract packages are
as follows:

Outputs
Details ($MIL)
A. NEAs transmission system expansion
1.
Kali
Gandaki
basin
to
border

2.
Marsyangdi
Corridor

i.

Dana - Kusma 220kV transmission line, and substations at Dana, Kusma

(38.2km, HTLS, $15.2+22.7);
Lot 1: Kusma - New Butwal 220kV transmission line, and substation at New
Butwal (72km, HTLS, $28.8+17.1);
Lot 2: New Butwal - Bardaghat 400kV transmission line, and substation at
Bardaghat (45KM, $31.5+17.1);
Khudi- Udipur- Marki Chowk- Bharatpur 220kV transmission line, and
substation at Khudi, switchyard at Udipur, Marki Chowk substation, and bay
extension at Bharatpur; (100km, HTLS, $43.9+30.0)
Manang-Khudi 220kV transmission line, and associated substations at
Manang and bay extension at Khudi (25km, $12+7.7)
Marki Chowk- Matatirtha- 220kV transmission line, and associated substation
extension at Matatirtha; (81.5km, $26.9+11.0)

ADB

i.

Samundratar - Trishuli 3B hub 132kV transmission line and associated

substation at Samundratar. (24km, $6.0+6.0)

EIB

i.

Gandak 132/33/11kV (30MVA+16.6MVA); Middle Masyangdi 132/33kV

(20MVA); Butwal 132/33 (63MVA); Bharatpur 132/33kv (63MVA); Dhalkebar
132/33kV (63MVA); Lahan 33/11kV (2*16.6MVA); Banepa 66/11kV
(2*22.5MVA); Attaria 132/33kV (2*30MVA) (8 s/s, total $7.4)

ADB

ii.

i.
ii.

3.
Marsyangdi
to
Kathmandu
4. Trishuli 3B
Transmission
Hub
5.
Grid
substations
reinforcement

Financers

i.

ADB
ADB+NOR
EIB
EIB
ADB+NOR

B. NEAs distribution network improvement

6. Distribution
system

B.

i.

Lot 1: Distribution system augmentations in East Region ($17.2)

Lot 2: Distribution system augmentations in Central and West Regions ($19.2)

ADB

Scope of Works for the firm

2.
Under ADBs Project Preparation Technical Assistance (PPTA-8412), a project
preparation support consulting firm (PPS) will be engaged to assist NEA in (i) preparing
designs, technical specifications and bidding documents; (ii) supporting of the bidding process
and bid evaluation including preparation of technical and financial evaluation reports; (iii)
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assisting NEA in contract negotiation with the contractor until contract awarded and advance
payment paid. The PPS is expected to commence the service in July 2014, and the duration of
the service will be 24 months (July 2014- June 2016).
a.

Preparation of Technical Specifications and Bidding Documents

3.
PPS shall prepare the technical specification and bidding documents, including but not
limited to the following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)
(ix)

b.

Develop a full understanding of project requirements through discussion with NEA;

Review all reports, drawings and plans prepared by or for NEA and related to the
proposed subproject;
Conduct field surveys, necessary additional studies for the subproject to ensure that
the line and substations meet NEAs overall requirements of the project;
Review, approve and/or amend and updated as necessary, NEAs line routing and
tower spotting plans and survey information;
Define transmission line and substation design technical parameters, conductor
configurations, insulator and tower types, taking account of NEAs requirements and
Nepal-specific conditions including wind velocity, terrain type and altitude;
Prepare detail cost estimate for Dana-Kusma-Butwal-Bardaghat 220/400kV
transmission
line and Manang-Khudi-Udipur-Marki Chowk-Bharapur 220kV
transmission line;
Prepare conceptual designs and layouts for the substations, transmission line, tower
foundations, substation equipment foundations, SCADA, communications, protection
etc;
Prepare technical specifications, performance specifications, schedules, and
drawings for bidding of the project on a turn-key basis
Incorporate comments by ADB on the draft bidding documents, and finalize the draft
bidding documents until approval by ADB.

Support in the Bidding Process

4.
PPS shall review NEAs approach and schedule for the bidding process and provide
comments and recommendations on the approach, activities, schedule, organization, and
responsibilities. The Consultant will assist NEA through the bidding process including the
following activities.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Assist NEA in clarifying queries from prospective bidders during the bidding period;
Carry out technical and financial evaluation of bids received and submit bid
evaluation reports to NEA;
Assist NEA in contract negotiations and finalize contract documents;
Assist NEA in applying for advance payments and help advance payment disbursed.

C.

Expertise and tasks

a.

Person-months
Table 1: Summary of Consulting Services Requirement

International
Name of Positions
Transmission Electrical Engineer (Team leader)
Electrical Engineer (Substations)
Transmission/substation Structural Engineer
Line Survey Engineers (3 engineers)
Geotechnical Engineer
Civil Engineer
SCADA Engineer
Protection Engineer
Social Safeguards Specialist
Environmental Safeguards specialist
National
Name of Positions
Distribution Electrical Engineer
Social Safeguards Specialist
Environmental Safeguards Specialist

Person-months
6
4
4
3
2
2
1
1
3
3
Person-months
6
6
6

Source: Asian Development Bank estimates

b.

Tasks for Each Expert

5.
Team Leader/Transmission Electrical Engineer (International): With at least
Bachelors degree in a relevant engineering discipline and minimum 10 years experience. The
expert shall have experience in design, specification, construction, testing and commissioning of
220kV and higher EHV transmission line with high temperature low sag (HTLS) conductor. The
consultant will conduct the tasks including but not limited to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

(vii)
(viii)
(ix)

Oversee and lead the assignment and the consultant team, and act as the team's
point of contact with NEA and ADB.
Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on transmission
line and transmission substation technical matters.
Prepare performance-based technical specifications for HTLS conductor to be
adopted for subproject (1) and (2) as indicated in Para.1.
Prepare regular reports in accordance with ADB requirements.
Prepare project designs, documentation, and bidding documents with assistance of
other consultants.
With support of other consultants, assist NEA in clarifying queries from prospective
bidders during the bidding period, evaluation of technical and financial bids to be
received against ICB for selection of turnkey contractor, preparation of bid evaluation
reports, contract negotiations and draft contract agreements, and advise on
submission of documents to ADB for review and approval.
Assist NEA in contract negation.
Contribute to capacity building of NEA counterpart staff.
Conduct other duties as reasonably requested by ADB project officer.
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6.
Line Survey Engineers (3 International experts): With at least Bachelors degree in
civil engineering or surveying and minimum 8 years experience on route definition, and tower
spotting preferably in mountainous terrain and environmentally and socially sensitive situations.
Three (3) experts are needed, one for Kaligandaki corridor, one for Masyangdi Corridor, and
one for Masyangdi-Kathmandu route. The experts shall have an understanding of line
clearances and safety considerations. The consultant will conduct the tasks including but not
limited to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

Perform on-site route assessment in conjunction with the NEA survey team.
Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on transmission
line and transmission substation survey and location matters.
Contribute to the reports.
Assist with the preparation of project designs, documentation, bidding documents.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

7.
Geotechnical Engineer (International): With at least Bachelors degree in civil
engineering and minimum 10 years experience in 400kV or above transmission line tower
foundations and substation structures soil testing. The consultant will conduct the tasks
including but not limited to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Perform field sampling and measurements to assist in determination of site soil

conditions in conjunction with other team members.
Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on transmission
line and transmission substation geotechnical matters.
Contribute to the preparation of project designs, documentation, bidding documents.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

8.
Transmission/Substation Structural Engineer (International): With at least
Bachelors degree in structural/mechanical engineering, with minimum 10 years experience in
the selection and specification of transmission and substation towers and structures for 400kV
or higher. The consultant will carry out, but not be limited to, the following tasks:
(i)

(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on transmission
line and transmission substation structural matters including foundation for towers
and substation equipment.
Assist and advise the preparation of project design criteria for towers and substation
structures, documentation, bidding documents.
Assist NEA in the preparation of foundation design for tower and substation
structures including transformers.
Assist NEA in evaluation of technical and financial bids to be received against ICB
for engagement of turnkey contractor, preparation of bid evaluation reports, contract
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(v)
(vi)
(vii)

negotiations and draft contract agreements, and advice on submission of documents

to ADB for review and approval.
Assist NEA in the preparation of detail cost estimate of transmission line.
Contribute to capacity building of NEA counterpart staff.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

9.
Electrical Engineer - Substations (International): With at least Bachelors degree in
engineering, with minimum 10 years experience in the selection and specification of
transmission and substation towers and structures for 400kV or higher. The consultant will
carry out, but not be limited to, the following tasks:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(iv)

Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on transmission
line and transmission substation technical matters.
Coordinate the preparation of project designs, documentation, bidding documents.
Assist NEA in evaluation of technical and financial bids to be received against ICB
for engagement of turnkey contractor, preparation of bid evaluation reports, contract
negotiations and draft contract agreements, and advice on submission of documents
to ADB for review and approval.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

10.
Civil Engineer Transmission/Substations (International): With at least Bachelors
degree in civil engineering, with minimum 10 years experience in the design of foundations for
substation towers and substation structures for 400kV or higher. The consultant will carry out,
but not be limited to, the following tasks:
(i)

(ii)
(iii)

(iv)

Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on transmission
line, transmission substation, SCADA, communications and control center technical
matters.
Coordinate the preparation of project designs, documentation, bidding documents.
Assist NEA in evaluation of technical and financial bids to be received against ICB
for engagement of turnkey contractor, preparation of bid evaluation reports, contract
negotiations and draft contract agreements, and advice on submission of documents
to ADB for review and approval.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

11.
SCADA/Communications Engineer (International): With at least Bachelors degree in
electrical, communications or other relevant discipline, with minimum 7 years experience in the
selection and specification of SCADA and communication systems for 400kV or higher
transmission lines, substations and control center interfacing. The consultant will carry out, but
not be limited to, the following tasks:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)
(iv)

(v)

Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on
communication and SCADA requirement for transmission line and transmission
substation.
Assess NEAs existing SCADA and communications systems and prepare design
concepts for maintaining optical link and interfacing with the transmission line and
substations.
Coordinate the preparation of project designs, documentation, bidding documents.
Assist NEA in evaluation of technical and financial bids to be received against ICB
for engagement of turnkey contractor, preparation of bid evaluation reports, contract
negotiations and draft contract agreements, and advice on submission of documents
to ADB for review and approval.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

12.
Protection Engineer (International): With at least Bachelors degree in electrical
engineering with protection specialization and/or further qualifications and training in protection
for 400kV transmission systems and substations, with minimum 10 years experience. The
consultant will carry out, but not be limited to, the following tasks:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

(v)

Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on protection
system coordination for transmission line and transmission substation.
Assess NEAs existing protection systems and prepare design concepts for
protection of the transmission line and substations.
Coordinate the preparation of project designs, documentation, bidding documents.
Assist NEA in evaluation of technical and financial bids to be received against ICB
for engagement of turnkey contractor, preparation of bid evaluation reports, contract
negotiations and draft contract agreements, and advice on submission of documents
to ADB for review and approval.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

13.
Social Safeguard Specialist (International). Masters in Social Sciences with at least 7
years experience in design of resettlement plans as part of donor supported projects, preferably
with the ADB. He or she should be conversant with national laws relating to land acquisition and
resettlement and ADBs Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009. The consultant will carry out, but not
be limited to, the following tasks:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Cooperate with and provide guidance to the social safeguards teams of NEA on all
tasks related in updating and finalizing the draft Resettlement Plans.
Update existing RPs based on detailed design/line alignment in accordance with
national laws and Policies and ADBs SPS, 2009.
Prepare Update land acquisition and resettlement impact assessment based on all
available data on land acquisition as per the detailed layout for each project and
collect additional data as required.
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(iv)

(v)
(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)
(x)
(xi)
(xii)

Revise the existing Entitlement matrix based on new impacts, if any, found during the
detailed design and determine the compensation, assistance, relocation and income
restoration strategy for each subproject, including special assistance for vulnerable
APs and women.
Prepare Update a detailed budget for the cost of land acquisition and resettlement
for each subproject, and update the implementation schedules for each RPs
Provide guidance to concerned filed team and national expert in collection of land
details for substations, tower footings, Right of Way and other associated facilities
such as approach roads, camp sites, etc. based on the detailed design.
Provide guidance to national expert and NEAs concerned staff responsible for social
safeguards for detailed census surveys of affected persons and update the list of
affected and displaced persons.
Provide required training (in-house and on-the-job) to the enumerators and surveyors
to carry out the census survey and work closely with the NEA team to involve them in
the project planning from the initial period.
Establish dialogue with the affected communities and ensure that their concerns and
suggestions are incorporated in the project.
Ensure compliance with all Government rules and regulations and ensure the RPs
are in compliance with ADBs SPS-2009
Submit all finalized/updated RPs to ADB for review and clearance before start of civil
work and disclose the updated/finalized RPs.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

14.
Social Safeguard Specialist (National). Masters in Social Sciences with at least 5
years experience in design of resettlement plans as part of donor supported projects, preferably
with the ADB. He or she should be conversant with national laws relating to land acquisition and
resettlement and ADBs Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009. The consultant will carry out, but not
be limited to, the following tasks:
(i)
(ii)

(iii)

Will work closely with NEA staff and international social safeguard specialist on the
above tasks mentioned under the scope of international social safeguard specialist.
Will be responsible for all site surveys and collection of relevant information and data
including carrying out census surveys, carrying out public consultations etc. in the
field with due support from NEA and drafting the reports.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.

15.
Environmental Safeguards Specialist (International). The specialist should have a
Masters degree or equivalent, minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, or
equivalent combination of education (Environmental Science, Environment Management,
Environmental Engineering or a closely related field) and experience. Broad-based experience
in infrastructure environmental planning and implementation is required. Work experience in
power industry including hydropower development, transmission and distribution, will be
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preferred, and prior experience in Nepal is desirable. NEA will have primary responsibility for
completing the necessary IEEs and/or EIAs for the Project as per Nepali regulatory
requirements and for implementing the EMP. The scope of work is outlined below:
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

Assist NEA as necessary to complete the IEEs and/or EIAs and support initial
implementation of the EMPs. 1 This may include updating IEEs and/or EIAs and
EMPs for the individual subprojects.
For subprojects which have yet to initiate for IEEs and/or EIAs as required under
Nepali regulatory framework, assist NEA in preparation of terms of reference (TORs)
for the required assessments. The TORs should include at minimum: analysis of
alternatives, identification of anticipated impacts and mitigation measures,
preparation of EMPs, and public consultation and disclosure, so that the various
subprojects comply with Nepali national and ADB safeguards requirements.
Ensure that all aspects related to environmental safeguards are integrated into the
subproject design and cost.

For subprojects which are at an advanced stage of development and begin construction in
calendar year 2015:
(i)

(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Assist NEA to ensure that bidding documents include criteria for EMP
implementation, including contractors environmental health and safety (EHS) policy
and other requirements defined in the IEEs, EIAs, and EMPs.
Review construction contractors EHS plan, and recommended revisions as
necessary;
Conduct routine inspections of construction activities, including visual survey of ROW
clearance, construction equipment staging areas, and construction camps.
Assist NEA in preparation and delivery of Safeguards Monitoring Report two times
per year.

16.
Environmental Safeguards Specialist (National).The specialist should have a
Bachelors degree or equivalent, in Environmental Science, Environment Management,
Environmental Engineering (or closely related field) and minimum of 5 years of relevant
professional experience. The consultant will have prior experience on environmental
assessments (IEE, EIA, EMP) and working knowledge of Nepali regulatory requirements. Work
experience in power industry including hydropower development, transmission and distribution,
will be preferred. Experience on environmental assessments for multi-lateral bank or other
donor-funded projects is desirable. The scope of work includes the same items as for the
international consultant, is outlined below:
(i)

Assist in completing and updating IEEs, EIAs, and EMPs as necessary, conducting
field reconnaissance as necessary.

NEAs Environmental and Social Studies Department (ESSD) has been engaged to prepare IEEs for some of the
transmission lines. ESSD or other third-party service firms will be retained in a similar capacity for other
subprojects as necessary.

(ii)

For subprojects which have not initiated environmental assessments, assist in

preparing TORs for the required IEEs, EIAs, and EMPs; this may include field
reconnaissance and other data gathering as necessary.

For subprojects which are at an advanced stage of development and begin construction in
calendar year 2015:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Assist in review of construction contractors EHS plan, and recommended revisions

as necessary;
Participate in routine inspections of construction activities, including visual survey of
ROW clearance, construction equipment staging areas, and construction camps.
Assist NEA in preparation and delivery of Safeguards Monitoring Report two times
per year.

17.
Distribution System Expert (National): The consultant should have minimum bachelor
degree engineering, and have a minimum of 7 years experience in rural electrification projects.
The consultant will carry out, but not be limited to, the following tasks:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(iv)

E.

Make necessary inputs and advice to the project team and to NEA on 11kV and
below distribution systems and rural electrification technical matters.
Coordinate the preparation of project designs, documentation, bidding documents.
Assist NEA in evaluation of technical and financial bids for engagement of turnkey
contractor, preparation of bid evaluation reports, contract negotiations and draft
contract agreements, and advice on submission of documents to ADB for review and
approval.
Perform other functions as may be assigned or delegated by Team Leader from time
to time during the time of assignment.
Reporting requirements

18.
The PPS shall prepare an Inception Report focusing on the work program within 4
weeks of commencement of service, and quarterly progress reports in a format and detail
acceptable to NEA and ADB. The quarterly progress reports shall comprise of the following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)

Design report for the transmission line and substations

Design report for the distribution systems
Bidding documents
Technical Evaluation Reports for all the procurements; Financial Evaluation Reports
for all the procurements;
Design report on standard transmission line towers
Design report on tower foundations and substation equipment
The Consultant shall maintain records documenting decisions made at meetings,
progress on project implementation, financial records and changes to the contract
plans.

(viii)
(ix)

All documents and reports would be made available on electronic format to ADB and
NEA
All reports will be in English language

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