Consultancy Services for Technical Assessment and Design Update of the Smara Camp Water Network to Guide Construction in Mahbes Daira Consultancy

1. Background

Smara camp, located 28 km from Boujdour, is home to approximately 50,700 people (10,140 families) distributed across 7 Dairas. The existing water network has been partially completed, with approximately 72.792km and 754 tap stands already constructed and serving approximately 70% (35,490 individuals / 7,098 families) of the population. In Smara, water distribution is managed through two systems: a buried pipeline network supplying six of the seven dairas, and water trucking services that deliver to households located beyond the network’s coverage area.

Mahbes Daira, one of the seven dairas of Smara, remains unconnected to the water network. The plans for Mahbes include the construction of an estimated 30 km pipe network. To meet current and future needs, there is a proposal to include an additional 383 tap stands in Mahbes. This would ensure comprehensive coverage for the population of 15,210 individuals (3,042 families) while adhering to the Ministry’s recommendation of 6–7 families per tap stand.

The consultancy will focus on updating the existing network plans, evaluating the feasibility of incorporating the additional tap stands, and ensuring the network’s efficiency through detailed hydraulic modeling and simulations

1. Objectives
   1. Update Existing Plans:
      1. Revise the Mahbes Daira water network design, incorporating 383 tap stands.
      2. Evaluate whether the inclusion of these tap stands will be sufficient for the population.
   2. Assess Network Efficiency:
      1. Conduct hydraulic modeling to evaluate the capacity of the existing network to integrate the additional tap stands.
      2. Identify pressure points, flow rates, and system vulnerabilities.
   3. Propose Technical Solutions:
      1. Recommend pipe sizing adjustments or additional infrastructure (e.g., booster pumps) to ensure smooth functionality.
      2. Scenario 1: Considering existing elevated reservoir tank.
         • Validate the feasibility of the current elevated tank (500 m³ capacity) for supporting the expanded network.
      3. Scenario 2: Construction of a New Elevated Tank Dedicated to Mahbes.
         • Build a new elevated tank (capacity to be defined, e.g., 300–500 m³) located near Mahbes, fed by a transmission line from the existing main supply.
         • Technical considerations:
           1. Independent storage for Mahbes improves pressure control and ensures more reliable supply.
           2. The topographic siting of the tank must maximize gravity distribution and minimize pumping requirements.
           3. Requires new civil works (e.g. foundation, tower, tank structure) and additional operational management.
   4. Provide a Comprehensive Plan:
      1. Develop a phased implementation strategy for expanding the network.
      2. Include technical, operational, and financial considerations.
2. Scope of Work
   1. Data Review and Analysis:
      1. Review existing designs, including the 468 completed tap stands and the plans of Mahbes Daira.
      2. Analyze current population distribution and projected water demand for Mahbes.
   2. Hydraulic Modeling and Simulations:
      1. Update the hydraulic model to account for the additional 383 tap stands in Mahbes.
      2. Simulate network functionality under different operational scenarios, assessing:
         • Maximum tap stands supported.
         • Simultaneous operation capacity without pressure loss.
         • Operational cycles for effective distribution.
   3. Technical Feasibility Assessment:
      1. Determine if the existing infrastructure (e.g., 250 mm pipes and elevated tank) can handle and support the increased load.
      2. Propose solutions to address technical limitations, such as adding booster pumps or modifying pipe layouts or additional overhead tank.
   4. Implementation Strategy:
      1. Develop a detailed plan for integrating Mahbes into the existing network.
      2. Provide recommendations for monitoring and managing system efficiency during and after construction.
3. Deliverables
4. Updated Mahbes Design: Revised network layout incorporating 383 tap stands.
5. Hydraulic Modeling Report: Comprehensive analysis of flow rates, pressure points, and overall system capacity.
6. Implementation Plan: Step-by-step guide for expanding the Mahbes network, including timelines and cost estimates. The plan will also include an updated topographic survey to serve as the validated baseline for hydraulic modeling and scenario comparisons (e.g., network with existing tank versus with new tank).
7. Technical Recommendations/Solutions: Proposed measures to improve system efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. This will include detailed hydraulic modeling (EPANET / WaterCAD) using the updated topographic survey, with recommendations on pipe sizing adjustments and/or additional infrastructure (e.g., booster pumps). The assessment will also consider both the existing elevated reservoir tank and the option of constructing a new elevated tank dedicated to Mahbes.
8. Capacity-Building Materials: Guidelines and training modules for central/regional level MIAMA engineers, local operators to effectively manage and maintain the expanded network.
9. Reports:
   1. Inception Report – covering the revised plan, methodology, and desk review findings.
   2. Draft Report – including all deliverables such as updated topography, hydraulic modeling, technical recommendations with implementation guidelines, detailed designs, drawings, and a structured BoQ for each scenario, as well as capacity-building plans.
   3. Final Report – consolidating and refining all components from the Draft Report.
10. Mode of Reports

The report shall be submitted in English and Spanish) in the form of:

• A hard and electronic copy of the Inception, Draft and Final Reports.
• One hard copy and electronic copy (PDF and Drawing Format) of the designs and technical design report.
• One hard copy and electronic copy (PDF and XLSX Format) of the detailed estimate.

1. Proposal Submission

Interested consultancy / engineering firm are invited to submit their proposals, which should include:

• Detailed technical proposal including approach and methodology. The methodology section must clearly detail the techniques and tools the consultancy intends to use for each component of the study (e.g., hydraulic modelling/simulation, GIS mapping, stakeholders’ consultation specially MIAMA, community consultations, field data collection protocols). Visual flowcharts or annexes are encouraged.
• Detailed financial proposal with a comprehensive cost breakdown.
• A detailed implementation timeline that aligns with Oxfam’s operational calendar and clearly outlines week-by-week activities, milestones, and deliverable dates. This timeline must respond to programmatic needs and be included in the proposal submission. Team composition and CVs of the whole key personnel.
• Relevant experience and case studies, particularly in similar context.
• References contact data in case OXFAM wanted a prior consultation.
• Language of the offer is English & French.

1. Skills and Experience – Criteria for Selection

The firm should demonstrate the following qualifications:

• A multidisciplinary team including experienced civil and hydraulic engineers with demonstrated expertise in water supply systems (CVs, reference projects, and permission for consultation should be provided).
• A proven track record of conducting similar assessments and network optimization projects, preferably in refugee camps or comparable humanitarian contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timeframes.
• Evidence of using sound, context-appropriate, and technically robust methodologies.
• Strong skills in community engagement and stakeholder consultation.
• Good understanding of local conditions and relevant regulatory frameworks.

LINK TOR ; https://oxfam.box.com/s/uyyweffvvkqyxu116f0c6rn4ni5v9lla

Tagged as: Algeria, Oxfam