Comunitatea Mea program vacancies - Engineering Services for Social Canteen Kitchen Technological Processes and Layout Design (STTA)

Summary of the Comunitatea Mea Program:

USAID’s Comunitatea Mea (CM) is an eight-year program that aims to strengthen local governments in Moldova to become more effective, transparent, and accountable to citizens. CM is USAID’s flagship local government program providing comprehensive assistance to communities, primarily targeting local self-governing bodies. By increasing the capacity of local authorities, including their ability to work inclusively with citizens and civil society, not only services will be improved but checks and balances between the central and local governments will be strengthened, improving the overall system of democratic governance in Moldova.

Tetra Tech is a subcontractor to the prime CM implementer, IREX. Under this subcontract, Tetra Tech requires the expertise of an experienced engineer to design and optimize technological processes for kitchen operations and create detailed layout sketches for social canteens. The goal is to enhance efficiency, functionality, and safety in the food preparation areas of social canteens.

Objectives:

a. Develop detailed technological processes for food preparation, cooking, and storage in the kitchen (located in existing buildings).

b. Design layout sketches that maximize space utilization, workflow efficiency, and adhere to safety standards.

c. Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations.

d. Provide recommendations for energy-efficient and sustainable kitchen equipment.

Deliverables:

For each projects site (expected a number of 5 locations across Moldova. A visit to each site shall be performed. Transportation shall be provided by IREX or reimbursed.

a. Comprehensive Technological Processes Documentation:

- Detailed processes for food receiving, storage, preparation, cooking, and serving.

 - Guidelines for kitchen staff on hygiene, sanitation, and safety protocols.

- Recommendations for equipment maintenance and cleaning procedures.

b. Kitchen Layout Sketches:

- Scaled drawings illustrating the placement of kitchen equipment, workstations, and storage areas.

- Workflow diagrams depicting the logical sequence of food preparation activities.

- Identification of key safety and ergonomic considerations in the layout.

c. Equipment Specifications:

- Detailed specifications for essential kitchen equipment, including ovens, stoves, refrigerators, and storage units.

- Recommendations for energy-efficient and sustainable equipment options.

- Cost estimates for recommended equipment and/or building modifications.

Technical Requirements:

a. Familiarity with social canteen operations and industry best practices.

b. Compliance with local health and safety regulations.

c. Consideration of sustainability and energy efficiency in equipment recommendations.

d. Collaboration with IREX engineers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders to integrate kitchen design with overall facility layout.

Timeline and level of effort: Estimated 5 working days allocated per project site, including site visit.

Submission and Review: Regular progress updates and drafts of the technological processes documentation and layout sketches should be submitted for client review. Feedback will be provided promptly, and necessary revisions should be incorporated.

Daily rate: The engineer is required to propose a fully loaded cost per day of work (exclusive of transportation) in MDL (gross rate).

Qualifications: The selected engineer should possess relevant experience in commercial kitchen design, understanding the specific needs of social canteens. A portfolio of similar projects and references may be requested.

Confidentiality: The engineer must adhere to strict confidentiality regarding any proprietary or sensitive information obtained during the project.

Contract Terms: The contract will be awarded based on the submitted proposal. Terms and conditions, including payment schedule, will be negotiated and outlined in a formal agreement.

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on experience, qualifications, and cost-effectiveness.

Contact Information: Interested engineers should submit their CVs (including references, portfolio, etc. in English and/or Romanian Languages) and prosed daily rates to hr-md@irex.org  by January 26, 2024,  6:00 PM (Republic of Moldova time)

Please include “Engineer food preparing process” in the subject line.