TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF PROCURING THE SOLAR-POWERED RADIOS FOR THE TWUBAKANE SEASON 2 RCT

RWAMREC
Jan 7
3 min read

Twubakane Season 2 – Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

1. Background

NOVAH, in collaboration with RWAMREC, is implementing a large-scale Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to evaluate the impact of the Twubakane Season 2 radio drama on reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) across Rwanda. The study will involve approximately 2,400 households across all sectors of Nyagatare District.

To ensure that all participating households can reliably access and listen to the 12 episodes of the Twubakane radio drama, RWAMREC seeks to procure 2,400 solar-powered radios suitable for rural settings where access to electricity is limited or inconsistent.

This Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the technical specifications, eligibility requirements, delivery expectations, and evaluation criteria for interested suppliers.

2. Objectives of the Procurement

The objective of this procurement is to purchase and distribute 2,400 durable, easy-to-use solar-powered radios to the 14 sector offices of Nyagatare District prior to the launch of the Twubakane Season 2 broadcast.

The radios must:

Enable weekly listening without reliance on grid electricity
Provide clear FM reception for community radio stations airing Twubakane
Have simple and intuitive controls suitable for users with varying literacy levels

3. Quantity and Technical Specifications

Item	Type / Brand	Technical Specifications	Quantity
1	Radio	• Portable, rechargeable FM radio with built-in solar panel • Supports FM band (87.5–108 MHz) • Telescopic antenna for improved reception • Dual charging options: solar and USB • Durable plastic casing with handle or strap • Clear built-in speaker • Supplied with USB charging cable and user manual • Minimum one-year warranty	2,400

Unit cost: Taxes inclusive (VAT)Distribution location: Sector offices of Nyagatare District

4. Distribution Locations

The radios will be distributed across the following 14 sectors of Nyagatare District:

Gatunda, Karama, Karangazi, Katabagemu, Kiyombe, Matimba, Mimuri, Mukama, Musheri, Nyagatare, Rukomo, Rwempasha, Rwimiyaga, and Tabagwe.

5. Required Radio Features

FM frequency coverage: 87.5–108 MHz (must receive all major Rwandan community radio stations)
Strong signal reception, including in remote rural areas
Manual tuning knob
Built-in speaker with adequate volume for household listening
User-friendly design suitable for low-literacy populations

6. Warranty and After-Sales Support

Suppliers must provide:

A minimum six-month warranty against manufacturing defects
A clear procedure for replacement of faulty units
Local availability for repair or return services, preferably within Rwanda

7. Delivery Requirements

7.1 Delivery Locations

Radios must be delivered to the 14 sector offices of Nyagatare District listed above.

7.2 Delivery Timeline

Delivery must occur within three (3) days of receipt of the official Purchase Order.The planned delivery window is 2–4 February 2026, with flexibility for earlier delivery upon mutual agreement.

8. Supplier Eligibility Criteria

Eligible suppliers must:

Be legally registered in Rwanda
Have demonstrated experience supplying radios or electronic equipment
Provide at least two (2) past performance references
Demonstrate capacity to deliver 2,400 units within the required timeframe

9. Required Documentation

Suppliers must submit the following:

Company registration certificate and TIN certificate
Detailed technical specifications of the proposed radio model(s)
Photos of the radio(s)
Warranty terms and conditions
Unit price and total price in RWF (VAT inclusive), clearly separating:
- Unit cost per radio
- Total transportation cost
Past client references
Sample unit (upon request prior to contract award)
Distribution plan referencing the specified sectors

10. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:

Criteria	Weight
Company eligibility, past experience, and distribution plan	20%
Compliance with technical specifications	40%
Financial cost	40%
Total	100%