Consultant for Conduct Feedstock Scoping

Request for Proposal/Consultant for

 Conduct Feedstock Scoping Study for Biochar Carbon Project in Laos

28 Nov. 25

Saphathong Tai village, Sisatanath District,

VTE capital, Laos. Tel 021 413 290/020 5237 1671

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Following your successful submission of the EOI number PRN0498/25, we hereby invite you to submit a Proposal as below TOR for the Technical Assessment Assignment PRN0562/25.

SNV intends to enter into a contract for these services with the winning bidder. The overarching project within which this assignment will sit is funded by SNV and thus subject to the terms and conditions in the Lead Contract with SNV.

The attached contract sample will illustrate the terms and conditions to which you will abide if you are successful.

Your proposals are due to SNV no later than 07 December 2025. Late bids will be disqualified. Bids must be download /requested the RFP from cpachia@snv.org.

The RFP package including:

• Instructions to Bidders
• The Terms of Reference
• A sample Contract.

We look forward to receiving your proposal,

Kind regards,

Terms of Reference (ToR)
To Conduct Feedstock Scoping Study for Biochar Carbon Project in Laos
1.                   About SNV
SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 African and Asian countries. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org

SNV has had a presence in Lao PDR since 1993. We established an independent organisation in 2003.Our work is aligned with Laos PDR’s 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy.
2.                   Background
SNV Laos is assessing the feasibility of establishing a biochar plant in the country as part of a carbon project. A preliminary study on bamboo waste was conducted a couple of years ago, including visits to bamboo forests and processing factories, as well as consultations with local stakeholders in Vientiane. The findings indicate that relying on a small catchment area and a single biomass source is unlikely to be sufficient for a viable biochar operation.

It is estimated that a biochar plant with a daily production capacity of 10 tons could be financially viable, requiring approximately 40 tons of feedstock per day. Feedstock would need to be sourced within a 100 km radius of the biochar production facility centre.

Therefore, a more detailed scoping study is needed to identify, map, and assess additional biomass feedstocks available in the country, identify suitable locations for a biochar production facility, map potential users/sectors for biochar, and understand challenges faced by existing biochar producers in Laos.
3.                   Objective

• To conduct a detailed assessment of the availability, quantity, seasonality, and suitability of residual biomass feedstocks in Laos for biochar production, and to determine whether sufficient feedstock exists to support a viable biochar plant with an estimated daily output of 10 tons.

• To identify suitable locations for biochar production, taking into account proximity to biomass sources, transportation infrastructure, and opportunities for co-location with waste producers or heat users. Map all potential biomass sources and recommend locations where a 10-ton-per-day biochar plant can be sustainably supplied with approximately 40 tons of feedstock sourced within a 100 km radius.

• To map the potential biochar users, such as large industrial farms, commercial plantations, and agribusinesses. Understand the challenges faced by existing biochar producers in Laos.

4.                   Scope of Works
The consultant will:

• Map out current biochar producers in Laos, meet with two of those producers and understand and analyse their challenges.
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify potential feedstocks, including bamboo waste, agricultural residues, forestry residues, wood-processing by-products, and other relevant biomass sources.
• Carry out key informant interviews with stakeholders using structured questionnaires/checklists to validate literature findings and gather additional information.
• Visit the selected two sites to verify data and collect further insights through field observations and interviews. Document evidence (photos, interviews, receipts, local ordinances, videos where possible).
• Estimate the availability and seasonality of each feedstock, including annual volumes and monthly/seasonal fluctuations and pricing models. Ensure residuality of the biomass, including baseline analysis of the current end-usage of the residual biomass.
• Map feedstock sources using basic GIS or spatial mapping tools.
• Analyse supply chain factors such as collection, transportation, storage, and competing uses.
• Assess the feasibility of securing a reliable and sustainable feedstock supply for a biochar project (Evaluate consistency and variability)
• Map potential users for biochar such as large industrial farms, commercial plantations, and agribusinesses.
• Assess feasibility of for location of biochar production considering co-location with factories requiring heat and/or waste producers and biochar users.
• Assess sustainability compliance of each biomass source (food/feed competition, biodiversity impacts, soil nutrient depletion risk, water use impacts).
• Demonstrate biomass additionality (prove feedstock would otherwise be unused, burned, landfilled, etc.).
• Identify potential social risks (labor issues, land conflicts, community acceptance).
• Provide recommendations on viable feedstocks and potential supply models.

5.                 Deliverables
The consultant will deliver a detailed scoping study report covering feedstock availability, seasonal variations, supply chain insights, feasibility assessment, recommendations, and other relevant findings.

6.                   Duration
The submission of the draft report by the end of December and the final report by the end of January 2026.
7.                   Budget
The total budget available for this study is up to USD 6,000.
8.                   Team Composition
This study seeks a lead consultant who meets the skills and experience outlined in Section 8. The lead consultant may propose support from a junior researcher or a local assistant for fieldwork, data analysis, GIS mapping, or other tasks as needed. Please note that the total budget remains the same regardless of the team composition.
9.                   Consultant Qualifications
The team leader must meet the following qualifications:

• Experience in the agro-forestry sector in Laos and prior involvement in biomass supply chains
• Knowledge of biochar and/or biofuels
• Experience conducting field surveys and data collection
• Basic GIS and spatial mapping skills
• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication abilities
• A university degree in agriculture, forestry, natural resources, renewable energy, or a related field

Note: The consultant may propose an assistant to support one or more technical tasks, such as GIS mapping.
10.               Reporting
The consultant will report to SNV Country Director and provide regular progress updates.
11.               Proposal Submission
Interested consultants should submit:

• Technical Proposal outlining the methodology for data collection and analysis, relevant previous experience, work plan, team composition, and CVs of proposed team members.
• Financial Proposal detailing the total cost and a full cost breakdown. The budget must include all expenses—such as remuneration, travel, taxes, and any other miscellaneous costs—required to complete the assignment as specified in the scope of work.