REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Consulting services - conducting market research of the strategic export markets and dissemination of the results through “export morning/vision” workshops

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT

Sector: General industry and trade sector

IDA Credit No. 71740

IBRD Loan No. 94230

Project ID No. P177895

Reference No. MD-CEP-419458-CS-CQS

The Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Competitiveness Project (MSME) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include providing support to Moldovan Government and its Invest Moldova Agency to organize and conduct market research of the targeted export markets and disseminate the results through “Export Vision” workshops offering platforms for businesses to learn about opportunities and challenges within targeted markets and enable more exports from the country.

The assignment will be performed in the period May – December 2024 and will require a level of effort of approximately 150 man-days. The tentative schedule for the workshops is presented in the table below.

Tentative schedule of “Export Vision” workshops.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below.

The Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project now invites eligible local 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 (required qualifications and experience of the firm, but not individual experts’ bio data).

The selection criteria are:

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” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.  A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the „Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection” method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

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.

The Expression of Interest shall clearly state the name of the Consultant (individual Firm, Joint Venture or sub-consultancy). The Consultant shall provide relevant references (assignment name, Client, time frame, the role of the firm (main Consultant/Partner in JV/sub-consultant, contract amount, tasks performed etc.) to confirm its experience and qualifications.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by May 28, 2024, COB.

Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project

Attn. Mr. Aureliu Casian, Executive Director180, Stefan cel Mare Ave., office 815, MD-2004, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Tel:  + 373 22 296-723;  + 373 22 296-724;

e-mail: piu@mded.gov.md

web:     www.uipac.md