(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Republic of Moldova

Moldova Water Security and Sanitation Project(MWSSP)

Project No.: P173076

Credit No.: 7027-MD

Assignment Title: Development of the Biodiversity Assessment Study and Biodiversity Management Plan for Soroca Sanitation Sub-project

Reference No.: MD-PIU-NORLD-457361-CS-CQS

Date: November 08, 2024

The Government of the Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Moldova Water Security and Sanitation Project (MWSSP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the development of the Biodiversity Assessment Study (BAS) including the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP). The Biodiversity Assessment Study aims in identifying potential impacts on flora, fauna and the habitats and to suggest relevant compensatory and mitigatory measures to protect/conserve biodiversity in the likely impacted area along the main pipeline rout and the WWTP construction site due to the project activity. To achieve this the Consultant shall carry out a comprehensive study on biological, socio-economic aspects along the proposed route and site limited to affected biodiversity area and assess the potential impacts and risks (direct as well as indirect/ induced) due to the project activities and shall suggest appropriate measures for compensating & mitigating measures for managing the same.

This study will describe the biodiversity values present on the development site and the impact of the project activity on these values and also identify reasonable measures and strategies that can be taken to avoid and minimize impacts on biodiversity.

In preparing this Terms of Reference, the Client has estimated that approximately 100-120 man-days of key professional staff input will be required to carry out the activities defined in the scope of services. The duration of the assignment will be about 6 months from the date of commencing the services, including development and submission of deliverables, their examination and approval by the Client / World Bank / Republic of Moldova Environmental Agency, acceptance of services and payments according to contact terms.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://www.ondrl.gov.md (link: https://ondrl.gov.md/categorie/proiectul-saasm/anunturi-saasm/) or can be obtained at the email address given below.

The Moldova Water Security and Sanitation Project now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The shortlisting criteria are:

General experience:

-          Copy of the organization registration certificate, any available license, permit, professional qualification certificate available.

-          Have been in continuous operation for at least five (5) years, being specialized implementing environmental projects of different kind.

-          Experience in managing the environmental components of infrastructure projects.

Specific Experience:

-          Specific experience in at least two (2) successfully developed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Studies (at least one (1) ESIA shall be the one assessing the impact on natural and social environment of a construction / or major rehabilitation of water supply and/or sanitation project).

-          The Consultants should demonstrate the availability of the human resources for the performance of the services described in the TOR. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The scores that will be assigned to the consulting firms at the evaluation of the Expression of Interest are: 40 points for general experience and 60 points for specific experience, in total 100 points. Passing score is 70 points.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers”, dated November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’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 Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 09.00 to 17.00 local time in the Republic of Moldova.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by November 22, 2024, 16:00 local time in Moldova, indicating the assignment title in subject line (when sent by e-mail).

Contract address:

P.I. National Office for Regional and Local Development,

Moldova Water Security and Sanitation Project (PIU)

51A, Alexandru cel Bun Street, 2^nd floor

mun. Chisinau, Republic of Moldova MD-2012

Tel.: +373 69131817

E-mail: tender@ondrl.gov.md

www.ondrl.gov.md