CALL FOR PROPOSAL

CALL FOR PROPOSAL

SPO seeks proposals from consultants to conduct a feasibility study for construction of Restrooms/ Washrooms on coastal Highway for daily travelers to assess the need, design, cost, and implementation strategy for constructing restrooms/washrooms along the coastal highway to cater to the daily travelers, including commuters, tourists, and local residents. The detailed terms of reference are available below.
Interested consultants are requested to send their sealed proposal ‘Technical and Financial’ including profile of experience to the Chairperson, Consultant Recruitment Committee on or before Friday June 13th, 2025.

SPO reserves the right to partially or fully refuse any proposal without any reason.
The proposal should be addressed to the following:
Chairperson, Consultant Requirement Committee
Strengthening Participatory Organization,
Building No. 1-B, Street No. 26, Sector G-9/1, Islamabad.
Tel: +92 51 8736193-4

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Hiring of an Individual Consultant for Conducting a Feasibility Study for the Construction of Restrooms/Washrooms on the Coastal Highway for Travelers

Under the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) Funded: Public Restrooms Facilities (PRFs) in Pakistan’s Coastal Highway to Support Tourism, Hygiene/Sanitation, Environmental Protection and Economic Growth Initiatives

To be Implemented by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO)

1. Introduction of SPO:
Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) is a rights and responsibilities-based organization dedicated to improving the well-being of communities across Pakistan. Through raising awareness and ensuring access to basic rights, SPO empowers individuals to lead better lives. Our vision is to create “a democratic, socially just, ecologically sustainable society,” driven by a mission to support disadvantaged communities and strengthen public interest institutions for sustainable development. SPO places a strong emphasis on gender inclusion, recognizing women’s knowledge, experience, and agency. We prioritize addressing gender-specific needs, amplifying women’s voices, building their capacities, and ensuring access to essential spaces and services. Our inclusive approach also embeds the representation and participation of marginalized groups, including but not limited to differently abled and elderly individuals, transgender people, and religious and sectarian minorities. This commitment is central to SPO’s strategy to create equitable and inclusive solutions for societal development.

2. Background:
Coastal highways serve as vital routes for daily commuters, tourists, and travelers, drawing significant traffic. However, the absence of essential facilities, particularly restrooms/washrooms, along certain sections of the highway create considerable inconvenience and discomfort for travelers. In this context, SPO has initiated “Public Restrooms Facilities (PRFs) in Pakistan’s Coastal Highway to Support Tourism, Hygiene/Sanitation, Environmental Protection and Economic Growth initiatives” Project with financial support of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). Under this project, SPO intends to provide public restroom facility to the travelers and community at different locations along the Balochistan Coastal highway.
The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a feasibility study to assess the need, design, cost, and implementation strategy for constructing restrooms/washrooms along the coastal highway to cater to the daily travelers, including commuters, tourists and local residents.
This study aims to assess the demand for these facilities, identify the most strategic locationsand propose appropriate design and construction methods. The goal is to enhance the travel experience while ensuring public health, sanitation, and overall traveler satisfaction.

3. Objectives of Consultancy:
The primary objectives of the feasibility study are:
• To develop a business feasibility model for the construction and operation of restroom facilities. This includes estimating construction and operational costs, outlining funding options and ensuring the financial sustainability of the project.
• To evaluate the potential social and livelihood benefits of constructing restroom facilities, including how the project may create employment opportunities, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall well-being of surrounding communities.
• To evaluate the need for restrooms/washrooms along the coastal highway by examining factors such as traffic patterns, population density and traveler demand.
• To Assess the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of constructing restrooms at identified locations. This includes analyzing cost-effectiveness in terms of construction, maintenance, and operational aspects, and ensuring the facilities comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Propose design specifications focused on accessibility, sustainability and safety features.
• Identify and assess various funding opportunities and financial options for the construction and operation of restroom facilities along the coastal highway. This includes exploring potential public and private sector funding, donor support, public-private partnerships, and other innovative financing mechanisms to ensure the financial sustainability and successful implementation of the project.

In addition, the consultant will analyze the following aspects:
I. Financial Viability:
• Detailed breakdowns of construction, operation, and maintenance costs.
• Evaluating potential revenue models, including user fees and partnerships.
• Assessing economic benefits versus costs, considering public health and local benefits.
• Proposing strategies for long-term financial viability, including funding options and cost-saving measures.

II. Social Viability:
• Coordinating consultations with local authorities and community groups.
• Evaluating the impact on local communities, employment, and service access.
• Ensuring equitable access for all demographics, including disabled and elderly individuals.
• Evaluating long-term social benefits and ensuring lasting community advantages.

III. Security Viability:
• Identifying and mitigating security risks at restroom locations.
• Ensuring safety features like CCTV, lighting, and controlled access.
• Developing protocols for emergencies and clear signage.
• Determining staffing needs for regular monitoring, especially in high-traffic areas.

IV. Legal Viability:
• Reviewing compliance with local and national laws, including environmental and safety regulations.
• Identifying necessary permits for construction and operation.
• Addressing legal risks and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Ensuring user fees comply with legal standards on accessibility and non-discrimination.

4. Scope of Work:

The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of constructing restroom facilities, with a focus on ensuring social, economic and environmental sustainability while addressing the needs of travelers and local communities.
• Conduct surveys and interviews to gather data on traveler preferences, restroom usage and existing facilities. Analyze traffic patterns to identify high-demand areas for restroom construction. Rank the candidate sites according to technical, financial, security, social, etc., aspects to help in selecting six suitable sites.
• Engage with local authorities, transportation agencies, environmental experts and community representatives to ensure alignment with regulations and policies.
• Evaluate technical requirements for restroom construction, including ease in acquiring land, water supply, waste management, and infrastructure compatibility.
• Prepare a cost-benefit analysis comparing construction and operational costs with traveler benefits such as comfort, public health, and accessibility. It must take into account variation in the estimated life of the structure with respect to the method and material recommended for the construction.
• Design restroom facilities incorporating security measures like lighting, CCTV, and controlled access for maintenance.
• Analyze environmental and social impacts, with strategies to mitigate negative effects on the community, ecosystem and tourism.
• Propose fee structures for restroom usage, evaluating their impact on accessibility and revenue generation.
• Assess financial sustainability by estimating revenue from user fees and exploring alternative funding sources.
• Develop design options focusing on accessibility, sustainability, and future facility expansions.
• Recommend the highest-priority restroom locations, providing a roadmap for construction, operation, and fee implementation with timelines and budget estimates.
• Evaluate construction methods, materials, and timelines, ensuring compliance with local regulations and permits, and focusing on sustainable and locally available materials.
• Assess security factors, including accessibility and proximity to emergency services, to ensure optimal restroom locations.
• Propose an operation and maintenance model ensuring the project’s financial feasibility and long-term sustainability.

5. Methodology:

This methodology combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of constructing restroom facilities, with an emphasis on ensuring long-term social, environmental, and financial sustainability. The following steps will be taken for the feasibility study:
• Initial Planning & Team Coordination by meeting with the SPO team for the inception of the study. Desk review of the Concept Note, and proposal already developed and shared with the donor. Planning for field visits and necessary logistics.
• Identify and list all relevant stakeholders. Consult with local government authorities, transportation agencies, security agencies and community representatives to align with local regulations and community needs.
• Conduct surveys and interviews with travelers to assess needs, satisfaction, and restroom usage patterns. Analyze traffic patterns and identify high-demand areas for restroom construction.
• Evaluate technical requirements for restroom construction, including ease of acquiring land, water supply, waste management, and additional facilities like food stalls or seating areas.
• Estimate construction, operational, and maintenance costs. Compare costs with potential benefits, such as improved traveler comfort and public health.
• Assess the environmental impact of restroom construction. Evaluate social implications and recommend strategies to mitigate any negative effects on local communities and ecosystems.
• Propose different fee models (e.g., pay-per-use, membership) and assess their impact on accessibility and the project’s financial viability. Estimate revenue potential from user fees and explore alternative funding sources like public-private partnerships and donor funding.
• Develop design specifications for accessibility, sustainability, and future expansions. Evaluate construction methods and materials, ensuring compliance with local regulations and sustainability goals.
• Propose construction timelines, budgets, and resource requirements for successful operationalization.
• Compile and present findings, including a detailed feasibility report and recommendations for restroom construction, financial planning and environmental considerations.

6. Deliverables:

The following deliverables will be produced as part of the feasibility study:
• Inception Report: A detailed work plan consisting of the methodology, timeline, and key activities to be conducted during the study in inception report.
• Data Collection Report: A comprehensive report on the field survey findings, traffic flow analysis, and stakeholder consultations.
• Financial Viability Report: A detailed report on financial projections, revenue models, cost-benefit analysis, and funding recommendations.
• Social Impact Assessment Report: A comprehensive analysis of the social impact, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations for equitable and accessible restroom designs.
• Security Assessment Report: A report addressing security risks, safety design features, emergency response strategies, and staffing requirements.
• Legal Compliance Report: A review of all legal requirements, including land ownership, permitting, liability, and regulatory compliance.
• Integrated Feasibility Report: A consolidated feasibility report encompassing all findings from the financial, social, security, and legal perspectives, providing actionable recommendations for the construction, operation, and sustainability of the restroom facilities.
• Presentation: A presentation summarizing the findings and recommendations for key stakeholders. A complete report consolidating all findings, including an implementation plan, design recommendations, and cost-benefit analysis.

7. Time frame:
The total allocated duration for the impact assessment is two months after signing the contract between the consultant and SPO. The proposed timeline against various milestones of the assignment is as follows:

Activity Duration (in weeks)

• Inception and approval of methodology Week 1
• Data collection and field surveys Weeks 2 & 3
• Financial Viability Report Week 4
• Social Impact Assessment Report Week 4
• Security Assessment Report Week 5
• Legal Compliance Report Week 5
• Draft feasibility report and presentation Week 6
• Final integrated feasibility report submission Week 8 (after revisions)

8. Required Qualification & Experience:

The consultant must have the following qualifications:
a) Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Architecture or urban and Regional Planning.
Master’s degree would be preferred, especially in the areas related to sanitation or public health
b) Registered with the relevant regulatory authority i.e. Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP)
c) 10 years of experience in urban design and planning projects.
d) Experience in conducting feasibility studies and needs assessments.
e) Experience with public space design, accessibility norms, and universal design principles.
f) Familiarity with GIS mapping and site analysis.
g) Proficiency in data collection and analysis methods relevant to sanitation facilities.

9. Deliverables and Payment Schedule:

Deliverables Payments Payment Terms
1. Inception and approval of methodology
2. Data collection and field surveys
3. Financial Viability Report First Payment (30%) Payment shall be made after successful completion / Submission of Deliverables 1-3.
4. Social Impact Assessment Report
5. Security Assessment Report
6. Legal Compliance Report Second Payment (30%) Payment shall be made after successful completion/ Submission of Deliverables 4-6
7. Draft feasibility report and presentation
8. Final integrated feasibility report submission Final Payment (40%) Payment shall be made after successful completion/ Submission of Deliverables 7-8.

10. Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following:
• A detailed technical proposal outlining approach and methodology.
• A financial proposal.
• CV and relevant experience.
• Examples of previous similar work.
11. Procurement Method:

The individual consultant will be selected in accordance with PPAF’s Procurement Manual and Guidelines.

12. Reporting line/ Coordinator:
The consultant will report to National Project Manager Ms. Tabassum Shaheen, who may further delegate coordination as required.

13. Ethical Considerations:
The consultant will hand over all the data along with the final report/ deliverables. SPO will hold the ownership of all data and information collected under this assignment and the consultant will have no right to use or quote data/information from the assignment without prior written permission from senior management of SPO.