REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTION)

Republic of Moldova

Strengthening Moldova’s Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Project

Loan No.: 9720-MD

Assignment Title: Consultancy services on the preparation of the procurement of photovoltaic panels with automatic-start backup generator at 10 meteorological stations of the State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS)

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): MD-OEAPM-520174-CS-CQS

The Government of the Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Strengthening Moldova’s Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the consultancy services on the preparation of the procurement of photovoltaic panels with automatic-start backup generator at 10 meteorological stations of the State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS).

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the primary procurement stage for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest.

The P.I. “Office for External Assistance Programs Management” (OEAPM) Project Implementation Unit (PIU) 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:

1. At least 5 (five) years of experience in engineering (electrical, solar energy, or related fields of expertise) with solid knowledge of relevant sector standards and the requirements of regulatory institutions (40 points);
2. Minimum 3 (three) years of proven experience in providing similar services, including the assessment of existing infrastructure and design of photovoltaic systems (50 points);
3. Availability of all the resources and means necessary to carry out the consultancy tasks (technical, financial, qualified specialists, etc.). These shall include, but not be limited to: technical equipment and analytical software; logistics, transportation, and accommodation during field missions; personnel and expertise costs; communication services and administrative support; consumables and any other resources required for conducting assessments, preparing documentation, and fulfilling all tasks under the consultancy contract (10 points).

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

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” September 2023 (“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” described in the Procurement Regulations and to be specifically set out in the Request for Proposals.

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 08:30 to 17:30 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 17:30 local time, November 25, 2025.

Attn: Ms. Raia CANTEMIR

Director, Office for External Assistance Programs Management / PIU

57/1 Mitropolitul Banulescu Bodoni str., office 306, MD-2005, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Tel: 373 22 23 29 63, 373 23 82 48

E-mail: achizitii.proiecte@ogpae.gov.md

www.ogpae.gov.md

Republic of Moldova

Strengthening Moldova’s Disaster Risk Management

and Climate Resilience Project

TERMS OF REFERENCE

for consultancy services on the preparation of the procurement of photovoltaic panels with automatic-start backup generator at 10 meteorological stations of the State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS)

1. General information

The Government of the Republic of Moldova is implementing the Strengthening Moldova’s Disaster Risk Management and Climate Resilience Project (SMORE) financed by the World Bank, that aims to enhance Moldova’s preparedness and response to natural hazards and climate-related shocks, and in case of an eligible crisis or emergency, respond promptly and effectively to it.

State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS), in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, is implementing Component 2 of the Project “Improvement of Hydrometeorological Services”.

An important element of the Project is ensuring the uninterrupted operation of meteorological stations through the installation of photovoltaic systems with automatic-start backup generators. In order to organize the procurement procedures for the photovoltaic systems, including data collection and analysis, design works, acquisition, installation, and commissioning of these systems, SHS intends to hire a Consultant (legal entity), who will provide specialized consultancy services for the preparation of the Technical Specifications (TSs) for 10 meteorological stations of SHS. The need for specialized consultancy services arises from the necessity to ensure the continuity of meteorological and hydrological data collection, which is vital for the security of the population and the economy; the green transition of the Republic of Moldova and the fulfillment of international commitments on renewable energy; and the preparation of clear and technically justified TSs required for the subsequent procurement and installation of photovoltaic systems and related equipment.

The P.I. “Office for External Assistance Programs Management” (OEAPM) under the Ministry of Finance will have the role of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

2. Objective of the consultancy assignment

The objective of the assignment is to provide consulting services to SHS for the development of the necessary technical documents and economic assessments for these 10 hydrometeorological stations, which SHS and the PIU will be able to use in the subsequent procurement and installation processes of the photovoltaic systems.  The SHS 10 stations are located in: Briceni, Bălți, Criuleni, Ceadâr-Lunga,UTA Găgăuzia, Cahul, Ungheni, Fălești, Leova, Soroca, Ștefan Vodă.

The work will include the following main general assignments:

1. Assessment of existing infrastructure and technical conditions specific to the installation of photovoltaic systems for each building/location at the 10 designated SHS meteorological stations.
2. Proposing optimal technological solutions for photovoltaic systems and automatic-start backup generators for each of the stations.
3. Providing cost estimates related to the procurement, installation, and maintenance of the photovoltaic systems (economic / cost-benefit analyses) for each station.
4. Developing the TSs for SHS for the installation of photovoltaic systems with automatic-start backup generator at the 10 meteorological stations.
5. Final preparation of the reports, deliverables, and TSs for the 10 SHS stations, following the coordination of their drafts with SHS, including ensuring compliance with the PIU requirements concerning World Bank procurement procedures.

The Consultant will provide evaluation and advisory services for the 10 meteorological stations designated by SHS. The core scope of the services relates to the analysis and verification of existing technical conditions and the preparation of the documentation required for the subsequent procurement of photovoltaic systems with automatic-start backup generators. The evaluations will focus on the energy infrastructure, building characteristics, and solar resources, in order to develop clear Technical Specifications and an actionable Plan for SHS.

The Consultant will carry out the following tasks:

Task 1: Preparation of the Activity Plan.

In their technical proposal, potential consultants will submit to SHS for coordination and approval a proposed Activity Plan, which will include the actions and sub-actions to be undertaken for each specific task, as well as the execution timelines. The Activity Plan will be reviewed and approved by SHS within 5 days of signing the consultancy contract, following the established procedure.

Within 15 days of the approval of the Activity Plan, the Consultant will conduct field visits to all 10 hydrometeorological stations designated by SHS and will collect all preliminary information necessary to carry out the assigned tasks.

Task 2: Analysis of the Existing Network and Generation/Demand Profiles.

The analysis of the renewable energy generation profile, installation method, transformer capacity for transmission and distribution for the proposed facility, and network stability at the 10 designated locations will include at a minimum:

a) Preliminary Assessment of Existing Networks. The Consultant will assess the existing electricity transmission infrastructure to understand the transformer capacity, the grid’s ability to absorb intermittent energy, and to identify the necessary upgrades for the installation of photovoltaic systems, as well as the optimal installed solar photovoltaic capacity, etc.

b) Analysis of optimal renewable energy capacities. The Consultant will define an optimal capacity to determine the type of photovoltaic system to be requested/installed at the respective location. This proposal will be based on the techno-economic analysis carried out, in order to minimize the total cost of electricity, while at the same time maximizing adaptation to the required load profile and the connection capacity. All existing and required electrical connections will be considered to allow for an adequate maximum photovoltaic power.

c) Analysis of automatic-start backup generator capacity. The Consultant will define an optimal capacity for an automatic-start backup generator, integrated into the network. All auxiliary requirements will be taken into account, such as location, support structures, operation and maintenance mode, compliance with fire safety conditions, etc.

d) Recommendation of photovoltaic system type (On-Grid/Off-Grid). The Consultant will provide well-reasoned professional recommendations regarding the type and specific features of the photovoltaic system to be procured and installed.

Task 3: Assessment of Renewable Energy Resources.

The Consultant shall review solar resource mapping based on reputable sources and estimate the annual energy production, with differentiation by seasons. The applied methodology, sources of information, and conclusions must be clearly described.

Task 4: Structural Analysis.

The Consultant shall inspect the existing roof structures at each of the 10 SHS station locations to verify the integrity and load-bearing capacity of the roofs, as well as whether their slopes (inclination angle and other necessary data) are oriented in the most efficient directions for the proper installation and operation of photovoltaic panels. Where applicable, alternatives for ground-mounted installation shall also be identified.

Task 5: Presentation of Assessment Reports for Each SHS Station Location.

The Consultant shall prepare and submit to SHS for approval Assessment Reports for each location, covering the condition of existing electrical connections, the state and technical capabilities of the grid, the needs of the beneficiary, the type and required power/capacity of the proposed photovoltaic system, the type, power and configuration of the automatic-start backup generator, and other relevant information. The reports shall include efficient expert proposals and justified technical recommendations, as well as indicative cost estimates and cost-benefit analyses.

Task 6: Preparation of Technical Specifications (TSs) for the Procurement and Installation of Photovoltaic Panels and Related Equipment.

Based on the Assessment Reports approved by SHS, the Consultant shall prepare the TSs for each of the 10 SHS stations, including the technical requirements for each type of equipment (photovoltaic panels, inverters, batteries where applicable, protection systems such as grounding and lightning protection, generator, etc.).

          Task 7: Preparation of the SHS Action Plan. 

The Consultant shall prepare a recommended Action Plan to guide SHS activities in implementing the subsequent stages for the procurement and installation of photovoltaic systems. The Action Plan for SHS shall include at least:

• the recommended stages, including documentation preparation, launch of procurement procedures, execution of works, testing, and commissioning;
• indicative timelines and resources required for each implementation stage;
• key identified risks and proposed measures for their prevention and/or mitigation;
• recommendations for monitoring and maintenance after commissioning of the procured equipment.

In performing the tasks, the Consultant will rely on all available SHS data and relevant documents; strategies, policies, statistical data, existing modelling and good practices. For all tasks listed, the Consultant will collaborate closely with the SHS, OEAPM as Project Implementation Unit (PIU), and other government entities as necessary.

• Qualification Requirements of the Consultant:

1. At least 5 (five) years of experience in engineering (electrical, solar energy, or related fields of expertise) with solid knowledge of relevant sector standards and the requirements of regulatory institutions (40 points);
2. Minimum 3 (three) years of proven experience in providing similar services, including the assessment of existing infrastructure and design of photovoltaic systems (50 points);
3. Availability of all the resources and means necessary to carry out the consultancy tasks (technical, financial, qualified specialists, etc.). These shall include, but not be limited to: technical equipment and analytical software; logistics, transportation, and accommodation during field missions; personnel and expertise costs; communication services and administrative support; consumables and any other resources required for conducting assessments, preparing documentation, and fulfilling all tasks under the consultancy contract (10 points).

3.2 Key Experts and Minimum Team Composition

The Consultant (firm) shall propose a team with sufficient technical capacity and expertise to successfully perform all tasks described in the TSs. While Key Experts will not be evaluated at the firms shortlisting stage, the Consultant must demonstrate that qualified personnel will be available to undertake the assignment.

The team should, at minimum, include the following Key Experts:

Project Manager

1. Qualifications: University degree in Electrical, Energy, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or related field;
2. Experience: At least 7 years of professional experience in managing similar engineering or renewable energy assignments, including coordination of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder liaison.
3. Skills: Familiarity with Moldovan technical requirements and regulations, proven experience with similar assignments (preferably donor-funded projects or similar) and strong reporting and communication skills.

Electrical / Solar Engineer

1. Qualifications: University degree in Electrical, Energy, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or related field;
2. Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in design, sizing, and technical evaluation of photovoltaic systems and backup power solutions.
3. Skills: Proficiency in photovoltaic design and simulation software; knowledge of international and local electrical installation standards.

4. Reporting Requirements and Deliverables

The Consultant will report to the SHS and PIU and will deliver the following documents and deliverables:

All draft reports and deliverables must be submitted to the SHS for review, feedback and approval within 10 working days from the date of their official submission. The Consultant will incorporate the provided comments within 5 working days from their receipt before submitting the final versions, which should be confirmed by SHS as acceptable.

The Consultant’s reports shall include names, titles, address of delivery, date of submission, team composition, tasks and sub-components, due dates, status of performance, conclusions, problems, recommendations and corrective actions taken.

Reports shall be submitted in Romanian and English languages. All deliverables/reports including documents, information, work files, databases, tables and other related data shall also be provided to SHS.

Electronic data formats shall be compatible with the latest versions of Microsoft Office Suite and any other data formats acceptable to SHS and PIU.

The Consultant shall be selected in accordance with the selection applicable method as defined in the World Bank Procurement Framework.

a) Assessment Reports: The Consultant shall deliver ten (10) detailed reports, one for each location, covering the technical condition of the sites and existing electrical networks, calculations, and efficient proposals and recommendations for the installation and operation of photovoltaic panel systems with automatic-start backup generators, ensuring an alternative and reliable electricity supply for the meteorological stations.

b) Technical Specifications: Based on the analyses carried out, the Consultant shall deliver ten (10) TSs, one for each location, for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of photovoltaic panel systems with automatic-start backup generators at the ten meteorological stations in the Republic of Moldova.

Both the Assessment Reports and TSs shall include, for each location, a cost-benefit analysis and indicative cost estimates of the proposed technical solutions, enabling the Beneficiary and the PIU to realistically plan the budget and subsequent procurements.

c) General and Detailed Action Plan for Project Implementation.

5. Documentation Format Requirements

All Reports, TSs, and the Action Plan shall be prepared in both Romanian and English languages. The required format is MS Word, with relevant annexes, in printed and electronic versions (including SSD storage device and online platform submission). All intellectual property rights shall belong to the Beneficiary.

6. Resources and support to be Provided by the State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS)

To facilitate the Consultant’s work, the SHS will make available the following information, access, and logistical support:

a) Existing Information and Documentation:

• Technical documentation and available data related to the existing electrical and backup systems at the 10 SHS meteorological stations (if available);
• Site layouts, electrical diagrams and previous assessments or reports relevant to the installations (if available);
• Historical energy consumption data and operational requirements for each site (if available).

b) Access to Locations:

• The SHS will ensure the Consultant has full access to all 10 meteorological stations for site inspections, measurements, and data collection.

c) Coordination and Facilitation:

• The SHS will assign a focal point for communication, coordination of site visits, and facilitation of meetings with SHS technical staff;
• The SHS will assist in organizing consultations with relevant national authorities or local partners, when necessary.

d) Other Support:

• Provision of relevant national standards, norms, and regulatory references applicable to photovoltaic and backup power systems, as available;
• Any other relevant information requested by the Consultant.

Annex 1

List of the 10 SHS Meteorological Stations:

Briceni, Bălți, Bălțata, Ceadâr-Lunga, Cahul, Cornești, Fălești, Leova, Soroca, Ștefan Vodă. detailed data shall be provided regarding building characteristics, energy consumption, and technical conditions.