Request for Proposals RFP-MESA-2022-004 - Amendment 01: Moldova 1) Amendments to the Natural Gas Tariff Methodology and 2) Renewable Energy Competitive Procurement

1.  INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this RFP is to solicit experienced technical assistance to the Moldova Energy Security Activity (MESA) within the Scope of Work (SOW) specified in the Attachment A – Technical Specifications for the Natural Gas Tariff Methodology funded by USAID/Moldova and implemented by Tetra Tech ES, Inc.

2. BIDDER'S QUALIFICATIONS

Bidder must provide the following information and references to qualify for the procurement process:

1. Company information, including official registered title, type of business, address, and contact person information.
2. A short description of the company and of past similar experience in providing the services described in the Attached A -Technical Specification.
3. Overall technical approach to fulfill the specifications defined in Attachment A – Technical Specifications.
4. Certification that company is not owned or controlled in total or in part by any entity of any government.
5. Certification by any subcontractor engaged by the company for this project that the subcontractor is not owned or controlled in total or in part by any entity of any other government.

1. The Offeror shall complete and sign the Representation and Certifications found in Attachments C to this document, and include them with the Offeror's proposal. Proposals that do not include these signed certifications will not be considered.

3.  SOURCE, ORIGIN AND NATIONALITY RESTRICTIONS

The USAID authorized geographic code for the Moldova Energy Security Activity project is 937. Code 937 (the United States, the recipient country, and developing countries other than advanced developing countries, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source). Source and Nationality rules can be found in USAID regulation ADS 310, available here: ADS Chapter 310 - Source and Nationality Requirements for Procurement of Commodities and Services Financed by USAID

4.  SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

All proposals are due on July 1, 2022 at 5:00 PM EST, Washington D.C. Time.  Proposals must be submitted via e-mail to MESA Procurement Team, at the addressMESABIDS@tetratech.com in the following formats:  Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word and/or Excel.

Proposals must fully respond to the Technical Specifications enclosed as Attachment A, and must include quotations in the format provided in Attachment B - Table 1 – Budget.  Proposals received after the above-stated due date and time will not be considered for this procurement.

5.  QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

     All questions or clarifications regarding this RFP must be in writing and submitted in English to MESABIDS@tetratech.com no later than Friday June 17, 2022 at 5:00 PM EST, Washington D.C. Time. Questions and requests for clarification, and the responses thereto, will be circulated to all RFP recipients.

Only written answers from Tetra Tech will be considered official and carry weight in the RFP process and subsequent evaluation. Any answers received outside the official channel, whether verbally or in writing, from employees or representatives of Tetra Tech, or any other party, will not be considered official responses regarding this RFP.

6.  PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

      All Offerors must follow the instructions set forth herein to qualify for the procurement process. If an Offeror does not follow the instructions set forth herein, the Offeror's proposal may be eliminated from further consideration or the proposal may be downgraded and not receive full credit under the applicable evaluation criteria.

      Separate Technical and Cost Proposals must be submitted. All proposals should be submitted in English.

Technical Proposal

The technical proposal (excluding CVs) shall not exceed five pages. Proposals will be scored on a 100-point scale. Available points for each evaluation factor are given below. Offerors must address each evaluation factor.

The suggested outline for the technical proposal is stated below:

1. Organization's Information
2. Organization's information, including official registered title, type of business, list of offices if applicable, address, telephone, fax and website.
3. Organization's DUNS number
4. Authorized point of contact with phone number(s) and email address
5. Experience of the firm of at least 3 years in the work requested under this RFP.
6. Company Technical Capability

Description of organization, including of activities/qualifications carried out similar to the Technical Specifications requested in this RFP.

1. Technical Approach

Present a narrative that describes how the Offeror would implement the tasks identified in the Technical Specifications. This narrative must also include:

1. A management approach which describes how the Offeror will manage the delivery of the services and how the Offeror will interact with MESA staff.
2. A draft work plan that outlines the proposed activities over the course of the period of performance.
3. Proposed performance indicators to measure the impact of the Awardee's planned activities and track the progress of the implementation work.

Information which the Offeror considers proprietary, if any, should be clearly marked "proprietary" next to the relevant part of the text and it will then be treated as such.

1. Proposed Staff

Present a narrative that includes the following:

1. Team composition (names, specialties/area of expertise, position/role, etc.), with detailed bios, and task assignments to perform the activities described in the SOW.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of staff proposed for all the positions named in the Attachment A. (CVs shall be limited to 3 pages each) that describes their experience and lists the following:

1. Affiliation/Organization
2. Education
3. Years of Professional Experience
4. Relevant Experience to the SOW in this RFP
5. Fluency in English

In addition to presenting the CVs, bidders should complete and include the illustrative table below, customizing it in order to match the requirements of the SOW.

1. Company Past Performance

Bidders should provide a summary of relevant studies or other assignments including the Title, Client, Date and a brief description. The qualifications section is limited to 5 of the most relevant studies or other assignments performed in the last 5 years, presented in the following table format. If the client is confidential, simply list "confidential".

Financial Proposal

1. Detailed Budget

Bidder shall complete Table 1 of Attachment B "Detailed Budget" to allow Tetra Tech ES, Inc. to compare all quotes and make a competitive selection. The budget should be provided in Excel format with unlocked cells.

A price must be provided for each project component to be considered compliant with this request. The price proposal should include the individual line items shown in the template, e.g., fully burdened daily rates, travel costs, and other direct costs. Offers must show unit prices, quantities, and total price. All items, services, etc. must be clearly labeled and included in the total offered price. The financial proposal shall also include a budget narrative that explains the basis for the estimate of every cost element or line item. Supporting information must be provided in sufficient detail to allow for a complete analysis of each cost element or line item. Tetra Tech reserves the right to request additional cost information if the evaluation committee has concerns of the reasonableness, realism, or completeness of an Offeror's proposed price.

Bidder shall provide unit pricing in US dollars. Prices quoted in this document shall be valid for a 30-day time period, include all taxes and other costs and the VAT tax originated in Moldova.

1. 1420 Forms for the proposed personnel

For each staff member proposed, the Offeror shall submit a completed and signed USAID 1420 form.

USAID form 1420 can be downloaded here: https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-1420-17

1. Proposed Billing Rates Certification

Document on company letterhead certifying the labor rates being proposed are standard rates and have been previously billed to clients for similar work.

1. Representations and Certifications

These documents can be found in Attachments C of this RFP and must be submitted as part of the Cost Proposal.

Under no circumstances may cost information be included in the technical proposal. No cost information or any prices, whether for deliverables or line items, may be included in the technical proposal. Cost information must only be shown in the cost proposal.

7.  EVALUATION CRITERIA

Award will be made to the Offeror representing the best value in consideration of past performance, qualifications and price factors. Technical criteria are more important than cost, although prices must be reasonable and will be considered in the evaluation.  Bidders are encouraged to provide a discount to their standard commercial rates.

Tetra Tech reserves the right to conduct discussions with selected bidder(s) to identify the best value offer. Award of any resulting Subcontract Agreement shall be made by Tetra Tech on a best value basis. Tetra Tech reserves the right to request a test assessment from bidders to assess their qualifications.

The submitted technical information will be scored by an evaluation committee using the following technical evaluation criteria (75 points) and cost proposal (25 points).

Technical Proposal (75 points)

Financial Proposal (25 points)

The lowest qualified financial proposal will receive the maximum score of 25 points. The other proposals will be scored inversely proportional to their price and computed as follows:

Sf = 25 * Fm/F

Sf = Financial Score of the proposal evaluated

Fm = the price of the lowest priced Financial Proposal among those qualified

F = is the price of the Financial Proposal under consideration

Offerors should submit a Detailed Budget reflecting the cost of completing the scope. Bidders shall complete the Attachment B – Detailed Budget. Labor rates quoted in this document shall be fully-burdened with all indirect costs, taxes and fee, if any. The period of performance is 12 months.

Tetra Tech reserves the right to conduct discussions with selected offerors in order to identify the best value offer. Award of any resulting Subcontract Agreement shall be made by Tetra Tech on a best value basis, with evaluation of proposed price as well as proposed services and implementation schedule.

8.  TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment terms for the awarded Subcontract Agreement shall be net forty-five (45) days after satisfactory completion and acceptance and of services and deliverables. Payment shall be made by Tetra Tech ES, Inc. in the U.S. via bank wire transfer.

9.  DUNS NUMBER AND SAM.GOV REGISTRATION

If the proposed fixed price is above $30,000, the successful bidder will be required to furnish a DUNS number and proof of SAM.gov registration within 24-48 hours of notice of award. Information regarding obtaining a DUNS number may be found here: https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

10.  NEGOTIATIONS

Best offer proposals are requested. It is anticipated that a subcontract will be awarded solely on the basis of the original offers received. However, Tetra Tech reserves the right to conduct discussions, negotiations and/or request clarifications prior to awarding a subcontract. Furthermore, Tetra Tech reserves the right to conduct a competitive range and to limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to permit an efficient evaluation environment among the most highly rated proposals. Highest rated offerors, as determined by the technical evaluation committee, may be asked to submit their best prices or technical responses during a competitive range.

11.  MULTIPLE AWARD/NO AWARD

Tetra Tech ES, Inc. reserves the right to issue multiple awards. Tetra Tech ES, Inc. also reserves the right to issue no awards.

 ATTACHMENT A – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

SCOPE OF WORK:  Moldova 1) Amendments to the Natural Gas Tariff Methodology and 2) Renewable Energy Competitive Procurement

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: July 1, 2022 – July 2, 2024

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Chişinău, Moldova

Project Description

The objective of MESA is to strengthen Moldova’s energy security by: (1) advancing physical and market integration of the Moldovan energy sector with Europe; (2) increasing renewable energy integration; and (3) increasing investment in energy efficiency and domestic power generation, particularly through increased adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Within this context, MESA is seeking a qualified vendor to support Moldova’s National Energy Regulatory Authority of Moldova (ANRE) to develop amendments to the natural gas transmission tariff methodology with a view to implement a harmonized transmission tariff setting approach compliant with the relevant European Union (EU) natural gas Network Codes and the renewable energy competitive procurement process.

Description of scope activities is broken down into two lots:

• LOT I: Natural Gas Tariff Methodology and;
• LOT II: Renewable Energy Competitive Procurement Process

Details are below.

LOT 1: Natural Gas transmission tariff methodology

LOT I - Context

Under the task, MESA seeks to assist the National Agency for Energy Regulation of Moldova (ANRE) in reforming the current transmission tariff setting approach and support the energy regulator in identifying the necessary elements to be included in the tariff methodology to enable the implementation of the harmonized calculation approach.

The natural gas transmission system of the Republic of Moldova (excluding Transnistria region) currently consists of two transmission networks, owned by two distinct licensed transmission system operators: Moldovatransgaz, affiliated to Moldovagaz company (vertically integrated gas undertaking) and Vestmoldtransgaz – former state-owned company, acquired by the Romanian natural gas transmission company Transgaz. Following the finalization in 2021 of construction works for the Ungheni – Chisinau transmission pipeline (extension of the existing cross-border natural gas interconnection Iasi – Ungheni), the two transmission networks are interconnected at the transmission level, which enables the physical flows of natural gas between the two transmission systems and, potentially, the gas flows in both directions over the Ukraine - Moldova - Romania corridor.

In the context of the initiated market reforms following the commitments undertaken within the Energy Community Treaty related to transposition and implementation of EU Third Energy Package in the field of natural gas, including the EU network codes, a set of amendments to the Law on Natural Gas, no. 107/2016 is currently under examination in the Parliament for adoption in 2^nd reading. The amendments to the Law on Natural Gas stipulate inter alia that the Moldovan natural gas system shall be treated as a single entry-exit system and entry-exit natural gas transmission tariffs shall be set in a harmonized way for licensed TSOs, with the application of an inter-TSO compensation mechanism.

The harmonized transmission tariff setting principles shall be in line with the requirements of the Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/460 of 16 March 2017 establishing a network code on harmonized transmission tariff structures for gas (TAR NC), which is mandatory for implementation in the Republic of Moldova in the context of commitments undertaken within the Energy Community Treaty, to which Moldova is a Contracting Party. In this regard, ANRE has transposed in its Natural Gas Network Code the TAR NC as adapted by the Energy Community PHLG decision No. 2018/07/PHLG-EnC. At the same time, on 27 December 2019, ANRE approved a new natural gas transmission tariff methodology^[1], which employs elements of the TAR NC (capacity-based entry/exit tariffs, established based on reference prices calculated using the capacity weighted distance method). However, to ensure the implementation of the Natural Gas Network Code in the part related to the calculation of transmission tariffs using a harmonized approach for all TSOs, amendments to the specified tariff methodology approved by ANRE are needed.

LOT 1 - Tasks

Task 1.1: Capacity building for the energy regulator to expand the knowledge and understanding of the principles related to calculation and application of harmonized natural gas transmission tariffs as per TAR NC principles.

The offeror is expected to engage with the energy regulator in joint meetings (format to be agreed further on) to discuss in details principles of TAR NC applicable for the calculation of harmonized transmission tariffs, considering also the specific principles established in the Law on Natural Gas (including the draft amendments that are under examination in the Parliament). The offeror will also provide details regarding specific elements of the tariff setting principles outlined by the TAR NC and national legislation, including the entry-exit split, seasonal factors, multipliers and interruptible discounts, clustering of points, inter-TSO compensation mechanism, adjustments to the application of the reference price methodology, cost allocation assessment, etc.

Task 1.2: Assist ANRE in identifying necessary amendments to the existing tariff methodology and drafting provisions to be included in the methodology  

Offeror shall examine the existing transmission tariff methodology and, potentially, other relevant secondary legislation, to identify missing elements that are necessary for an effective implementation of the harmonized tariff setting approach and propose corresponding amendments to the tariff methodology. This task is expected to be carried out by the offeror in close cooperation with the energy regulator.

Task 1.3: Assist ANRE during the public consultation process related to the draft amendments to the tariff methodology

Upon request, the offeror will assist ANRE during the public consultation of the draft amendments to the Methodology for calculation of natural gas transmission tariffs. The assistance may include inter alia:

• Examination of comments and proposals received from consulted stakeholders;
• Contribute to the refining of the final version of the amendments to the methodology following the public consultation procedure;
• Provide support in developing the regulatory impact assessment, other supporting documents.

LOT I - Deliverables

• Capacity building activities for local stakeholders to expand the knowledge and understanding of the principles related to calculation and application of harmonized natural gas transmission tariffs and inter-TSO compensation mechanism; meeting minutes, presentations upon request.
• A summary report outlining missing elements necessary for the effective implementation of the harmonized transmission tariff setting approach, taking into consideration TAR NC principles and requirements.
• Draft amendments to the tariff methodology, enabling the calculation and approval of entry-exit natural gas transmission tariffs in a harmonized way for both TSOs.
• A simplified tariff calculation model (Excel format) reflecting the developed amendments to the tariff methodology.
• A final report describing the conducted activities and results, including other documents delivered upon request.

LOT I - Timeline

The proposed set of activities is expected to commence in July 2022 and continue up to the adoption by the Administration Council of ANRE of the amendments to the tariff methodology implementing the harmonized tariff setting approach described above. Tentatively, this period is anticipated to be 6 months from the kick-off of the activity, but it may be extended depending on the duration of the public consultation process, the amount of received comments and decision-making process at ANRE.

LOT II: RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE (RES) COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT

LOT II - Context

Under this task, MESA seeks to assist Moldovan stakeholders in designing and implementing renewable energy (RES) competitive procurement procedures in line applying RES support scheme and mechanisms.

The Law on the Promotion of Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (Law on RES) sets the national targets for renewable energy up to 2020  and defines the legal and institutional environment necessary for the application of support schemes to incentivize the use of energy from renewable sources to achieve these targets. Moreover, the Law on RES establishes the administrative procedures applicable in relation to renewable energy activities (including issuance of licenses), sets the general and specific requirements regarding access to the grid for producers of energy from renewable sources, as well as the principles related to the implementation of guarantees of origin system compliant with the requirements of the EU Directive 2009/28/EC.

Moreover, the Law on RES differentiates the implementation of the support scheme under two distinct approaches (i.e. a competitive procurement and feed-in tariff support scheme), depending on the size of the RES-E power plant owned/planned to be built by the eligible producers

The RES-E support scheme, as defined by the Law on RES, implies the obligation of a designated local supplier (the “central electricity supplier”, abbr. CES) to buy all the RES-E generated and delivered into the electric networks by the RES-E generator holding the status of “eligible producer”, at a fixed price/tariff, for a period of 15 years starting from the moment the RES-E power plant is put into service. Therefore, by receiving the status of eligible producer, the respective RES-E generator gains access to the support scheme and, respectively, to all guarantees provided by it.

LOT II - Tasks

Under this lot the offeror will support the Moldovan stakeholders in:

• The review the relevant legal and regulatory framework including the Law on RES, with a focus on the provisions aiming to introduce a competitive procurement process (Framework for PPA)
• Analysis of the auction process and any relevant rulebooks in accordance with the national legal and regulatory framework;
• Elaboration of report with recommendations for finalization of legislative package of the RES auction process based on EU experiences;     
• Develop methodologies needed for conducting auctions and propose amendments to relevant legislation as appropriate.
• Preparation of templates needed for conducting RES auctions;
• Guide and support the development of an auction platform;
• Provide verification and assistance during the bidding process in coordination with the designated national authority;
• Support activities related to public promotion of RES auction process;

LOT II - Timeline

It is expected that work will commence tentatively in mid-2023 and continue for the duration of a calendar year. An updated time schedule will developed.

LOT II – Deliverables

A final report describing the conducted activities and results, including any document or other output produced under the scope of work described above.
ATTACHMENT B - DETAILED BUDGET

PROPOSED DETAILED BUDGET  (Time and Materials)

TABLE 1- Overall Subcontract Budget

*LOE = Level of Efforts, budgeted number of days assigned for the work

Rate = fully loaded daily rate

Prices quoted must be valid for 30 days, and account for ALL remuneration, per diem, travel, communications, report reproduction and other out-of-pocket expenses, taxes and other costs, but including the VAT tax that may be originated in Moldova. On this basis Tetra Tech will issue a Time and Material Subcontract, and payment shall be based upon acceptance of services and deliverables described in the Attachment A.

Bidder Representations and Certifications

1. Organizational Conflict of Interest Representation

The offeror represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that this award:

     does [  ]  or  does not [  ]  involve an organizational conflict of interest.

Please see FAR 52.209-8 for further explanation.

2. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (required if cost proposal is more than USD $30,000)

3. Source and Nationality of Goods and Commodities

• This is to certify that the Bidder is:
  1. an individual who is a citizen or legal resident of .
  2. a corporation of partnership organized under the laws of .
  3. a controlled foreign corporation of which more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock is owned by United States shareholders; or
  4. a joint venture or incorporated association consisting entirely of individuals, partnerships or corporations. If so, please describe separately the citizenship or legal status of the individuals, the legal status of the partnership or corporations, and the percentage (%) of voting power of the corporations.
• This is to certify that the Source (the country from which a commodity is to be shipped from) of the Equipment to be supplied under this Order is:

name of country or countries

By signing below, the Bidder certifies that the representations and certifications made, and information provided herein, are accurate, current and complete.

^[1] Methodology for calculation, approval, and application of regulated tariffs for natural gas transmission service, approved by ANRE Resolution no. 535/27.12.2019.

ATTACHMENT D - QOUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

• Question: The assignment is separated into two lots: LOT I: Natural Gas Tariff Methodology and LOT II: Renewable Energy Competitive Procurement Process. Kindly clarify if the Offeror can submit a proposal only for LOT I or LOT II, or both lots are included in the assignment and cannot be separated between two companies?
  1. Response: RFP deliberately includes 2 LOTS and both lots are included in the assignment. It is not envisaged to be separated between two awards.

• Question: The ToR for the assignment is clear to us. However, it is not clear how comprehensive the analysis should be, and other companies may perceive this aspect differently. We kindly ask you to clarify budget ceiling for this assignment or indicative man-months, in order to have an understanding of the Client's expectations.
  1. Response: Offerors should propose their own budget.

• Question: The RfP is divided into two lots. Is it expected that a separate technical & financial proposal is submitted per each lot or can one proposal cover both lots? In the latter case, does the five-page limitation still apply?
  1. Response: The 5 pages limitation applies to the technical proposal, which is now increased to 7 pages for both lots. The financial proposal shall be submitted separately and shall describe financial details for each lot separately.

• Question: Is the project and ensuing tariff regulation amendment also expected to revise the TSO cost base?
  1. Response: The consultant is not expected to engage in reviewing/adjusting the value of the regulatory asset base or the base costs of TSOs, established by the regulator for tariff setting purposes.

• The Question Re: Task "review the relevant legal and regulatory framework..." (p. 14 in the RfP): What is expected deliverable of this task? Shall this be drafting template PPA only? Or giving recommendations as to what kind of amendments have to be introduced into the reviewed legislation? Or does the task expect the contractor to draft respective amendments into reviewed legislation?
  1. Response A report summarizing the gaps which were identified by the report compared to 1) the relevant Energy Community Acquis b) selected national practices which in the opinion of the consultant comprise exemplary cases to be considered for adoption in Moldova. The recommendations on amendments is desirable after having identified the relevant gap. The review does not anticipate drafting of the relevant amendments.

• Question: What is the purpose of this exercise - to provide an overview of the current status for the stakeholders?

Response: the purpose of this exercise is two-fold. On one hand, the barriers and obstacles preventing the market uptake under the currently defined RES support schemes need to be indicated. On the other hand the gaps and proposed recommendations aim at providing detailed guidance to the local decision makers on how they should proceed in a prioritized and orderly manner.

• Question: Task "Analysis of the auction process ..." What is the expected deliverable of this task?
  1. Response: the consultant is expected to present the different stages of a full-cycled auction process, indicatively: from the expression of interest to the announcement of the successful auction participants

• Question: Task "Elaboration of report with recommendations for finalization of legislative package..." Do we understand correctly this does not include drafting respective legislation, but only development of the recommendations in a report format?
  1. Response: This is confirmed. Recommendations however are anticipated in a clear and concise language with appropriate references to the existing pieces of legislation that have been already reviewed

• Question: Task "Develop methodologies needed for conducting auctions..." Is it expected that the contractor shall develop detailed recommendations for the design of a competitive procurement scheme for renewable energy (including selection methods, eligibility criteria for participants/ winners, criteria for selection of sites, etc.)?
  1. Response: this is confirmed

• The Question Shall the contractor advise on the price methodology for the auction?
  1. Response this is confirmed

• Question: Task "Preparation of templates needed.." Does this include only template PPA? Or any other documents as well, including all the tender related documentation required for the deployment of auctions (template agreements for connection to the grid; template of land lease agreement; and final drafts of the bid forms)?
  1. Response: The consultant is expected to include all relevant templates of documents, which would be deemed required based on the proposed approach.

• Question: Task "Guide and support the development of an auction platform" Is the contractor expected to develop SOFT of the platform?
  1. Response: The contractor is expected to develop the technical specifications and support during the procurement of a suitable auction tool.

• Question: Does TT expect that a software company is included as consortium member/subcontractor?
  1. Response: This can be possible if the contractor deems on the basis of the RfP requirements and this Q&A that such an inclusion would enhance their response to the requested services.

• Question: Task "Provide verification and assistance during the bidding process.." Does this mean the contractor is supposed to assist with real auctions? If so, assistance on how many auctions is included? Is the contractor expected to prepare a complete and comprehensive set of technical specifications for solar PV, onshore wind farms and other technologies, if applicable, to include in the RFP? Does this task include assistance to the auction administrator in responding to bidder clarifications at different stages of the bidding process? Assess the compliance of commercial proposals with criteria established in the RFP and report results of commercial offers?
  1. Response: The contractor is expected to assist with real auctions. The number of auctions is not currently defined and it is expected to be part of the contractor's recommendations. The contractor is expected to complete a set of eligibility criteria for grating access to the auctions and not a comprehensive set of technical specifications for each RES technology. It is confirmed that the task include assistance to the auction administration in response to bidder clarification at different stages of the bidding process including the results announcement. In respect of the commercial offers it is understood that the process refers more to a tendering procedure and not to an auction of RES capacities – in this the compliance of the commercial proposal should be assessed inherently by the auction tool through the design of appropriate bidding validation rules.

• Question: Task "Support activities related to public promotion..." Does this task include promotion at certain web sources? Or communication with stakeholders? Or within working groups?
  1. Response this is in the discretion of the contractor to propose based on their experience and it would be evaluated

• Question: Is this assistance needed only for one auction?
  1. Response: No. The number of auctions is expected to be determined based on the recommendations of the contractor (see also response to Q14).

• Question: Will there be a separate budget specified for engaging PR agency for promotion thereof?
  1. Response: This can be possible if the contractor deems on the basis of the RfP requirements and this Q&A that such an inclusion would enhance their response to the requested services.

• Question: Does the RfP cover assistance to the stakeholders in implementing the pilot auction as well?
  1. Response: The merits of implementing a pilot auction are expected to be determined based on the recommendations of the contractor. To the extent that this will be deemed necessary the pilot auction support is included in this RfP

• Question: What are particular stakeholders that the subcontractor will communicate with? Will there be one particular contact person to communicate with and who the subcontractor shall agree tasks/steps with?
  1. Response: For Lot I, the consultant will engage mainly with the energy regulator – ANRE. During the project implementation, the consultant may engage the Moldovan TSOs as well. The project activities and interactions will be coordinated with MESA staff. In addition, for Lot II, this may include the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, TSO, DSOs, financing institutions, industry associations, etc. The contact persons from local stakeholders will be established during the project kick-off.

• Question: Does the Project expect on-site experts in Moldova to work on this project? Or experts can work remotely?
  1. Response: Project experts are expected to conduct field missions, to engage with main local stakeholders during the project implementation. The required local presence should form part of the proposed approach and will be evaluated as such, whereas, the exact number and aim of field missions can be established at the project kick-off.

• Question: Are there any offline in-person meetings expected in Moldova? If so, how many of them?
  1. Response: The required local presence should form part of the proposed approach and will be evaluated as such, whereas, the exact number and aim of field missions can be established at the project kick-off. Further to that remote meetings can also form part of the proposed approach.

• Question: Shall the contractor hold any workshops for the stakeholders?
  1. Response: Lot I: At least one workshop is expected to be conducted with main stakeholders (energy regulator, TSOs).

Lot II: the contractor is anticipated to define the minimum number of workshops with stakeholders based on their experience and proposed approach

• Question: What are the deadlines for each deliverable under the Project?
  1. Response: Lot I: exact deadlines for each deliverable will be discussed and agreed with the main beneficiary (energy regulator). Tentatively, it is envisaged that the project will span over a one-year period starting from the kick-off meeting.

Lot II: the contractor is anticipated to define the relevant deadlines in their proposal based on their experience and proposed approach

• Question: As per Section 6 (Proposal Preparation Instructions), the total length of the technical proposal should not exceed 5 pages (excluding detailed CVs). Kindly confirm whether this limit is applicable for the overall proposal, or for individual lots (lot 1 and lot 2 as defined in the technical specification viz Attachment-A)
  1. Response: The 5 pages limitation applies to the technical proposal, which is now increased to 7 pages for both lots. The financial proposal shall be submitted separately and shall describe financial details for each lot separately.

• Question: Due to the current geopolitical situation in the region, our risk clearances are taking time. Hence, request you to consider extending the submission deadline by one week (i.e. to July 4th 2022) 
  2022. Response: The submission deadline has been extended till July 1, 2022.