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Architectural consultancy for Food testing Lab in Sohra

About SMF

Sauramandala  Foundation is an Indian Charitable Trust registered in the year 2018 with it’s headquarters in  Bangalore, Karnataka. Saura Mandala addresses the challenges faced by remote and inaccessible  communities by accelerating social and economic change through collaborative action. We cater to remote  and inaccessible communities with specific solutions pertaining to the needs of the people.

About the Project
A registered Food processing startup in Meghalaya, is planning to construct a Food testing lab in a site  of 1 acre area, with a food processing unit and cold storage planned for future in the same site. This lab is  part of an integrated initiative to strengthen food systems, reduce produce loss and promote agro-based  livelihoods. Food Testing Laboratory will bridge the significant gap in food quality and safety infrastructure  for entrepreneurs, farmers, and institutions in the region. Through the lab, the startup intends to support  indigenous product development, provide quick testing access (average testing time 10-5 days) and provide  affordable testing rates.  


Design requirements:   

  • Lab with a space for 

  • HPLC Analysis

  • Food Quality and Microbial Analysis

  • Anti-Nutritional  and Toxicology Analysis

  • Water and Adulteration Detection and required storage. – (Machines list in Annexure) 

  • Associated spaces like lobby, sample collection, meeting room, staff area for 4-5 people, toilets -  as per need.   

  • The design should also consider future expansion of the lab facility.

  • The lab should be planned in a way to incorporate a 100 metric ton food processing unit as  well as a 3 metric ton cold storage in the same site in nearby future.

Objectives:

  1. Understanding the processes and standards for spaces involved in food testing as well as space requirements for the required machines.

  2. Formulating design brief with area requirements. Designing of food testing lab, taking into consideration the space necessities, standards, site constraints, and staff requirements. 

  3. Ensure the design promotes accessibility and user comfort leading to improved productivity and wellbeing among end users – Including staff and visitors. 

  4. Develop architectural drawings and specifications incorporating sustainable and energy efficient design principles and building materials to reduce energy consumption 

  5. Ensure compliance with local and international standards and regulations. 

  6. Conduct consultations with industry professionals, the food processing startup, and other  stakeholders to incorporate their inputs and needs into the design. 

Scope of Work:

  1. Secondary research: Conduct comprehensive research on best practices and standards in relevant fields related to the project. Assess the climate and site conditions to ensure the design is well-suited to local conditions.  

  2. Assessing need through FGD and expert consultations:  Engage with stakeholders, including professionals and subject matter experts, to gather insights and ensure that the design aligns with the latest practices and needs in the field of food quality testing.  

  3. Site analysis and Concept Development  Do a comprehensive site analysis after site visit. Develop a detailed concept template for the food testing lab, focusing on creating a design solution that integrates energy efficiency, universal accessibility, and space optimization.  

The design developed should consider: 

  1.  The lab should be planned in a way to incorporate a 100 metric ton food processing unit as well as a  3 metric ton cold storage in the same site in the near future. 

  2.  Maximizing natural light, using thermal mass, and optimizing building orientation to enhance energy efficiency.  

  3. Integrating solar panels, or other renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on non renewable power. 

  4. Spaces to maximize functionality and flow, with clear zoning for different activities. 

  5. Use flexible, modular components that can adapt to changing needs and future expansion.

  6. Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality - Efficient cooling/heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with air purification and humidity comfort; high-performance windows, shading devices,  and insulation to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.  Design to allow for natural airflow and ventilation where possible. 

  7. Water Management systems and waste management systems for dry, wet and bio waste 

  8. Health and safety  

  9. Adhere to local and national building codes and standards.  

  10. Aim for certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, or local green building standards.

Eligibility Criteria:   

  1. Individual or agency that has experience in designing and implementing testing laboratories, or  other clean, controlled environments.

  2. Individual or agency that has overall 5 years of experience in designing and implementation.

  3. Individual or agency that has worked on context suitable and cost-effective designs.


Payment Terms:  

Fixed as per the agreement between consultant and SauraMandala. Please provide your proposal and  quotation for the above-mentioned program requirements. Capture Timelines and Split cost wherever  possible.  

  1. Please provide a break-up of the costs as agreement quotation for the service provided on an official  letterhead with signatures and stamps, wherever needed.

  2. Kindly mention your name, address, contact information along with correct bank details and  signature in the agreement quotation.

  3. Please note that the prices quoted by the consultant are firm, final, and binding and not subject to  variation on any account. 

  4. The quotation is inclusive of all necessary taxes and applicable costs.

  5. Other than the proposed amount, no additional amounts will be paid for fuel, phone charges, etc.

  6. Deliverables need to be submitted as per the given timeline or before the expected date.

Terms of Evaluation

  1. Agency will be evaluated based on prior work experience/ portfolio. 

  2. Agency to have a qualified team with relevant experience.    

  3. Agency to have prior knowledge of working with NGOs.    

  4. The financial proposal will be evaluated based on approach & work plan, prior work experience,  expertise, cost, and proposed payment terms.

Project Timelines:

  • Project Design Brief and Scope presentation- 1 weeks from signing the  contract

  • Design Proposal- 2 weeks from signing the  contract

  • Design proposal – Revision 01- 3 weeks from signing the  contract

  • Design proposal – Revision 02- 3 and a half weeks from  signing the contract

  • Final design presentation with basic cost estimate- 4 weeks from signing the  contract


Payment Timelines:

First Payment: 40%

Second Payment: 60%


Note:  Orientation and discussion sessions to be held with the SauraMandala at every stage of the  process

How to Submit:

Interested consultants / organizations, with relevant experience (please include  samples and/or references  of the previous similar work as proof of experience) and based out of India are requested to reach out with a  detailed proposal giving a brief on the methodology and the process they will uptake for this project, including  design remuneration (per. Sq.ft), milestones and submit the Quotation on or before 11 May 2025.  


Any further queries please write to “neil@sauramandala.org” with a subject line: “Architectural  consultancy for Food testing Lab in Sohra”


Read the complelete ToR document here.
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