Overview
Market Development Facility is a multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries.
We connect individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth.
MDF is currently active in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
MDF is funded by the Australian and New Zealand Governments. It is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.
Background
Solar energy products have strong potential in Vanuatu: 83 per cent of rural households lack access to any electricity, and for those in urban areas, utility grid costs are very high. As a result, solar products have seen good uptake, with high demand for standalone solar products (e.g., solar freezers). However, larger solar systems have had more limited uptake due to barriers such as high upfront costs, lack of available financing, insufficient information, and low availability of parts and maintenance services, especially in rural areas.
Expanding the use of larger solar systems can significantly benefit both grid and off-grid areas. This uptake will enable customers in grid areas to reduce their electricity costs and provide those in off-grid areas with reliable, affordable electricity for the first time. Encouraging the development of this market also supports the Government of Vanuatu in meeting its electrification, renewable energy, and climate change targets.
To support greater uptake of larger solar systems, a clear understanding of the market opportunity is needed. This includes understanding current electricity costs and experiences, awareness of solar products and their perceptions and preferences, current energy needs and usage, investment considerations, payment preferences, and information sources. This information will better inform the design of solar loan products by financial institutions to address the financing barrier and help solar retailers provide more targeted advice to consumers, overcoming the lack of information constraint.
For this purpose, MDF requires the services of a consultant or firm to conduct primary research into awareness and demand for solar energy in Vanuatu. The research will involve face-to-face surveys of households and businesses as well as focus group discussions.
Objective of the study
The objective of the study is to better understand the current and potential demand for solar energy in Vanuatu, as well as the barriers to its adoption. This includes examining aspects such as household and business electricity costs and experiences, awareness of solar products and their perceptions and preferences, current energy needs and usage, investment considerations, payment preferences and information sources.
They key outputs of the study will be (3) documents:
- (1) A detailed research plan outlining the methodology, sampling strategy, and data collection tools.
- (2) A draft report summarising initial findings covering the following topics:
- • Solar Awareness and Knowledge: Assess familiarity with solar energy products, and awareness of local solar companies.
- • Energy Needs: Analyse primary energy sources and understand monthly energy consumption and associated costs. If households do not have electricity, understand their primary electricity needs.
- • Solar Product Preferences: If applicable, investigate current solar products in use and identity preferences for types of solar products.
- • Investment in Solar: Explore willingness to invest in solar technologies, understand the motivations and considerations for investing in solar energy.
- • Payment Preferences: Identify preferred payment methods for acquiring solar products and factors influencing these preferences. Additionally, explore whether there is a history of past loans or any prior investments in solar products.
- • Information Sources: Determine how households and businesses seek information about solar products, identifying trusted sources influencing decisions on product performance and reliability.
- (3) A comprehensive final report providing an in-depth analysis of the topics listed in point (2).
Minimum requirements for applicants
- a. Experience in conducting market research, including designing and implementing surveys and interviews, as well as data collection and analysis.
- b. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce concise, readable, and analytical reports.
- c. Good project management skills, including experience coordinating with stakeholders and local communities.
- d. Experience working in the Pacific region or similar contexts is preferred.
Mandatory Criteria
Consultant(s) or Firms will be required to submit a technical and financial proposal using the provided Response Form, attaching a draft research plan with their cover letter on or before Friday, 23 May 2025, midnight Vanuatu time. Potential bidders may direct their questions via email to Joanne.Ngwele@thepalladiumgroup.com to gain further clarifications about the scope of work and/or the overall assignment.
Evaluation Criteria
MDF will assess submissions in line with the technical and financial evaluation process described below. In assessing submissions, MDF, at its sole discretion, may consider information from other relevant sources.
Technical evaluation
MDF will first score compliant submissions against the following technical criteria:
- A. Suitability of proposed research plan and methodology to deliver the objectives of this assignment (40% of the Technical Score)
- B. Capability and experience demonstrating your ability to deliver services relevant to MDF’s requirements (25% of the Technical Score)
- C. Approach to communication and meeting tight deadlines (10% of the Technical Score).
- D. Qualifications and experience of Key Personnel (25% of the Technical Score)
The technical score will account for 80% of the Total Score.
Financial evaluation
Following the assessment of the technical response, MDF will undertake a like-for-like price comparison of all technically suitable offers. The Financial Score will account for 20% of the Total Score. The lowest-priced financial offer will be awarded the full weighted score. The weighted score of other financial offers will be calculated as a fraction of the higher scoring offer.
If your quote is successful, you will be required to enter into the Palladium’s standard contract for the types of goods or services being provided. In the provision of the Goods and Services, you will be required to comply with the Palladium’s policies, including (without limitation) its Business Partner Code of Conduct and any relevant Project Manual. Potential suppliers must also comply with Palladium’s Business Partner Code of Conduct in the submission of any quotes pursuant to this RFQ.
If you are bidding as part of a joint venture, partnership or similar, please make this clear in your submission. Likewise, if you propose to subcontract any part of the goods or services provision, then disclose this fact within your submission. The Company may require additional information from you and approval for subcontracting will not be automatic as subcontractors will be subject to Palladium’s Due Diligence process.
Registration of Interest: Register your interest to submit an offer by sending your organisation name, contact person and contact details to the Contact Person by email on or before Thursday, 15 May 2025
Last date for Queries: Send all queries to the Contact Person by email on or before Thursday, 15 May 2025. Indicate the RFQ Title in the subject line.
Closing Date and Time: Friday, 23 May 2025 / Midnight Vanuatu Time
Click on “Apply” button below to download the Full RFQ Details, Service Provider Response Forms Part A and B, and submission instructions.