1. Introduction

Equatorial Power (EP) is a mini-grid developer operating in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. EP specializes in providing renewable energy through mini-grids and Productive Hubs (PHs), which offer services such as Wi-Fi, briquette manufacturing, cold-chain, and e-mobility.

The goal of this RFP is to partner with a qualified vendor to develop and implement a digital platform to streamline EP’s operations, enhance customer experience, increase revenue, and modernize processes.

2. Project Goals

1. Enhance Operational Efficiency: Improve productivity and reduce costs across EP’s operations.
2. Improve Customer Experience: Offer better service delivery, payment processing, and support.
3. Increase Revenue: Provide additional services and improve payment collection rates.
4. Modernize Operations: Utilize technology for smart meter integration, customer management, and secure payment processing.
5. Data-Driven Decision Making: Enable data analytics to inform business decisions.
6. Community Development: Promote access to reliable energy and improve livelihoods.

3. Scope of Work

The selected vendor will deliver the following:

3.1 System Design and Development

• Develop a scalable system architecture.
• Build a user-friendly web interface for administrators.
• Create a USSD application and an optional mobile app for customers.
• Integrate APIs for mobile money and smart meter systems.
• Ensure robust security and develop detailed data flow diagrams.

3.2 Mobile Money Integration

• Research and integrate with mobile money providers’ APIs.
• Develop payment reconciliation systems for accurate transaction handling.

3.3 Smart Meter Integration

• Integrate APIs to retrieve meter readings and enable remote operations.
• Synchronize data between smart meters and the platform.

3.4 Data Management and Reporting

• Design a secure and scalable database for customer data, payments, and logs.
• Generate real-time reports on customer usage and payment trends.

3.5 Ticketing System

• Implement a ticketing system for customer issue tracking and resolution.
• Automate customer notifications via SMS or email.

3.6 Testing and Quality Assurance

• Conduct unit, integration, user acceptance, performance, and security testing.

3.7 Deployment and Support

• Deploy the system, provide ongoing support, and train end-users.

3.8 Technical Requirements

• Preferred stack: Django, Python, PostgreSQL/MySQL, ReactJS, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• APIs for mobile money, smart meters, and financial tools (e.g., QuickBooks).
• Ensure high availability, scalability, and compliance with data privacy regulations.

4. Evaluation Criteria

1. Technical Proficiency: Experience in Django, Python, APIs, and cloud computing.
2. Project Experience: Track record of similar projects (e.g., CRM, ERP, energy platforms).
3. Proposed Solution: Feasibility, innovation, and alignment with EP’s goals.
4. Cost: Competitive pricing with a detailed breakdown of development, deployment, and maintenance costs.
5. Timeline: Realistic and achievable milestones.
6. Team Expertise: Qualifications of the project team.
7. Understanding of Requirements: Clear demonstration of EP’s needs.
8. Communication: Effective collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

5. Submission Requirements

Vendors must submit:

• A detailed proposal outlining the solution, methodology, and team.
• Technical specifications of the platform.
• A comprehensive pricing breakdown.
• References to previous similar projects.

6. Submission Deadline

Friday, 7th February 2025, 5:00 PM (EAT)

7. Contact Information

• Email: info@equatorial-power.com, petra.namugenyi@equatorial-power.com
• Info session: 23rd January 2025, 1:30 PM (EAT)
  Google Meet Link

8. Technical Annex

Current System Challenges: EP’s existing system includes tools like Airtel DRC, Spark Meter Management, Epicollect5, and QuickBooks, which operate independently, causing inefficiencies.

Key Requirements:

• Seamless API integration for payment and meter management systems.
• Scalable data storage and robust security measures.
• Real-time reporting and customer insights.
• Ticketing system for customer support.

9. Proposed Timeline

Phase 1: Design & Development

• Architecture design, UI, and API integration: 51 days
  Phase 2: Mobile Money Integration
• Provider selection and API integration: 20 days
  Phase 3: Smart Meter Integration
• API integration and data synchronization: 5 days
  Phase 4: Data Management & Reporting
• Database design and reporting: 9 days
  Phase 5: Testing
• Unit, integration, UAT, performance, and security testing: 12 days
  Phase 6: Deployment
• Deployment, training, and support: 17 days

Total Project Duration: ~4 months.

10. Expected Transactions

• Current (2025): 2,500 customers, 5,000 transactions/month.
• Projected (2025): 3,000 customers, 6,000 transactions/month.

11. Technical Highlights

• Payment API Integration: Secure transactions with robust authentication.
• Smart Meter API Integration: Enable remote operations and retrieve meter data.
• User Interface: Role-based access with intuitive dashboards.
• QuickBooks Integration: Seamless synchronization for financial data.