RFP-032/25 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Feasibility study for enhancing commercial transport system in Sierra Leone through piloting electric vehicles SCOPE OF WORKOver the past five decades, Sierra Leone has experienced rapid urbanization, with more than 40% of its population now residing in urban areas. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating that the country will surpass the 50% urbanization mark by 2040. Each year, over 100,000 individuals migrate to cities notably Freetown, Bo, Kenema, and Makeni largely for employment and business purposes. Conversely, Sierra Leone is steadily advancing towards sustainable growth and development, as demonstrated by various strategies aimed at boosting local economies. Additionally, Sierra Leone is increasingly becoming recognized as a tourist attraction in the region for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance. This presents opportunities to promote eco-tourism and cultural experiences to attract both international and domestic visitors and thereby contributing to economic development of the country. These advancements, growth needs and opportunities are not adequately supported by appropriate infrastructure including having efficient commercial transportation systems in cities. The commercial transportation sector, in particular, faces significant challenges including congested streets, poor road safety, and limited access to affordable and reliable transportation, especially for last-mile connectivity. Additionally, the commercial transport sector is a major contributor Sierra Leone’s greenhouse gas emissions (high carbon emissions), particularly due to reliance on fuel-powered vehicles, many of which some are old and inefficient.The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA), and Ministry of Transport and Aviation are curating a new initiative “Enhanced commercial transport system in Sierra Leone through piloting electric vehicles”. This initiative aims to introduce an efficient and modern transportation system utilizing electric vehicles in the commercial transport sector. The initial phase will be implemented in Freetown, and later expanded to other cities in the country.   As an initial step in the proposed electric vehicles initiative, a feasibility study will be conducted to assess the viability of introducing electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for the commercial transportation sector. This study aims to assess technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects to inform decision-making for a potential large-scale EV rollout. In light of this, the UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, is seeking a firm to conduct this feasibility studyOBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT To conduct a feasibility study to establish the technical, institutional, financial, economic, environmental, and social viability for “Enhanced commercial transport system in Sierra Leone through piloting electric vehicles” initiative. It will also include, identification of optimal strategies for EV deployment, including fleet management as well as providing actionable recommendations for policy, implementation, and partnership frameworks.SCOPE OF THE WORK The feasibility study will entail a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the readiness for introduction of electric vehicles in the commercial transport sector. The feasibility study will cover the following components:   1.      Technical Feasibility: ·         Assess the availability and suitability of electric vehicles ·         Assess the charging infrastructure (including charging stations and grid capacity) and related technologies for Sierra Leone ·         Technical assessment of Electric Vehicles models suitable for Freetown’s conditions 2.      Economic and financial Feasibility: ·         Assess the costs and benefits of transitioning to e-mobility, including initial investments (vehicle acquisition costs, energy costs (electricity vs. fuel)), maintenance costs, other operational costs, projected revenue (assess over a period of time), and potential savings. ·         Identification of funding sources, grants, public-private partnerships, and financing mechanisms. ·         Evaluation of the economic impact on local employment, technology transfer, and skills development.·         Overall assess the financial viability of the proposed electric vehicle initiative. 3.      Market Feasibility: ·         Assess of current transport patterns and the demand for electric vehicles, the willingness of users to adopt and utilize them detailing the market potential, areas where the electric vehicle will operate, and the potential for market growth. 4.      Environmental Feasibility:·         Assess the environmental and social impacts of deploying electric vehicles in the commercial transport sector, including reductions in emissions and other pollutants.·         Quantification of the related environmental benefits of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.·         Social impact considerations including job creation, community acceptance, and accessibility 5.      Regulatory and Policy Framework:·         Review existing regulations and policies for commercial transportation and related effects on e-mobility 6.      Infrastructure Requirements:·         Examine supporting infrastructure for the electric vehicles including charging stations and maintenance facilities. This will entail sites identification and development of appropriate designs for the infrastructure.·         Assess and recommend