Rehabilitation of Traditional Kahriz Water Systems in BTC Corridor Communities

Call for Proposals

REFERENCE: Selection of Implementing Partner for Rehabilitation of Traditional Kahriz Water Systems in BTC Corridor Communities.

We will only consider applications which are received via [email protected] by 22.06.2026, 10:00 (local time).

Background

SOCAR Midstream Operations LLC (SOCAR Midstream) and its co-venturers in BTC invite qualified organizations to submit proposals for the implementation of a kahriz (traditional underground water system) restoration project in selected rural communities located along the BTC pipeline corridor.

This initiative is part of SOCAR Midstream Social Investments program aimed at:

  • Improving access to sustainable water resources
  • Enhancing rural livelihoods and resilience
  • Preserving cultural and historical heritage
  • Supporting communities affected by pipeline operations

The project will also honor the memory of war martyrs by integrating commemorative elements into the infrastructure.

Project Purpose

Restore and sustain reliable access to water in rural communities by rehabilitating traditional kahriz underground water systems, dedicating the intervention to the memory of war martyrs.

Project Product

  • Rehabilitation and equipping of an existing kahriz system
  • Tunnel cleaning and debris removal
  • Structural reinforcement of underground galleries and shafts
  • Restoration of water flow
  • Construction of a traditional outlet structure
  • Installation of memorial marble elements
  • Establishment of Water User Councils

Project Reach

Ashaghi Gushchu village, Tovuz region – Gurdlu kahriz

Alibayli village, Tovuz region – Kand kahriz

These rural communities are dependent on groundwater for:

  • Domestic consumption
  • Agricultural irrigation
  • Livestock watering

Deliverables

1. Technical Works

  • Cleaning, rehabilitation and structural reinforcement of underground galleries of the existing kahriz system.
  • Rehabilitation of vertical shafts: Installation of sealed lids on vertical wells (stainless or anti-corrosive painted) with locks; installation of reinforced concrete rings inside wells.
  • Restoration of continuous water flow.

2. Infrastructure

Construction of a stone water outlet structure in national architectural style, including:

  • Construction of a protective cover and fencing at the kahriz outlet to prevent rain contamination and livestock access
  • Water collection point
  • Area for carpet washing and domestic use
  • Memorial marble plaques

3. Landscaping

  • Planting of 7 mature chinar trees (minimum age – 7 years)
  • Installation of 7 benches under trees
  • Creation of a small communal space

4. Community Governance

Establishment of a Water User Council (5 members):

  • Gender-balanced (at least 2 women)
  • Representation of the youth and elderly
  • Inclusive of all community groups

5. Capacity Building

  • Selection of 2 local kankans (traditional kahriz specialists)
  • Delivery of technical and safety training
  • Development of maintenance schedule (twice annually)

6. HSE Compliance

  • Implementation of fully confined space safety procedures
  • Risk assessments and mitigation measures
  • Provision of PPE and safety training
  • Emergency Response Plan (ERP) including rescue, first aid, and evacuation

Project Duration

Start: August 2026

Completion: One kahriz by mid-December 2026; another by the end of Q1 2027

Proposal Submission Instructions

Interested organizations must include:

  • Implementation approach and methodology
  • Technical design concept (including all the dimensions (length, depth, diameter)
  • Detailed work plan (monthly breakdown)
  • Training program description
  • Sustainability approach
  • Risk assessment and mitigation measures
  • Stakeholder engagement strategy
  • Monitoring and Evaluation framework

Appraisal Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Technical Quality: Understanding of kahriz systems and feasibility
  • HSE Standards: Compliance with confined space and construction safety
  • Operational Capacity: Relevant experience and qualified staff
  • Capacity Building: Quality of training and knowledge transfer
  • Financial Competitiveness: Value for money and cost transparency
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Clarity of KPIs and reporting mechanisms

Monitoring and Evaluation

Applicants must define:

  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including:
    • Water flow restored (liters/sec)
    • Number of beneficiaries
    • Functionality after completion
  • Data collection methods
  • Monitoring frequency
  • Reporting format (monthly, final)
  • Impact evaluation approach

SOCAR will conduct bi-weekly field monitoring visits.

Budget Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Detailed break-down Excel budget
  • Budget narrative explaining each cost
  • Activity-based cost breakdown
  • Unit rates (length, diameter, excavation depth, etc.)
  • Any co-financing contributions (if applicable)

Legal and Confidentiality

SOCAR reserves the right to:

  • Review and evaluate all proposals
  • Share submissions with independent experts under confidentiality
  • Reject any or all applications

Applicants must comply with Azerbaijani legislation.

Environmental and Social Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Sustainable groundwater use
  • Minimal environmental impact
  • Safe waste disposal practices
  • Protection of natural recharge zones

Payment Terms

  • Payments in AZN
  • Based on milestone completion
  • Paid within 30 days after acceptance of deliverables

Final Submission Date

We will only consider applications which are received via [email protected] by 22.06.2026, 10:00 (local time).

Before submitting your application, please make sure that:

  • they are well received before the application deadline;
  • the file is complete and readable before submitting;
  • they meet all formal requirements.