Selecting an international expert who will provide technical support in the planning and development process of Smart Villages strategies in five localities

Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova is the Chisinau Branch of Fundacja Solidarności Międzynarodowej, Warsaw, a state foundation, managed and co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, created to contribute to the development of neighbouring countries. In 2023, Solidarity Fund PL successfully completed the EU certification process „Pillar Assessment”, joining the group of entities with higher capabilities to access European funds. You can read more about the activity of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova here.  

In this regard, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova initiates a call for the selection of an international expert who will provide technical support in the planning and development process of Smart Villages strategies in five localities 

Description of the acquisition: 

Acquisition of consultancy services on the planning and development of Smart Village Strategies in 5 localities. The international expert will provide technical support to the implementation team (SFPL in Moldova), partners (NRDLN) and project beneficiaries (Local Public Authorities and local communities) in the process of planning and developing Smart Villages strategies in five localities.  

Planned activities: 

• Participation as an SFPL expert in Moldova in specific working meetings with the project team, local experts, partners and/or other relevant parties – at least 2 days; 

• Providing consultancy and support to the project team in planning the activities for the implementation of the actions on Smart Villages, as well as other undertakings necessary for the efficient piloting of the concept – at least 2 days; 

• Delivery of trainings on the EU methodology on Smart Villages and other relevant topics to the local team of experts and/or beneficiaries (including delivery of model documents) – at least 3 days; 

• Contribution to the development of Smart Village Strategies – at least 2 days; 

• Supporting the project team in organising training activities and a study visit for beneficiaries and other relevant stakeholders – at least 2 days; 

• Provide recommendations on aligning the pilot process in Moldova with EU practices (if applicable). 

Expected deliverables: 

• At least 5 working meetings with the project team, local experts, partners and/or other relevant parties carried out; 

• A detailed plan of activities drawn up; 

• At least 2 workshops for the local team of experts and/or project beneficiaries organized, including templates of documents necessary for the implementation of the concept offered; 

• 5 revised smart village strategies and recommendations provided; 

• A co-organised study visit; 

• A set of recommendations on alignment with the European concept delivered (if applicable). 

Requirements for applicants:  

Within the purchase call may apply legal entities and/or individuals who possess: 

1. Practical experience in implementing the Smart Villages concept in at least one EU member country; 

2. Previous experience in working with communities in the Republic of Moldova in the field of local development and/or digitalization; 

3. Experience in delivering trainings and working with local communities; 

4. The experience of working with Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova will be an advantage. 

Ineligible applicants: 

1. Have not fulfilled their obligations in previous contractual relationships with Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova;  

2. Have active collaboration relationships with Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova and/or an ongoing contract for the same type of service or similar service;   

3. Are listed on the governmental sanction lists of the EU and/or the USA.  

Estimated term for preparation and provision of the requested services: 10-15 days during a period of 5 months from the moment of signing the contract.

You can access the Terms of Reference for additional information on the application process and evaluation criteria. 

The dossier must be submitted by 09/08/2024, 12:00 PM (EET) and be sent to the email address: procurements@solidarityfund.md, with the title of the message Services – Smart Villages International Expert Offer.

Note: Questions regarding the procurement process can be sent to the email address: procurement@solidarityfund.md no later than 5 days before the application submission deadline. Answers will be published in the Q&A category, 3 days before the submission deadline. 

* The applicant has the right to establish independently the confidentiality limits of the provided data and to mention which of the attached documents to the offer are confidential.  

** Personal data will be processed by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova for the purposes of the procurement process, in accordance with the provisions of the legislation in force and internal rules. The provision of personal data is voluntary. Refusal to provide data will result in the impossibility to conclude a contract with Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova. Individuals have the right to obtain information about the purpose, scope and manner of processing personal data, the right to access their personal data, and the rights to data portability and rectification. Personal data may be disclosed to development partners, auditors, public law bodies, lawyers – for the purposes of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova control, protection of rights, dispute resolution. Personal data will not be transmitted to other third parties without prior consent of the applicant. Any questions regarding personal data can be directed to Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova by e-mail info@solidarityfund.md.   

*** For the transparency purpose of the procurement process, the results of the auction with information on the selected provider (name/ surname, service, price, period) will be published on the Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova website. Participation in the auction by sending documents signifies acceptance of the publication of the procurement results, except for information marked as confidential.   

**** Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova reserves the right to cancel the procurement process at any time without any obligation to the bidders.