Architectural consultancy firm for eye care unit design at CBM Zanzibar, May 2026

Consultancy opportunity: Architectural consultancy firm for design of an eye care unit with integrated paediatric services at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar

Organization

Christian Blind Mission (CBM)

Consultancy title

Architectural consultancy firm for design of an eye care unit with integrated paediatric services at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar

Location

Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Mazizini, Zanzibar

Background

Christian Blind Mission (CBM) is commissioning an architectural consultancy firm to develop concept designs, detailed designs, and cost estimates for the proposed Specialized Eye Care Unit / Ophthalmology Centre at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Mazizini, Zanzibar.

The proposed unit will provide comprehensive ophthalmology services, with a strong focus on paediatric eye care. The design should create a child-friendly, accessible, and welcoming environment that responds to both the medical and emotional needs of children.

At the same time, the facility must also serve the broader patient population by supporting general eye care services and allowing for future scalability.

Proposed facility and room program

The proposed eye care unit is expected to include, among other spaces:

• Outpatient consultation rooms
• Paediatric ophthalmology clinic
• Two operating theatres and operating area
• Ward area
• Minor procedure room
• Optical shop / dispensing area
• Workshops
• Adult and paediatric-friendly waiting areas
• Registration and reception area
• Pharmacy
• Stores
• Staff offices
• Staff changing rooms
• Accessible toilets
• Waste management area
• Emergency access

Objectives of the consultancy

The main objectives of the consultancy are to:

• Design a functional and efficient eye care unit that serves both paediatric and general ophthalmology needs.
• Integrate inclusive and child-centric design features that are inviting and comfortable for children and their families.
• Ensure compliance with local building regulations and international health, safety, and accessibility standards.
• Incorporate sustainable, climate-adaptive, and cost-effective design practices.

Phase I: Design and engineering services

The consultancy services under Phase I will include:

• Carrying out concept, schematic, and detailed architectural and engineering designs for the new building.
• Preparing bills of quantities and tender documents for the project.
• Facilitating tender administration.
• Supporting the initial application and approval process for a construction permit from the relevant local authorities.
• Ensuring the design accommodates possibilities for future expansion.

Scope of consultancy services

Phase 1: Detailed design and engineering services

Site verification and stakeholder engagement

The consultant will be required to:

• Conduct detailed geotechnical surveys and analysis related to construction works at the proposed site.
• Engage users, including eye unit staff, paediatric staff, and administrators, to define needs.
• Review project concept notes, CBM standards, and Ministry design standards.
• Design the eye unit according to the client’s requirements.

Architectural and engineering design

The consultant will prepare architectural and engineering designs for the new eye unit, including:

• Site plan
• Floor plans
• Elevations
• Sections
• Details at appropriate scales, including 1:1000, 1:500, 1:100, 1:50, and 1:10

The designs should include:

• Conceptual, schematic, and final designs.
• Architectural layouts that are child-friendly and inclusive.
• Structural designs.
• Electrical systems.
• Plumbing and MEP systems.
• HVAC systems.
• Drainage, sanitation, and medical gas infrastructure.
• Fire safety systems.
• Infection control flows.
• Climate-adaptive design components.
• Energy-efficient and green design components.
• Compliance with local codes and WHO/CBM hospital design standards.
• Sustainability design and renewable energy standards.
• Environmental, Health, and Social Management Systems requirements.

Detailed construction scope

The construction scope will include:

• A new specialized eye unit with a gross floor area of approximately 3,000 square meters.
• A facility capacity of approximately 55 beds.
• Design of water supply networks and sewage systems.
• Design of electrical installations and connections.
• Design of all associated services and lift.

Standards and compliance

The consultant must ensure compliance with:

• Relevant building codes.
• Accessibility standards.
• Healthcare design standards.
• Local building regulations.
• International health, safety, and accessibility standards.
• CBM and WHO hospital design standards where applicable.

Deliverables

Initial phase deliverables

The consultant will be expected to submit:

• Site investigation reports.
• Concept designs for initial review.
• A preliminary rough cost estimate in TZS and EUR per square meter, based on the consultant’s expertise.
• Detailed project design drawings.
• Detailed cost estimates.
• Material specifications.

Timeline

The expected project timeline is as follows:

• Weeks 1–3: Initial site investigations and stakeholder meetings.
• Weeks 4–12: Development of conceptual designs and cost estimates.

Team composition and qualifications

The consultant shall deploy a qualified multidisciplinary team with the following roles and qualifications:

Project manager / Architect

• Must be a registered architect.
• Should have at least 10 years of experience.
• Preferably should have completed at least three hospital projects.

Civil / Structural engineer

• Must be a registered civil engineer.
• Should have at least 8 years of experience.
• Experience in health facility work is preferred.

MEP engineer / Services engineer

• Must be a registered mechanical engineer and/or registered electrical engineer.
• Should have at least 6 years of experience in MEP systems.
• Must have experience in at least one health project.

Quantity surveyor

• Must be a registered quantity surveyor.
• Should have at least 8 years of experience in bills of quantities, costing, and contracts.

Biomedical engineer, optional

• Should hold a degree in biomedical engineering.
• Should have experience in specifying medical layouts.

HSE lead, optional

• Should hold a degree in Environmental, Health and Safety.
• Should have at least 5 years of experience in occupational safety and health.

Required firm experience and capabilities

The architectural firm should possess:

• Proven experience in designing healthcare facilities, preferably paediatric units.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating similar projects.
• Proficiency in architectural software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and 3D modelling tools.
• Familiarity with local building codes and international healthcare design and accessibility standards.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Budget and payment schedule

All payments will be milestone-based and subject to approval of deliverables.

The payment schedule is as follows:

• Inception report and site assessment: 15%
• Concept and preliminary design, client approved: 25%
• Detailed design, coordinated drawings: 40%
• Tender documentation: 20%

Total pre-contract services only: 100%

Evaluation criteria

Selection will be based on:

• Specific experience of the consultant as a firm, relevant to the assignment.
• Adequacy and quality of the proposed methodology and work plan.
• Qualifications and competence of key experts for the assignment.
• Quality and innovation demonstrated in previous work.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work within budget constraints.
• References and client testimonials.
• Cost of consultancy.
• Possibility of extension to full consultancy services if the services are satisfactory.

Confidentiality and safeguards

All data shared or generated during the assignment must be treated as confidential.

The consultant must comply with:

• CBM’s code of conduct.
• Safeguarding policies.
• PSEAH policies.
• Anti-corruption policies.
• Non-disclosure requirements.
• Data protection requirements.

The consultant shall be required to sign non-disclosure and data protection agreements.

Submission requirements

Interested firms should submit the following:

• A cover letter detailing the firm’s interest and suitability for the project.
• Detailed profiles, including CVs of key personnel to be involved in the project.
• A portfolio showcasing relevant previous projects, including pictures, project size, year, client, and location.
• References and client testimonials.
• A brief technical proposal outlining the proposed approach, methodology, and timeline.
• A financial proposal with an itemized budget for professional services.
• Company registration documents.
• Legal status documentation.
• Tax compliance documentation.
• Evidence of compliance with Zanzibar registration laws.

Contact information

Proposals and queries should be directed to:

Email: procurement.tanzania@cbm.org

With copies to:

• lulu.mshana@cbm.org
• josaphat.mshighati@cbm.org

Deadline for submission

All submissions must be received by:

Friday, 12 June 2026, at 23:59 UTC +3

RFQ/Tender Information and Attachments

For comprehensive information regarding this RFQ/tender, we invite you to download the attachments provided below. These documents contain all the necessary details, including specifications, requirements, and submission guidelines. Please review them carefully to ensure you have all the pertinent information needed to participate.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL TENDER NOTICE HERE