Christian Blind Mission e.V.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Consultancy Services for a Feasibility Study on the Construction of an Eye Hospital at Nkhoma Mission Hospital, Malawi
About CBM
CBM is an international development organisation committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the world’s poorest communities. In Malawi, CBM supports inclusive health, education, livelihood and community development programmes, including strengthening access to quality eye health services.
Background
CBM intends to support the development of a new purpose-built Eye Hospital at Nkhoma Mission Hospital in Malawi.
The current eye unit faces significant challenges, including limited space, ageing infrastructure, and increasing patient demand. To strengthen eye health service delivery and support the hospital’s role as a key provider of eye care services and training, CBM seeks to commission a qualified consulting firm to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study.
The study will define an affordable, sustainable and operationally effective project scope aligned with an identified funding envelope and provide the basis for the subsequent procurement of design consultancy services.
Objective of the Assignment
The overall objective of the consultancy is to develop a fully defined and cost-aligned project brief for the proposed Eye Hospital that will enable the next phase of design and implementation without significant redefinition of scope.
The consultant will be expected to:
- Assess current and future eye health service requirements, including paediatric eye care services.
- Validate the proposed service model and project scope.
- Develop a Functional Brief and Schedule of Accommodation.
- Assess medical equipment and infrastructure requirements.
- Prepare preliminary cost estimates and phasing options.
- Assess operational and financial sustainability.
- Develop a roadmap for implementation, including timelines, risks and mitigation measures.
Scope of Work
The consultancy will include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Needs assessment of current and future ophthalmology services.
- Development of a service model and integration framework.
- Functional programming and preparation of a room programme.
- Medical equipment needs assessment.
- Site and infrastructure review.
- Sustainability assessment.
- Preliminary construction and equipment cost estimates.
- Budget alignment and phased development options.
- Preparation of an implementation schedule and risk analysis.
Expected Deliverables
The successful consultant shall provide:
- Inception Report
Including:
- Methodology and workplan
- Stakeholder engagement plan
- Data collection approach
- Timeline and key activities
- Preliminary Assessment Report
Including:
- Needs assessment report
- Functional Brief
- Schedule of Accommodation / Room Programme
- Adjacency and zoning diagrams
- Equipment list
- Site review report
- Sustainability assessment
- Preliminary cost estimates
- Scope options
- Final Feasibility Study Report
Including:
- Recommended affordable project scope
- Inclusions and exclusions
- Confirmed service model
- Final room programme
- Validated cost range
- Phasing proposals
- Implementation approach and roadmap
Required Qualifications and Experience
Interested firms must:
- Demonstrate a proven track record in undertaking feasibility studies for infrastructure projects.
- Have a minimum of 10 years’ experience, preferably including healthcare facility projects.
- Demonstrate familiarity with Malawi building regulations and international healthcare planning standards.
- Have strong project management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Provide evidence of at least three comparable assignments successfully completed.
- Have an active registration with NCIC
Proposed Team Composition
The consulting firm should propose a multidisciplinary team that includes, at minimum:
Team Leader / Architect
- Registered Architect
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience
- Experience in healthcare facilities, preferably eye care facilities
- Registered with NCIC
Quantity Surveyor
- Registered Quantity Surveyor
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in costing, contracts and Bills of Quantities
- Registered with NCIC
Health Facility Planner
- Qualification in Public Health, Health Planning or Facility Design
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in healthcare facility planning and design
Duration of the Assignment
The consultancy is expected to be completed as follows:
- Inception Report:Within 2 weeks of contract commencement
- Preliminary Assessment Report:Within 4 weeks of approval of the Inception Report
- Final Report:Within 2 weeks of approval of the Preliminary Assessment Report
Submission Requirements
Interested firms must submit:
- Cover letter expressing interest and suitability for the assignment.
- Technical proposal outlining methodology, approach and workplan.
- Company profile and legal registration documents.
- CVs of key personnel proposed for the assignment.
- Portfolio of relevant assignments, including project descriptions, photographs, client references and locations.
- At least three references for similar assignments.
- Financial proposal with an itemised budget.
- Evidence of tax compliance and legal standing.
Safeguarding and Confidentiality
The selected consultant will be required to comply with CBM’s Code of Conduct, PSEAH Policy and Safeguarding Policy. All information obtained during the assignment shall be treated confidentially.
Submission of Proposals
Applications and requests for clarification should be submitted via email to: procurement.malawi@cbm.org
Submission Deadline
Friday, 14 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC+2
Note
Only shortlisted firms will be contacted. CBM reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without assigning any reason and is not bound to award the consultancy to the lowest bidder.
CBM encourages applications from qualified firms with demonstrated commitment to disability inclusion, accessibility, sustainability and quality healthcare infrastructure development.