1. Background

Surge for Water has supported sustainable, and inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for schools in Kaberamaido and Kalaki since 2015. After ten years of program implementation, Surge for Water seeks to undertake an independent study to both evaluate progress and inform future investment needs. This study will involve a comprehensive assessment of 86 primary and 15 secondary schools, collecting detailed information on existing WASH infrastructure functionality and condition.

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2. Objectives

The overall objective of this assignment is to conduct a census of WASH infrastructure in all targeted schools. Specific objectives include:

1. Documenting the availability, type, functionality, and condition of existing water supply and sanitation facilities.
2. Undertaking a structural assessment of sanitation buildings (latrines, toilets, handwashing stations) to determine current quality, estimated remaining lifespan, and required rehabilitation or replacement measures.
3. Engaging key school stakeholders (administration, teachers, school management committees, student representatives) to gather perspectives on WASH needs, usage challenges, and priorities.
4. Providing evidence-based recommendations for infrastructure upgrading, rehabilitation, or new investments.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant/firm will:

• Develop and submit data collection and assessment tools for approval by Surge for Water. Tools should be developed (and data collected) in MWater and capture:
  • Infrastructure inventory (type, number, condition).
  • Functionality (working/non-working, intermittency, reliability of water source).
  • Accessibility (gender-segregated, disability inclusion, child-friendliness).
  • Hygiene facilities (handwashing points, soap availability, menstrual hygiene management).
  • Structural assessments of sanitation blocks: material quality, durability, safety, ventilation, and estimated lifespan.
• Conduct field visits to all 101 schools (86 primary, 15 secondary schools).
• Carry out physical inspections and structural assessments of sanitation buildings.
• Conduct interviews with key stakeholders in each school.
• Collect photographic evidence and geo-reference all facilities.
• Prepare and present a comprehensive assessment report, including recommendations for rehabilitation, upgrading, or new construction.

4. Methodology

• Inception Phase:
  • Review existing reports and data.
  • Obtain all relevant permissions with local authorities to conduct assessments
  • Develop and validate tools and methodology with Surge for Water and District Education Offices.
• Data Collection Phase:
  • Deploy data collection person(s) to all schools.
  • Carry out infrastructure physical assessments and interview data from stakeholders.
  • All data collected to be captured in MWater
• Analysis and Reporting Phase:
  • Compile findings into a structured database
  • Analyze condition, gaps, and priorities.
  • Produce district-level synthesis and recommendations.

5. Deliverables

1. Inception report with detailed methodology, tools, and work plan.
2. Clean dataset with full school-by-school results.
3. Draft assessment report including analysis, maps, photos, and recommendations.
4. Final report (max. 20 pages plus annexes).

6. Duration

The assignment is expected to take approximately 4 weeks including tool design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

7. Required Expertise

The consulting firm/team must demonstrate:

• Engineering qualifications, with experience conducting infrastructure assessments in rural Uganda
• Deep WASH technical expertise, including knowledge of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene standards for schools.
• Social research expertise, including experience in conducting interviews with school stakeholders.
• Excellent report writing skills.

8. Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report to the Global WASH Manager, Surge for Water.

9. Submission of Proposals

Interested firms or individuals should submit:

• Technical proposal including methodology, team composition, qualifications, and detailed work plan.
• Resumes for key staff
• Financial proposal (in UGX or USD).
• At least two references from previous similar assignments.
• Company documentation:
  • Valid certificate of company registration
  • Valid copy of tax registration certificate
  • Tax clearance certificate

The technical and financial proposals will have a weighting of 70% and 30% respectively in the proposal evaluation process.

The deadline for submissions is 6pm EAT, 17^th October 2025. All proposals and questions regarding the assignment should be submitted to:rachel.pringle@surgeforwater.org