REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTANT SERVICES – SELECTION OF FIRMS)

 

Country: Kyrgyz Republic   
Project Title: Construction of Electricity Transmission Line and Substations in Tamga and Karakol, Issyk-Kul Region
Sector: Energy          
Consulting Services: Project Management Consultant (PMC)       
Mode of Financing: Loan    
Financing Number: KGZ-1007

The Kyrgyz Republic has applied for financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for USD 58.25 million to support the implementation of the “Construction of Electricity Transmission Line and Substations in Tamga and Karakol” project. The project will be implemented in the Issyk-Kul Region, located in the northeastern part of the country around Lake Issyk-Kul, approximately 350–400 kilometers east of the capital city, Bishkek. The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic will jointly finance the project with an additional contribution of USD 2.00 million and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services to recruit a PMC Consultant.

Project Overview

The project comprises the construction of two high-voltage substations (220/110/10 kV in Karakol and 220/110/24 kV in Tamga) and approximately 95 km of overhead transmission lines (220 kV and 110 kV) in the Issyk-Kul Region. The project aims to reduce technical losses and improve voltage stability, ultimately benefiting over 300,000 residents and regional industries.

Scope of Services

The PMC will play a crucial role in supporting the project's implementation, particularly during the procurement and construction phases. The consultant will assist the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan, Executing Agency (NEGK) in preparing and finalizing bidding documents, supporting bid and proposal evaluations, advising on contract negotiations, and ensuring adherence to IsDB procurement guidelines. In addition to procurement support, the PMC will supervise the construction of substations and transmission lines, monitor contractor performance, ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards, and provide regular progress reporting. The consultant will also be responsible for environmental and social safeguard implementation, structured and targeted capacity-building initiatives, and comprehensive contract management. The PMC will support the NEGK with the implementation of the project, covering two phases:

Phase 1 – Design Review and Procurement Support:

• Review technical documentation (feasibility study, FEED, ESMP).
• Prepare bidding documents for transmission line and substation packages.
• Support procurement, including prequalification, preparation of bidding documents, evaluations, and contract award.
• Develop a Project Implementation Manual (PIM).

Phase 2 – Construction Supervision and Contract Management:

• • Act as an Engineer under FIDIC contracts.
  • Monitor construction progress, quality, and safeguards compliance.
  • Certify payments, manage variations and disputes.
  • Prepare reports and ensure structured capacity building.

The assignment is expected to last 48 months, commencing between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026, comprising:

• Phase 1 – Design Review and Procurement Support (6 months)
• Phase 2 – Construction Supervision and Contract Management (42 months)

Eligibility and Shortlisting Criteria

NEGK now invites eligible consulting firms from IsDB Member Countries to express their interest. Interested firms must provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. The shortlisting criteria are:

• Experience in managing and supervising energy infrastructure projects, particularly substations and transmission lines, within the last ten (10) years. Both ongoing and completed assignments are acceptable.
• Experience with FIDIC-based contracts and MDB-financed projects, or similar international experience consistent with the principles of MDB procurement.
• Proven experience in procurement, design review, environmental/social safeguard implementation, and capacity building.
• Demonstrated regional experience in Central Asia or similar context (e.g., mountainous topography, post-Soviet infrastructure frameworks, comparable climatic and regulatory conditions).  

Note: Only the experience of the lead firm and joint venture (JV) partners will be considered during the shortlisting stage. The experience of sub-consultants may be referenced but will not be evaluated.

Conflict of Interest

Consultants’ attention is drawn to paragraphs 1.12.1 and 1.12.2 of the IsDB Guidelines for the Procurement of Consultancy Services under IsDB Project Financing, April 2019 edition, revised in February 2023), available at:    
https://www.isdb.org/project-procurement/documents         

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications in the form of a joint venture or sub-consultancy. In the case of a JV, all partners shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations.

Selection Method

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method among firms from IsDB Member Countries.

Submission of Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest must be delivered (in person, courier, or e-mail) in English with the subject line: “EOI Project Management Consultant for Electricity Transmission Project – KGZ-1007”
No later than 17:00 hours Bishkek time (GMT+6), on 10th of September 2025. Expressions of Interests received after the submission deadline shall not be evaluated.

National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan        
Attn: Mr. Emil Artikbaev      
Head of International Relations Department 
Jibek-Jolu Street 326, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic     
Tel: +996 772 510336
Email: nesk@elcat.kg and niyazov@energo.kg
Website: www.negk.kg