TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

• TITLE: Consulting Services to prepare a Feasibility Study: European Energy Award (EEA) in Moldova
• Procurement ID # Tender: 2025_ApaNeff_ Consulting_EEA
• PROJECT: "Energy Efficiency and Water Supply" Component of the "MĂ IMPLIC" Project financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
• CONTRACTING AUTHORITY/Client: Fundația Centrul Moldo-Elvețian pentru Cooperare SKAT (SKAT Moldova)
• IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD: 6 months (January-June 2026)
• Maximum budget: 50,000.00 (fifty thousand) CHF

1. BACKGROUND

A Consulting company / or team of individual experts shall be selected and contracted by SKAT Moldova (SKAT), to prepare a feasibility study under the Ma Implic Project (project on civic engagement in local governance in Moldova - implemented by Skat and financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)). 

The planned feasibility study aims to assess the feasibility and added value of introducing the EEA approach in Moldova and to propose a roadmap for possible piloting and institutional anchoring. 

The feasibility assessment should also consider the broader donor and institutional landscape, including initiatives supported by GIZ, UNDP, KfW, AFD, EIB, EBRD, NEFCO, and others, as well as the Moldova Energy Projects Implementation Unit (MEPIU).

2. OBJECTIVES (in brief)

The study aims to:

• Assess the feasibility, benefits, and risks of introducing the EEA in Moldova.
• Identify synergies and complementarities with CoM East, national policies, and donor-supported programmes.
• Evaluate institutional, governance, and financial readiness at the municipal, regional, and national levels.
• Recommend a practical roadmap for piloting the EEA.
• Propose options for capacity building and awareness raising on the EEA approach in Moldova.

3. SCOPE OF WORK (in brief)

• Inception and Desk Review
• Field Mission, Stakeholder Consultations, and Information Event
• Feasibility Analysis (based on results from field mission)
• Pilot Roadmap Proposal
• Final Reporting and Dissemination

4. Detailed information regarding the key deliverables, implementation notes, eligibility criteria, documentation and award criteria, plus additional information on participation: can be obtained by submitting a formal request to participate (with the subject line: “Feasibility Study: European Energy Award (EEA) in Moldova“) to SKAT Moldova/Contract Authority at: tender@int.skat.ch   
5. Any requests for clarification shall be sent to the same e-mail address not later than 24 November 2025, with answers provided by 28 November, 2025.
6. Bids shall be valid for at least 60 calendar days from the set submission deadline date.
7. The bid submission deadline date is not later than 05 December 2025.
8. Bids shall be submitted electronically, with the subject line #: “2025_ApaNeff_ Consulting_EEA“, at the following email: tender@int.skat.ch
9. SKAT would like to point out: this Procurement is organized in line with SKAT Moldova Procurement Manual. A right to appeal against the award decision is not granted to the Bidders/Participants.