RFP Rooting for the Future | Fight for Humanity

Protect Title: .Rooting for the Future: Restoration and Protection Measures for the Citadel of Tripoli

Project Reference: 2023-2859 FB10

Project description: Restoration of parts of the Citadel and the establishment of an on-site training program

Budget: Estimated between 100'000 and 140'000 USD

Location: Tripoli, Lebanon

Fight for Humanity :

Founded in March 2019, Fight for Humanity is a Swiss-based non-governmental organization that seeks to reinforce respect for the rights of people exposed to human rights abuses in situations of violence and conflict. It currently implements programs in the Middle East on child protection, the protection of cultural heritage, and peace and social cohesion.

1. Context :

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to invite bids for the restoration and preservation of the Citadel of Tripoli, along with the establishment of an on-site training program. This program will function as a worksite school, providing hands-on training in structural restoration for 20 young participants. The project includes the consolidation and restoration of key structural elements of the Citadel, ensuring its long-term preservation. It builds upon a prior assessment that identified critical areas in need of intervention.

1.1 Project background:

The Citadel of Tripoli is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Lebanon. Originally built during the Crusader period and later expanded by the Mamluks and Ottomans, it holds immense cultural and historical value. As a protected site under the authority of the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA), its conservation is essential for safeguarding Lebanon’s heritage.

This project is part of the larger initiative "Rooting for the Future: Youth as Actors for Social Cohesion through the Conservation of a Historical Site in Lebanon," which seeks to leverage shared cultural heritage as a tool for strengthening social cohesion and creating a skilled young workforce through restoration efforts and supported by ALIPH.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with partners Fight for Humanity (FfH), the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF), Permanent Peace Movement (PPM), Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement (IECD) Lebanon, and the Ministry of Culture - Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA). Each of these partners plays a crucial role in coordinating restoration activities, training programs, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the project’s success.

1.2 Scope of work for the contractor:

The selected contractor will be responsible for executing comprehensive restoration and conservation measures to stabilize and preserve the Citadel of Tripoli. This includes structural interventions to consolidate foundations, repair damaged masonry, waterproof critical areas, and ensure the long-term resilience of the site. The contractor will also implement protective measures to mitigate further deterioration and adhere to best practices in heritage conservation. All restoration work must meet high-quality standards and comply strictly with heritage conservation guidelines set by the DGA.

The DGA will be responsible for monitoring the restoration work to ensure compliance with heritage conservation standards and the project’s technical specifications.

Additionally, the contractor will manage an associated training program aimed at building the technical capacity of local youth in the restoration sector through a worksite-school initiative. This initiative will provide hands-on experience in cultural heritage conservation, equipping participants with essential skills to support their future employment in the field.

2. Scope of work:

The selected contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

2.1 Consolidation and Restoration of Foundations and Structures on the East Façade

Consolidation of the rock base beneath the North-East wall.
Consolidation of the connection between the rock base and the masonry wall of the North-East elevation.
Removal of vegetation from the North-East elevation.

2.2 Restoration of North-East Tower

Waterproofing of the roof and enhancement of the rainwater drainage system.
Removal of filling materials above the vaults of the North tower.
Consolidation of two cracked vaults.
Strengthening of the Northern tower area using lime base injection and metal stitching.
Refilling of the volume above the two repaired vaults.
Reformulation of the existing rainwater drainage system according to site conditions.

2.3 Additional Structural Consolidation and Archaeological Work

Consolidation of different structures inside the castle and its neighborhood.
Conducting necessary archaeological assessments and interventions.
Mechanical and electrical work related to protection measures.

2.4 Worksite-School for Training Skilled Workers

Participation in the selection of 20 young men and women from surrounding communities to work on the conservation and protection project in Tripoli in collaboration with the other project partners.
Establishment of a worksite-school on the Citadel site to train skilled workers in the conservation of historic monuments in the Tripoli region. Students will actively participate in the restoration work.
The contractor will be responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants on the worksite-school throughout the project.
On-site training for these young people, with a minimum commitment of two days per week over a nine-month period, carried out in coordination with other partners and aligned with both the employability skills training and social cohesion activities.
Initial and final evaluation of participants’ competencies using a standardized format.
Issuance of a certificate upon completion, validating the acquired skills in Principles of Restoration in Masonry Structures, covering traditional construction materials and techniques, damage assessment, restoration planning, stone block replacement, lime mortar jointing, structural crack repairs, woodwork for openings, roof installation, and waterproofing methods.
Coordination with IECD for the employability skills training component.

2.5 Documentation of all restoration and protection work

Video and pictures and to document the progress of the restoration
Monthly narrative and financial reporting

3. Deliverables:

The successful contractor is expected to complete the following deliverables in Tripoli:

Restoration Work Deliverables:

140 linear meters (lm) of the East façade consolidated.
The North-East tower restored, including a fully functional rainwater drainage system and a waterproof roof.
The vaults of the North-East tower consolidated and stabilized.
All restoration work must meet high-quality standards and comply strictly with the heritage conservation guidelines set by the DGA.
Documentation of all restoration and protection work through video, pictures and reports

Training Program Deliverables:

20 young men and women trained and experienced in the conservation of historical sites.
A standardized evaluation of participants’ competencies at the beginning and end of the program.
20 participants awarded a certificate in Principles of Restoration in Masonry Structures upon successful completion of training.
20 young men and women trained in life and employability skills (delivered by an external partner).
Documentation of the program through video and pictures

4. Timeline and Milestones:

Phase Activity Duration

Phase 1. Site preparation and preliminary assessments 1 month

Phase 2 Structural consolidation and restoration works 3 months

Phase 3 Restoration of North-East tower 2-3 months

Phase 4 Training program implementation (worksite - school) 9 months

Phase 5 Final documentation and quality assurance checks. 1 month

Total estimated project duration: 9 months (including the training program).

5. Compliance and Ethical Standards

All bidders must adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Any form of bribery, fraud, or corrupt practices will result in immediate disqualification. The selected contractor must comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws and agree to transparent financial reporting.

The contractor must uphold a high level of ethical standards throughout the project execution, ensuring integrity, transparency, and accountability in all activities. This includes adhering to the highest standards in areas such as PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Harrassment), safeguarding vulnerable individuals, environmental sustainability, conflict sensitivity and do-no-harm, and promoting gender equality and diversity. The contractor must ensure that these principles are embedded in all aspects of the project, from planning to implementation, and that they are consistently adhered to by all personnel involved. Compliance with these ethical standards is essential to the project's success and its long-term impact on the community and heritage site.

6. Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria in coordination with the Directorate General of Antiquities:

1. Technical Expertise and Relevant Experience in Heritage Restoration (40%)

Proven experience in historical masonry restoration, with a focus on consolidation and stabilization of historical monuments in general and in Tripoli in particular.

Inclusion in the project of a structural engineer restorer specialized in stone masonry conservation and an academic experience, with over 20 years of experience in historical building restoration.

Experience in using advanced diagnostic techniques, including non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for structural assessment.

2. Experience in Worksite-Schools and Youth Training Programs (15%)

Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing training programs for local youth, particularly in heritage conservation and building stabilization. An experience of three site school minimum is required.

Ability to incorporate capacity-building components within the project implementation.

3. Project Methodology, Innovation, and Timeline Feasibility (15%)

Clear and coherent project methodology, detailing the phases of consolidation, restoration, training, and monitoring.

Experience in digitalization of masonry historical buildings (e.g., 3D scanning, GIS, digital modeling).

Realistic and feasible implementation timeline, considering technical and logistical constraints.

4. Cost-Effectiveness and Financial Feasibility (15%)

Evaluation of the cost structure, ensuring efficient use of resources and a strong value-for-money approach.

Justification of proposed costs in relation to expected outcomes, while remaining within the allocated budget.

5. Compliance with Heritage Conservation Standards and Eligibility (15%)

Adherence to international conservation guidelines and DGA (Directorate General of Antiquities) regulations.

Submission of a valid DGA certificate, confirming the contractor’s eligibility to carry out restoration work on protected heritage buildings.

7. Submission Requirement:

Interested bidders should submit a proposal including:

A detailed technical approach and methodology.
A financial proposal, including a breakdown of project costs.
A work plan aligned with the project timeline.
Evidence of relevant experience and references from similar projects, particularly in worksite-school initiatives.
Compliance with safety and conservation regulations.
Experience in coordinating with external partners for training and development programs.

8. Submission Deadline:

All proposals must be submitted no later than 26 May 2025 to tenders@fightforhumanity.org. Late submissions will not be considered.

Please find attached the Bill of Quantities, which must be completed and included as part of the proposal.

For any inquiries, please contact us at tenders@fightforhumanity.org.