REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REoI)

(CONSULTANT SERVICES – SELECTION OF FIRMS)

Consulting Services:                   Development of Feasibility Study of the Tashsaka Irrigation System Improvement (Phase 2) in Uzbekistan

Mode of Financing:                   Project Preparation Facility Grant

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has allocated a project preparation facility grant toward the cost of the Development of Feasibility Study of the Tashsaka Irrigation System Improvement (Phase 2) in Uzbekistan and intends to apply the proceeds for consultant services.

The services include:

1. 1. Prepare a feasibility study project and project design document as per the details provided in TORs through stakeholder consultations and field visits;
   2. Support the IsDB Team in preparation of Project Preparation and Review Report (PPRR) and Project Appraisal Document (PAD) including preparation of Procurement Strategy and initial Project Procurement Plan for the Project as per Bank’s standard templates;
   3. Participate in IsDB Project preparation/appraisal missions and meetings, to support necessary stakeholder consultation and validation of final project design.

The consultant is expected to submit the final report within 110 days of commencement of work. The required team of experts includes: Team Leader (Irrigation & Hydrology Engineer), Agriculture Specialist (Soil & Crop Scientist), Civil Engineer (Structural Engineer and Procurement Specialist), Mechanical & Electrical Engineer, GIS Specialist, Economist, Surveyor. The expected start date for the assignment is 2nd quarter of 2024. The Team Leader is a key expert and will be a full-time employee of the firm.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this REOI and can be also obtained at the address given below.

The Islamic Development Bank now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested Consultants must provide specific information which demonstrates that they are fully qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.).

• The shortlisting criteria are:

• Eligibility: The Consultant conforms with IsDB eligibility rules;
• Years in operation: The Consultant must have operated for at least 10 years in the consulting business;  
• Feasibility Studies: The Consultant must have successfully prepared complex Feasibility Studies in the water sector (e.g., studies including multiple components like technical, financial, social, and environmental assessments). Experience in at least 2 projects in the Central Asia region is preferred;
• IFI Financing: The Consultant must have participated in at least 2 projects financed by International Financial Institutions, preferably IsDB funded.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Paragraphs 1.23 and 1.24 General Provisions of the Guidelines for Procurement of Consultant Services under Islamic Development Bank Project Financing, April 2019 revised as of February 2023 (the “Procurement Guidelines”), setting forth IsDB’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the Fixed Budget Selection (FBS) method set out in the Procurement Guidelines based on International Consultant shortlist.

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the email address below during office hours 10:00 to 17:00 hours Almaty time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by e-mail by 6 February 2024.

Islamic Development Bank, Regional Hub of Almaty

Attention: Daniyar Akbassov, Project Management Specialist

E-mail:  Dakbassov@isdb.org