User Data Collection for 2025 Global LEAP Awards Solar Generators Competition

CLASP serves at the epicenter of collaborative, ambitious efforts to mitigate climate change and in the global movement for clean energy access, through appliance efficiency. Our mission is to improve the energy and environmental performance of the appliances & equipment we use every day, accelerating our transition to a more sustainable world. We work together with governments, experts, industry, consumers, donor organizations and others to propel policies and markets toward the highest-quality, lowest resource-intensive appliances possible.

CLASP has worked in more than 100 countries since its inception in 1999. CLASP is headquartered in Washington, DC, with teams in Europe, Kenya, India and Indonesia. We’re mission-driven and committed to a culture of diversity, transparency, collaboration, and impactful work. See our Team Page to learn more about us.

The Global LEAP Solar Generators Competition will identify the best solar generators currently available, based on safety, performance, ease of use and value for money. The Competition is intended to drive innovation and performance in early-stage product markets, while also building valuable technical and commercial market knowledge.

Solar generators – also referred to as “solar inverters”, “zero- emission generators”, “AC solar home systems” and “power stations” – receive power from solar PV modules, store power in a battery, and provide electrical energy through AC and optional DC power outputs. Some systems may also allow for AC charging from the electrical grid; however, they are not intended to be fully grid dependent. Solar generators offer renewable energy alternatives to fossil-fueled generators for powering households and businesses in energy-constrained settings.

The 2025 Global LEAP Awards Solar Generator Competition is managed and operated by CLASP and funded by ZE-Gen. ZE-Gen is a collaborative initiative by The Carbon Trust and Innovate UK, with funding from the IKEA Foundation and the UK Government via the Transforming Energy Access platform.

The field evaluation component of the Competition entails installation and use of solar generators in homes, small businesses and institutions in Nigeria. Remote monitoring devices will be connected to the solar generators to measure, record and transmit key product performance data. Additionally, user information and feedback will be systematically collected to provide real-world insights about product design, usability and impacts.

CLASP is seeking a firm or consortium to lead the collection and analysis of user data for the field evaluation component of the Global LEAP Solar Generators Competition. The User Data Collection Partner (the “Partner”) will be responsible for collecting user information, then compiling and analyzing data for use by the Competition. In collaboration with CLASP, the Partner will design the methodology, develop/adapt tools, and collect information from users. Data collection methods will include in-person baseline and exit interviews conducted at installation sites. Mobile phones and IT solutions will also be leveraged to solicit regular user feedback and to permit user-initiated reporting. The Partner will compile and analyze user information that shall be presented in an online platform and in formats that facilitate its use by the Competition judges.

CLASP will also contract a Remote Monitoring Partner that will be responsible for collecting and analyzing performance data of solar generators for the Competition’s field evaluations. The request for proposals for the Remote Monitoring Partner is available at this link. Interested and qualified applicants are welcome to submit proposals for both roles. Refer to the “Submittal” section, below, for additional information.

Contract Timeframe: January 2026 – December 2026

Deadline for Application: 12 December 2025

Application includes registering as an Implementation Partner and submitting the technical proposal as per the instructions below.

Deadline for Questions: 05 December 2025

All questions must be written in English and submitted by email to globalleap@efficiencyforaccess.org

The Partner will be responsible for successfully executing the following work for the development and implementation of user data collection for the field evaluation component of the Global LEAP Solar Generators Competition. All activities and tasks must be conducted in close consultation with CLASP.

Task 1: Field evaluation design support 

• Review proposed methodology for user data collection and adjust plan as necessary in collaboration with CLASP;

The draft methodology document will be provided for review at the start of the contract.

• Support identification and recruitment of users participating in the field evaluation

• Develop and deliver a training program and resources for the Partner’s enumerators, as needed to ensure correct and consistent application of data collection protocol

• Develop and pilot survey instruments, software tools and standardized templates for collecting and reporting user data, including a secure web-based portal for compiling, analyzing and presenting user data

Task 2: User data collection 

• Conduct initial in-person user interviews at the time of solar generator installation

• Collect periodic user feedback, as specified in user data collection methodology

• Compile self-reported user feedback, as specified in user data collection methodology

• Conduct final in-person user interviews when collecting solar generators at the completion of field evaluations

• Provide compiled user data through a web-based portal available to CLASP and Competition judges, with updates performed at least weekly during field evaluation

Task 3: Data analysis and reporting 

• Clean data collected from users, ensuring data integrity, completeness, and alignment with the evaluation framework

• Compile, organize and analyze user data in formats convenient for use by Competition judges, which shall be available via the web-based portal

• Ad-hoc support for analysis and interpretation of field evaluation data by CLASP and Competition judges

• Deliver a memo summarizing lessons learned and recommendations based on experiences and outcomes from user data collection

The Partner will be responsible for collecting key information from members of households, small businesses and institutions in Nigeria that conduct uncontrolled user testing of solar generators for the Competition. Solar generators will be installed and used in approximately 20-30 sites, which are expected to be located in peri-urban areas in Lagos State.

Data will be collected through prompted and user-initiated methods, divided into three phases:

1. Baseline data will be collected prior to field evaluation, which includes user, system and site details, demographic and socioeconomic information, energy use profiles, as well as pre-test expectations and perceptions.
2. User experience data will be collected during a field evaluation period of approximately three months. Collected data will include insights about system functionality, quality of delivered energy services, maintenance and after-sales support, usability and user experience, behavioral and usage patterns, and other qualitative insights.
3. Endline data will be collected at the conclusion of the field evaluation period. Information collected from users will include the economic, livelihood, and social impacts of the system, as well as overall user satisfaction and general perceptions after using solar generators. Endline and baseline data collection methods must be aligned to enable comparative analysis of how solar generators impact users.

Multiple methods will be used to facilitate the collection of comprehensive and insightful user information, while minimizing disruptions to the user experience. These include but are not limited to in-person interviews and surveys, text messages and phone calls, WhatsApp groups, as well as other innovative data collection tools that leverage mobile phones and user digital connectivity.

The Partner shall compile, organize and present analyses of all collected user data in a secure web-based portal that is accessible to CLASP and Competition judges. The online platform should be tailored to the needs of the Competition, including intuitive navigation, formatting and outputs that facilitate comparison across products.

The Partner shall work under the supervision of CLASP and produce deliverables on the timeline summarized below.

The selected Partner must be an established firm or a consortium of individuals that has a strong track record of technical, operational, and analytical expertise relevant to the scope of work described above. The Partner must demonstrate the capacity to design and implement user data collection and analysis in the context of off-grid energy systems in developing countries.

Technical Expertise 

• Demonstrated expertise in researching the behaviors of households and small businesses

• Experience designing and implementing data collection methodologies for product users in rural and underserved areas, preferably in the off-grid or renewable energy sectors

• Competence developing fieldwork protocol and training resources for enumerators

• Proven track record developing and applying user survey tools, including mobile data collection platforms

• Proficiency developing, modifying and maintaining secure web-based data platforms

• At least one contributing member of the firm or consortium should have an advanced degree in social sciences or related discipline

Data Analysis and Reporting 

• Proficiency processing and validating user survey data, ensuring data quality and consistency

• Demonstrated ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, synthesize findings and present data visualization

• Proven capacity to prepare technical reports and analytical outputs, conveying technical content to non-specialist stakeholders

Project Management and Collaboration 

• Demonstrated ability to design, plan, coordinate and execute field evaluation protocols in remote and underdeveloped settings

• Ability to successfully coordinate with partnering international organizations to collect field data for time-sensitive projects

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience working remotely with international organizations

• Experience training and managing a team of enumerators

• Demonstrated expertise applying cultural sensitivity to engagement with diverse stakeholders

Register as a Consulting Partner

Interested parties must register as a CLASP Consulting Partner

Submit Technical and Financial Proposals

Interested parties should submit separate technical and financial proposals electronically, in English, via this form link (preferably in PDF format). The files should be named as per the following example:

[CONTRACTOR_NAME] _Technical Proposal_ RFP YYYY-MM-DD

[CONTRACTOR_NAME] _Financial Proposal_ RFP YYYY-MM-DD

The length of the technical proposal should not exceed 20 pages and should include:

• Summary of the approach and methodology for the design, implementation, and management of the project

• Proposed timeline for all tasks, milestones, and deliverables for the project within the timeframe indicated above

• Background and experience of conducting similar activities

• A summary of qualifications and experience of key personnel that will execute the project

The financial proposal (in USD) should include a detailed budget with all direct and indirect cost estimates for executing the project, including a breakdown (in days) of the level of effort and costs associated with each team member that will be engaged in the project.

CVs and related summaries of experience and qualifications of proposed project team staff should be included in an Annex and should not exceed 10 pages.

Applicants proposing to serve as both the User Data Collection Partner and the Remote Monitoring Partner should explain in their technical proposal the benefits and synergies of integrating these functions into a single assignment. The financial proposal should present the budget solely for the User Data Collection Partner tasks, as well as a separate budget for carrying out both roles that reflects any resulting efficiency gains and cost savings.

Optional At This Stage – Fill Out Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) 

All contractors must fill out the PQQ before working with CLASP. This can be voluntarily completed at the RFP stage but will be mandatory if a contract is awarded.

The PQQ is a thorough due diligence screening aimed at gathering legal and financial information on prospective partners/vendors. Contract awards are conditional upon passing the due diligence screening. Organizations that have already completed the PQQ do not need to complete it again unless the structure of the business has changed. If you are unsure, please email Andrea Testa (atesta@clasp.ngo) to determine next steps.

A committee appointed by CLASP will evaluate proposals received. Selection of qualified companies or organizations will be based upon the following criteria:

• Technical Evaluation Factors

• Financial Evaluation Factors

All bids will be evaluated and ranked using Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS), with 80 percent of the score according to the technical proposal, and 20 percent to the financial proposal. The detailed evaluation criteria can be found in Annex A.

Technical Approach (35 points): The technical approach described in the proposals will be evaluated on:

• The demonstrated understanding of the overall project context (15).
• The detailed work plan and approach clearly define the target objectives and the strategy to achieve the objectives as outlined in the scope of work (20).

Management Structure and Staff Qualification (25 points): The proposed management structure and staff will be evaluated on the professional qualifications and the extent to which the requisite expertise and experience of the key personnel will directly contribute to the completion of the tasks (25).

Past Performance and Corporate Experience (20 points): The experience and capacities of the contractor will be evaluated based on:

• The past performance, familiarity, and experience in understanding policies and program related to standards and labelling (10).

• Extent of local expertise including experience, qualifications, and track record in implementation of similar programs (10).

Cost Evaluation Factors (20 points): While the overall Technical Evaluation is the key factor in reviewing the proposal, the cost evaluation will be an essential factor in determining the final contract award and ability to remain in the competitive range and will be evaluated for feasibility, completeness, and practicality.

CLASP looks forward to your responses and would like to thank you in advance for your participation in this Request for Proposals. CLASP will notify all respondents who submit proposals when a decision has been made.

CLASP is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. CLASP’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. CLASP complies with all federal, state and local employment law in the countries we operate and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, credit information or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. 

Each person is evaluated based on personal skill and merit. CLASP’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational and recreational programs.