REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: (CONSULTING SERVICES – FOR THE DESIGN OF THE NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS OF THE LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION (LEC)

Job Description

1. BACKGROUND

The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), established by legislative act in 1973, serves as the nation's primary public utility, tasked with generating and distributing reliable, affordable electricity across Liberia. However, decades of civil conflict and underinvestment have severely compromised the country's energy infrastructure. As of 2023, only 32.5% of the population had access to electricity, with rural electrification remaining particularly low. In response to these challenges, the Government of Liberia has set an ambitious target of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, with a milestone of 75% access by that year. To support this goal, significant investments have been made, including the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, which has increased the country's generation capacity. (World Bank 2025, Millennium Challenge Corporation, 2020).  Despite these efforts, LEC faces ongoing operational challenges, including power losses, reported at 27% as of July 2024, and financial constraints, with an $18 million net loss on $50 million in revenue in 2023. These issues are compounded by inadequate customer service infrastructure, which has historically led to long wait times and unresolved complaints.

To address these multifaceted challenges, LEC recognizes the need for a modern, efficient corporate headquarters. The current head office, located in a congested Waterside Market Area of Monrovia, is outdated and over-occupied, posing safety risks and limiting accessibility. A new headquarters would not only provide a safer and more conducive working environment but also serve as a symbol of LEC's commitment to modernization and improved customer service. This initiative aligns with Liberia's broader goals of sustainable development and enhanced public service delivery. By investing in a state-of-the-art facility, LEC seeks to bolster its operational capacity, improve customer engagement, and contribute to the nation's electrification objectives.

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this assignment is to provide comprehensive architectural and engineering services to design LEC’s new corporate headquarters, emphasizing eco-architecture, energy efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.

• OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this assignment is to engage a competent Architectural and Engineering (A&E) consulting firm to provide comprehensive design and engineering services for the development of a modern, sustainable, and functional corporate head office for the Liberia Electricity Corporation. The facility should reflect LEC’s commitment to operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and enhanced customer service delivery.

Specific objectives include:

1. Develop a Conceptual Design and Master Plan: Create an innovative and sustainable design concept that incorporates the principles of green architecture and energy efficiency. This must be a master plan that strategically organizes administrative, technical, and customer service spaces while allowing for future expansion.
2. Promote Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design: Incorporate renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels, battery storage) into the design to reduce reliance on grid-supplied power; and also integrate systems and features aimed at reducing the building’s carbon footprint (e.g., passive ventilation, natural lighting, solar shading, and rainwater harvesting).
3. Ensure Comprehensive Site Development Planning: Address site resilience to flooding and environmental risks, especially considering Liberia’s tropical climate; and ensure that site development include landscaping, vehicular and pedestrian access, internal road networks, parking areas etc.; drainage systems, and public lighting.
4. Produce Full Technical Design Packages: Deliver complete sets construction drawings comprised of but not limited to - zoning and site development, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and ICT systems design packages. Ensure that all technical drawings and specifications are in compliance with Liberian laws, international best practices, and relevant building codes.
5. Conduct Engineering and Structural Analysis: Perform detailed geotechnical investigations, load assessments, and structural optimization studies; and validate the structural integrity and longevity of the proposed buildings and infrastructure with a detailed engineering structural analysis or calculations.
6. Prepare Construction Documentation: Develop comprehensive technical specifications for all building systems and materials. Generate accurate and detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and cost estimates to inform budgeting and procurement.
7. Design for Accessibility, Safety, and Security: Ensure the building accommodates persons with disabilities in accordance with international accessibility standards. Incorporate fire detection and suppression systems, security infrastructure, and health and safety provisions in the design.
8. Support Efficient Project Execution: Develop a realistic, phased construction schedule with clear milestones. Pro 20,236.6 square meters vide indicative cash flow projections to guide financial planning and fund disbursement.
9. Accommodate LEC’s Organizational Needs: Ensure the building’s internal layout supports the operational functions of LEC’s various divisions and departments. Incorporate flexibility in space planning to allow for future organizational restructuring, growth, or technology integration.
10. Enhance LEC’s Public Image and Customer Experience: Create a landmark facility that reflects LEC’s brand, values, and vision for modernization. Include provisions for a modern customer care center to enhance the quality of customer interactions and service

Job Related Qualifications

1. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The scope of services outlines the comprehensive range of tasks and deliverables expected from the selected architectural and engineering consulting firm. These services are to ensure the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) receives a fully developed, permit-ready, and construction-ready design package for its new corporate headquarters. The design process is structured to span approximately 8 to 10 months, incorporating all technical, regulatory, environmental, and stakeholder coordination requirements necessary for the successful implementation of the project. The consultant is expected to work closely with LEC and relevant government authorities throughout each phase of the assignment. The following table details the sequential phases, key activities, expected outputs, and indicative timelines for the execution of the consultancy.

Detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assignment can be found at the following link:  https://lecliberia.com/wp-content/uploads/TOR_LEC-Headquarters-Project_June2025.doc

The Consultancy firm must meet the minimum qualifications and experience requirements as outlined in the Terms of Reference.

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method outlined in the Amended Public Procurement Code Act of 2010.

Special Requirements

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e., 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. GMT, Monday to Friday.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form to the address below via email on or before July 10, 2025, with the subject: “CONSULTING SERVICES – FOR THE DESIGN OF THE NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS OF THE LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION (LEC)”.

The Procurement Manager

Liberia Electricity Corporation

1. O. Box 10-165, Waterside

1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

1^st Floor-GF-006      

Email: procurement@lecliberia.com and copied to

msherif@lecliberia.com; efredericks@lecliberia.com;

asheriff@lecliberia.com, dbeyan@lecLiberia.com;, mfalkornia@lecliberia.com