TENDER NOTICE

Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Renovation of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Court in Moyamba

Project Title: Strengthening the Justice and Security Sector for Survivor-Centered SGBV Response in Sierra Leone Implementing Organization: L.A.W.Y.E.R.S. (Legal Access Through Women Yearning for Equality and Social Justice) Funding Partner: United Nations Development Programme under the Spotlight Initiative Background

L.A.W.Y.E.R.S. (Legal Access Through Women Yearning for Equality and Social Justice) is implementing a three- year project titled “Strengthening the Justice and Security Sector for Survivor-Centered SGBV Response in Sierra Leone.” The project aims to strengthen the justice system to provide survivor-centered, rights-based, and efficient justice services for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

As part of the project activities, L.A.W.Y.E.R.S intends to renovate and equip specialized Gender-Based Violence (GBV) courts to improve access to justice and create safe and survivor-friendly spaces within the judicial system.

Scope of Work contracts will be awarded by lots
Procurement of Civil Works
We kindly request you to submit your bids for the renovation and improvement of one GBV court located in: ● Moyamba District – lot 1
The scope of works will include but is not limited to:

• ●  Renovation of courtroom structures.
• ●  Construction or improvement of private consultation rooms.
• ●  Establishment of child-friendly spaces for vulnerable witnesses.
• ●  Provision of safe waiting areas for survivors and witnesses.
• ●  Minor structural improvements including painting, partitioning, and repair works.
• ●  Installation of essential fixtures and fittings to improve court functionality. Expected Outputs

● (1) GBV courts renovated and equipped by the end of six months from date of signing the contract.

100% of renovated GBV courts equipped with survivor-friendly facilities, including:

Privacy rooms Child-friendly spaces Safe waiting areas

Submission Requirements

Interested contractors should submit the following:

1. Company profile or individual contractor profile.
2. Copy of business registration certificate.
3. Evidence of previous construction or renovation projects.
4. Proposed technical approach and work plan.
5. Completed, signed and stamped bill of quantities for the proposed works.
6. Evidence/Certification of Environmental Sustainability (“Green” Standards) of the Company or the Product being supplied;
7. Latest Internal Revenue Certificate / Tax Clearance;

Evaluation criteria Administrative compliance

• Profile of the company
• Certificates of business registration, updated NaSSIT clearance and NRA (if your company is exempted from paying tax, kindly provide a copy of the exemption certificate/letter)
• All company’s documents are to be stamped with the company’s official stamp and signed by the company’s designated personnel.
• All required documentation is to be submitted and in the required form Technical evaluation criteria Technical responsiveness/Full compliance with specifications, best delivery time and best price

• Copies of Degrees/Certificates and CV for all technical staff and personnel to be part of the workforce.

• Current registration/practicing certificate for the company, and for at least two engineers (one civil and one electrical engineer) from the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers/Professional Engineers Regulation Council (SLIE/PERC).
• Work plan/scheduled for a period of six months
• Method statement
• Audited statement of the company for the last three years
• Equipment owned or to be hired – from the company or MSU/SLRTA
• Evidence of similar works completed within the last three years (Certificates of completion, letters and contact details of verifiable references)
• All pages of the bid must be signed and stamped with the company’s official stamp
• All pages of the BoQ are stamped and signed, and each item/works component is priced/quoted for
• Written confirmation to work within the specified project Moyamba, Kailahun and Falaba
• 90 days of bid validity period Full acceptance of the Contract for works and the Contract General Terms and Conditions [this is a mandatory criterion and cannot be deleted regardless of the nature of services required] Written Self-Declaration of not being included in the UN Security Council 1267/1989 list, UN Procurement Division List or other UN Ineligibility List; or been blacklisted by any procuring entity Written acceptance of the defect liability for a period of 12months (one year). Language of the bid: all documents pertaining to this bid shall be in the English language. Bid currency: the currency for the procurement shall be the Sierra Leone Leones. Payment terms:

1. 1st Instalment of 40% payment upon signing of the contract, approval of the mobilization report and revised workplan by L.A.W.Y.E.R.S.
2. All other payments shall be made based on measured works, to be approved by L.A.W.Y.E.R.S.
3. Retention fee of 20% to be made payable to the contractor upon the expiration of the defect liability period and final inspection of the completed works, confirming that there are no defects to the structure and that there are no forthcoming claims regarding the completed works.

Type of contract to be signed: Civil Works

L.A.W.Y.E.R.S. (Legal Access Through Women Yearning for Equality and Social Justice)
11 Percival Street
menisa.sesay@gmail.com and lawyers_sl@yahoo.co.uk

Deadline for Submission
Date: 20th November 2026
Time: 3:00pm
Late submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted contractors will be contacted. Equal Opportunity Statement

L.A.W.Y.E.R.S. (Legal Access Through Women Yearning for Equality and Social Justice) is an equal opportunity employer and encourages bids from qualified women, physically challenged and all persons with relevant experience in construction work.

Submission of Bids
Bids should be submitted in a sealed envelope or via email to: Procurement Unit

ANNEXES

Annex A: technical design A– Asbuilt Floor Plan Drawing of Existing Building B- Proposal Floor Plan for the Proposed Fuctionality

Annex 2: Statement of works (SOW) 1. Activity Title: Renovation and Upgrading of the Sexual Offences Model Court

2. Background & Objective

The primary objective of this project is to renovate the existing courtroom facilities into a specialized, trauma- informed Sexual Offences Model Court. The renovation aims to create a safe, supportive, and accessible environment that minimizes secondary victimization for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly children and vulnerable witnesses, while ensuring the constitutional rights of the accused to a fair trial are maintained.

The renovation must prioritize privacy, security, separate circulation paths, and the integration of modern testimony technologies.

3. Scope of Work

The selected Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, supervision, and technical expertise required to complete the architectural, structural, electrical, and interior renovations. The scope includes, but is not limited to, the following zones:

Phase 1: Architectural Reconfiguration & Demolition

Structural Adjustments: Demolition of non-load-bearing walls to reconfigure the layout into distinct zones (Courtroom, Victim Waiting Room, Testifying Room, Accused Holding Area).

Circulation Control: Installation of secure, separate access routes ensuring the victim/complainant does not cross paths or sit in view of the accused or the public prior to entering the courtroom. Phase 2: Interior Fit-Out & Specialized Spaces The Main Courtroom:

Installation of modular judicial furniture (bench, witness stand, clerk desk, bar table).

Design and installation of a protective screen or specialized partition around the witness stand to shield vulnerable witnesses from the direct line of sight of the public gallery and the accused, if requested by the court.

Vulnerable Witness Testimony Room (CCTV Room):

Creation of a soundproofed, private room adjacent to or near the courtroom.
Interior decor must be soothing and non-threatening (neutral colors, child-friendly elements if applicable).

Victim Support & Private Waiting Rooms:

Renovation of dedicated waiting spaces equipped with comfortable seating, private restroom access, and climate control.

Secure Accused Holding Cell:

Upgrading the security infrastructure of the holding area, including reinforced doors and separate bathroom facilities.

Phase 3: Technology, Audio-Visual (AV) & Systems Integration

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) System: Installation of high-definition two-way audio and video link systems between the Vulnerable Witness Testimony Room and the Main Courtroom, enabling remote testimony.

Acoustic Treatment: Installation of acoustic wall panels and sound-absorbent flooring/carpeting in the courtroom and testimony room to reduce echo and prevent sound leakage.

Phase 4: Electrical, HVAC & Finishing

Lighting: Upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting with dimming capabilities in the testimony room to reduce sensory stress.

HVAC: Upgrading or installing independent climate control units for the courtroom and victim waiting areas to ensure proper ventilation.

Painting and Finishes: Application of low-VOC, durable paint utilizing a trauma-informed, calming color palette (e.g., soft blues, greens, or warm neutrals).

4. Deliverables & Schedule

The project is expected to be completed within six months from the date of signing the contract. The contractor is expected to provide detailed workplan and milestones

5. Standards and Compliance

The Contractor must ensure all works comply with:

National Building Regulations and Fire Safety Codes.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.
Accessibility guidelines (e.g., wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms).

Strict confidentiality and data privacy guidelines regarding any sensitive court documentation or layouts exposed during construction.

6. Period of Performance & Place of Work Location: Moyamba

Working Hours: Standard hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Weekend or night work must be pre-authorized to minimize disruption to adjacent active courtrooms.

Annex B SELF-DECLARATION OF NON-INVOLVEMENT, NON-SANCTION AND ELIGIBILITY

I, , hereby solemnly declare and affirm that:

1. I am not currently, and have never been, listed on the United Nations Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List or any other applicable United Nations sanctions list.

2. I am not listed on the United Nations Procurement Division’s Ineligible Vendors List or any other United Nations database or register of suspended, debarred or ineligible individuals or entities.

3. I have never been blacklisted, suspended, debarred or declared ineligible by the United Nations, any of its agencies, funds, programmes, offices or affiliated institutions, or any other recognised international organisation or procurement authority.

4. I am not involved in, associated with, or providing support to any individual, organisation or entity subject to United Nations sanctions or other applicable international restrictions.

5. I have not engaged in any fraudulent, corrupt, collusive, coercive, obstructive or unethical conduct that would render me ineligible to participate in United Nations procurement, partnership, consultancy or other engagement processes.

6. I am not aware of any pending investigation, disciplinary proceeding or other matter that would materially affect my eligibility to participate in United Nations-related activities or engagements.

7. I undertake to promptly disclose any change in circumstances that may affect the accuracy of this declaration and my eligibility.

I make this declaration in good faith, believing the statements contained herein to be true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any false, misleading or inaccurate representation may result in disqualification, termination of engagement or other appropriate action in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

DECLARANT’S DETAILS

Full Name:
Nationality: Sierra Leonean Position/Designation: Organisation:
Address:

DECLARATION AND SIGNATURE Signature:
Date:
Place: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Witness (if required) Name: Signature:
Date:

Annex C: Special conditions of contract

1. GENERAL COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS

1.1 The Contractor shall, throughout the duration of the Contract, comply with all applicable national laws, regulations, policies, standards and internationally recognised conventions relating to labour rights, human rights, gender equality, child protection, occupational health and safety, social safeguards and environmental protection.

1.2 The Contractor shall ensure that its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants and any other persons engaged in the performance of the Contract comply with these Special Conditions of Contract.

1.3 The Contractor shall take all reasonable and necessary measures to prevent, identify, report, investigate and address any breach of these requirements arising in connection with the execution of the Contract.

1.4 Compliance with these provisions shall constitute a material obligation of the Contract. Any failure to comply may result in corrective measures, suspension of activities, withholding of payments, termination of the Contract or other contractual remedies.

2. SEXUAL HARASSMENT, SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE

2.1 The Contractor shall maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, gender-based violence, intimidation, discrimination and any form of inappropriate sexual conduct in connection with the Contract.

2.2 The Contractor shall prohibit all forms of sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, sexually suggestive comments, inappropriate physical contact, intimidation, exploitation of power relationships and any conduct creating a hostile, intimidating or offensive working environment.

2.3 The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel engaged in the project understand and comply with the prohibition against sexual exploitation and abuse, including any abuse of position, authority, vulnerability or unequal power relationships.

2.4 The Contractor shall:

1. Develop, adopt and enforce a Code of Conduct prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, abuse and gender-based violence.
2. Ensure that all employees, subcontractors and project personnel sign and acknowledge the Code of Conduct before commencing work.
3. Conduct mandatory induction and periodic awareness training on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, gender-based violence, professional conduct and appropriate workplace behaviour.
4. Establish accessible, confidential and survivor-centred reporting and complaints mechanisms.
5. Ensure that complaints are promptly referred to appropriate competent authorities where legally required and handled in accordance with applicable laws and safeguarding procedures.
6. Protect complainants, survivors and witnesses from retaliation, intimidation, victimisation or discrimination.
7. Take appropriate disciplinary and administrative action against personnel found responsible for misconduct, in accordance with applicable law and due process.

2.5 The Contractor shall not engage in, facilitate, tolerate or condone sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment involving employees, community members, beneficiaries or other persons affected by the project.

2.6 Any allegation of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment shall be treated seriously and handled with confidentiality, sensitivity, impartiality and respect for the dignity, safety and wishes of the affected person.

2.7 The Contractor shall immediately notify the Employer or designated Project Safeguards Officer of any serious safeguarding incident connected with the Contract, subject to applicable confidentiality and survivor- protection requirements.

3. PROHIBITION OF CHILD LABOUR

3.1 The Contractor shall strictly prohibit the employment or engagement of children in violation of applicable national labour and child protection legislation and relevant international labour standards.

3.2 No child shall be employed or engaged in work that is hazardous, exploitative, harmful to their health, safety, physical or psychological development, or that interferes with their education.

3.3 The Contractor shall:

1. Verify the age and identity of all prospective employees before engagement.
2. Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel records, including proof of age.
3. Ensure that minimum employment ages comply with applicable national legislation and international labour standards.
4. Prohibit the use of forced labour, bonded labour, trafficking in persons and all forms of exploitative child labour.
5. Ensure that subcontractors, suppliers and other third parties engaged in the project comply with the same child protection requirements.
6. Immediately report any identified or suspected case of child labour to the Employer and relevant competent authorities, as appropriate.

3.4 Where a case of child labour is identified, the Contractor shall immediately remove the child from the prohibited or hazardous activity and implement an appropriate child-centred remediation plan in consultation with relevant child protection authorities.

3.5 Remediation shall prioritise the child’s safety, welfare, best interests and continued access to education and shall not expose the child to further harm.

3.6 The Contractor shall maintain a child protection policy and implement appropriate measures to prevent children from being exposed to hazardous project activities or exploitation.

4. SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION

5.1 The Contractor shall conduct its activities in a socially responsible manner and shall respect the rights, dignity, safety, privacy and welfare of employees, local communities, project beneficiaries and other affected persons.

5.2 The Contractor shall comply with applicable laws and project requirements relating to: a. Non- discrimination and equal opportunity.
b. Gender equality and women’s empowerment.
c. Prevention of gender-based violence and violence against children.

d. Labour rights, fair working conditions and lawful remuneration. e. Freedom of association and lawful collective bargaining.
f. Prevention of forced labour, human trafficking and exploitation. g. Protection of vulnerable persons and marginalised groups.

h. Community health, safety and security.

i. Protection of cultural heritage and community assets.

j. Prevention of harassment, intimidation and discriminatory treatment.

5.3 The Contractor shall ensure that recruitment, employment, remuneration, promotion and other workplace decisions are based on merit, competence and lawful employment practices without discrimination.

5.4 The Contractor shall ensure that project activities do not unnecessarily disrupt community livelihoods, access to essential services, public infrastructure or the rights of affected persons.

5.5 The Contractor shall establish or participate in an accessible Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) through which workers, community members and other affected persons can raise complaints concerning project activities.

5.6 All grievances shall be recorded, acknowledged, assessed and addressed within reasonable timeframes. Confidentiality and protection against retaliation shall be maintained.

5.7 The Contractor shall ensure that community engagement is conducted respectfully, inclusively and transparently, with particular consideration for women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND PROTECTION

6.1 The Contractor shall comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, permits, licences, environmental standards and approved project environmental management requirements.

6.2 The Contractor shall undertake all project activities in a manner that prevents or minimises pollution, environmental degradation, unnecessary resource consumption and adverse impacts on surrounding communities and ecosystems.

6.3 The Contractor shall:

1. Prepare and implement an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), where required.
2. Obtain all necessary environmental permits, approvals and licences before undertaking regulated activities.
3. Ensure proper collection, segregation, storage, transportation and disposal of solid and liquid waste.
4. Prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater, hazardous substances, chemicals and other pollutants into water bodies, drainage systems or surrounding land.
5. Implement measures to control dust, noise, vibration, emissions and other environmental disturbances.
6. Ensure the safe handling, storage, transportation and disposal of fuel, chemicals and hazardous materials.
7. Prevent unnecessary vegetation clearance, soil erosion, land degradation and damage to natural habitats.
8. Promote the efficient use of water, energy and other natural resources.
9. Maintain clean, orderly and environmentally safe project sites.

j. Ensure that all project-related environmental incidents are promptly reported and addressed.

6.4 The Contractor shall take immediate action to contain, mitigate and remediate any environmental damage caused by its activities, employees or subcontractors, subject to applicable legal requirements.

6.5 The Contractor shall not undertake activities requiring environmental approval without first obtaining the necessary authorisations from the competent regulatory authority.

6.6 The Employer shall be entitled to inspect project sites, environmental records and waste management arrangements to verify compliance with these requirements.

7. SUBCONTRACTOR AND SUPPLIER COMPLIANCE

7.1 The Contractor shall ensure that all subcontractors, suppliers, service providers and other third parties engaged in the performance of the Contract comply with these Special Conditions.

7.2 The Contractor shall incorporate appropriate social, environmental, labour, child protection and occupational health and safety obligations into all relevant subcontracts and supplier agreements.

7.3 The Contractor shall conduct reasonable due diligence and monitoring to ensure that subcontractors and suppliers comply with applicable standards.

7.4 Any breach of these requirements by a subcontractor or supplier shall be treated as a compliance matter for which the Contractor remains contractually accountable to the Employer.

8. REPORTING, MONITORING AND DOCUMENTATION

8.1 The Contractor shall submit periodic compliance reports to the Employer detailing its performance against the requirements of these Special Conditions.

8.2 Such reports shall include, where applicable:
a. Records of occupational health and safety training.
b. Accident, injury and incident registers.
c. Records of personnel and age verification.
d. Signed Codes of Conduct and safeguarding training records.
e. Records of grievances received and actions taken, using anonymised information where appropriate.

f. Environmental monitoring and waste management records.
g. Records of corrective and preventive actions undertaken.
h. Reports of safeguarding, labour or environmental incidents, subject to confidentiality requirements.

8.3 The Employer or its authorised representative shall have the right to conduct inspections, audits, site visits and compliance assessments, with reasonable notice or without prior notice where necessary to investigate suspected serious breaches, subject to applicable law.

8.4 The Contractor shall provide reasonable access to relevant records, personnel and project sites for the purpose of verifying compliance.

8.5 The Contractor shall cooperate fully with any compliance investigation or audit conducted by the Employer or a competent regulatory authority.

9. SANCTIONS FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

9.1 Any failure by the Contractor to comply with these Special Conditions shall constitute a breach of the Contract.

9.2 Depending on the nature, seriousness and frequency of the breach, the Employer may:

1. Issue a formal warning or notice of non-compliance.
2. Require the removal or replacement of personnel responsible for misconduct, subject to applicable law and due process.
3. Require mandatory retraining or additional compliance measures.
4. Require the Contractor to implement corrective and remedial actions at its own cost.
5. Suspend the affected project activity or work area.
6. Withhold certification or payment for affected works or services to the extent permitted under the Contract and applicable law.
7. Recover costs incurred in addressing damage or non-compliance attributable to the Contractor.
8. Terminate the Contract in accordance with the applicable termination provisions.

i. Refer the matter to the relevant regulatory, law enforcement or other competent authority where appropriate.

10.3 Any involvement in child trafficking, forced labour, serious sexual exploitation or abuse, deliberate concealment of serious safeguarding incidents, or other serious misconduct may constitute grounds for immediate suspension or termination, subject to applicable law and the Contract’s termination procedures.

9.4 The exercise of any remedy under this clause shall not prejudice the Employer’s right to pursue any other contractual or legal remedy available to it.

10. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY

10.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for any loss, damage, injury, environmental harm, regulatory penalty or liability arising from its failure to comply with these Special Conditions, to the extent attributable to its acts, omissions or those of its personnel, agents or subcontractors.

10.2 The Contractor shall indemnify the Employer against third-party claims, losses, damages and reasonable costs arising from such non-compliance, subject to applicable law and the limitations of liability expressly provided under the Contract.

10.3 Nothing in this clause shall exclude or limit any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.

11. SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS

11.1 The Contractor’s obligations concerning confidentiality, safeguarding, incident reporting, remediation, environmental restoration, outstanding liabilities and indemnification shall, to the extent applicable, survive the completion, expiry or termination of the Contract.

11.2 Termination or completion of the Contract shall not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for any breach or liability arising during the performance of the Contract.

12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

The Contractor acknowledges that it has read, understood and agreed to comply with these Special Conditions of Contract.

The Contractor further acknowledges that compliance with these requirements is a material condition of the Contract and that any breach may attract the contractual and legal consequences provided herein:

FOR THE EMPLOYER

Name: __________________________________ Designation: _____________________________ Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________________________________ FOR THE CONTRACTOR

Name: __________________________________ Designation: _____________________________ Company: ________________________________ Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________________________________