Terms of Reference (ToR) for Geological/Geotechical Services required for Moldova HiTech Park

Description:    Geological/Geotechnical Services required for Moldova HiTech Park

Employer:       Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP)

Partner organization:  German Development Cooperation (GIZ)

Type of Contract:       Service contract

Contract period:          November – 31 December 2025, with the possibility of extension

A. Introduction and Background

      The Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) is looking for a geological/geotechnical company which will provide Geological/Geotechnical Services required for Moldova HiTech Park (MHTP). MHTP is envisioned as a hub for innovation, technology, and education focusing on sectors like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and big data Moldovan legislation mandates that prior to design and construction, comprehensive engineering-geological investigations be performed as part of the project’s technical documentation.

B. Scope and Objective

The primary objective of the geological/geotechnical study is to assess subsurface conditions across the MHTP site (initial 24.4 ha and the subsequent ~25 ha expansion). The study will identify soil and rock stratigraphy, groundwater conditions, and geotechnical parameters necessary for safe and cost-effective foundation and structural design. It will also evaluate any geological hazards or constraints on development. Also, the geological/geotechnical study should deliver accurate, up-to-date soil data, which will serve as the basemap for master planning, detailed design, and engineering of the park’s infrastructure and facilities. The survey will be done in two phases corresponding to the land allocation phases, but the final deliverables shall cover the entire area seamlessly.

The contracted firm (the Consultant) shall carry out a comprehensive engineering-geological and geotechnical investigation in accordance with the preliminary layout coordinated with LLC “Moldova HiTech Park”. The surveys will cover the 24.4 ha plot (cadastral no. 3153201.005) and an additional ~25 ha (from cadastral no. 3153201.336). The spacing and number of boreholes should ensure representative coverage (recognizing that one borehole’s data is typically applicable to a radius of about 100–200 m in uniform terrain). The geotechnical surveys will be carried out by a team of geologists in accordance with the national legislation in force. The geotechnical boreholes will be drilled along the MHTP propose site location, at a minimum 1 borehole per 1 hectare. Each borehole will be indicated in a separate drilling plan prepared by the design team. The drilling plan will be coordinated with the Contracting Organization.

Before submitting the bid, the Tenderer shall carry out a site visit to determine the level of complexity and technical aspects related to the access of drilling equipment on site. The geotechnical boreholes will be executed mechanically using specialized drilling equipment.

The geological/geotechnical studies necessary for the preparation of the MHTP design of the works must provide the information described below, in order to correctly assess the ground conditions for all locations affected by the proposed works:

Field tests shall provide, for each borehole, at least the following information:

1. Coordinates (in the MOLDREF 99 coordinate system);
2. Site photographs (field photos must include recognizable landmarks to identify the location);
3. Groundwater table level.

Laboratory tests shall provide, for each borehole, at least the following information:

1. Sieve analysis;
2. Density;
3. Moisture content;
4. Degree of saturation;
5. Dry unit weight;
6. Natural unit weight;
7. Porosity;
8. Modulus of elasticity;
9. Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index);
10. Shear test (determination of cohesion and friction angle);
11. Soil classification (logs shall be provided for each test pit).
12. Evaluation of groundwater aggressiveness shall also be performed.

The reports shall include the results of field and laboratory tests, as well as the following:

1. Evaluation of geological data:
2. Seismic data;
3. Climatic data, including frost depth;
4. Existing geology (surface and subsurface materials, soil/rock stratigraphy) and geomorphology (slopes, soil contours, natural features, terrain analysis, landslide characteristics) both locally and regionally within the area of interest.
5. Hydrogeological conditions;
6. Erosion potential;
7. Site characteristics relevant to slope stability;
8. Results of geotechnical studies;
9. Calculation of allowable bearing pressure for each test pit;
10. Recommendations for foundation solutions;
11. Recommendations for trench protection (retaining/screening/drainage);
12. Maps showing the location of each test pit/borehole, including photographs;
13. Longitudinal profiles showing soil conditions at and between test pits/boreholes, including groundwater level.

The Geological Study Report (Engineering Geotechnical Report) will compile all of the above findings. The report should include: an executive summary of key findings; description of site and investigation methods; borehole location plan and logs; results of laboratory tests (with data sheets in annexes); analysis of soil stratigraphy and geotechnical conditions; identification of any problematic soil conditions or hazards; and clear recommendations for foundation design and site preparation. The report must be signed and stamped by a licensed engineering geologist/geotechnical engineer, and it will form part of the technical documentation required for obtaining construction permits.

When conducting the geotechnical investigations, the following normative documents currently in force in the Republic of Moldova shall be observed:

• Town-Planning and Construction Code of Moldova (Law No. 434/2023)
• NCM A.03.11:2017 Engineering investigations for construction. General provisions;
• SM SR EN ISO 14688-1:2011/A1:2017 Geotechnical investigation and testing. Identification and classification of soils;
• СНиП 1.02.07-87 Engineering surveys for construction;
• GOST 21.302 System of design documentation for construction. Conventional graphical symbols in engineering-geological survey documentation;
• NCM L.02.12-2:2017 Construction economics. Reference price indicators for geological survey works;
• and others.

A total of at least 50 boreholes with an average depth of 5.0 - 7.0 meters are planned. The number and depth of boreholes may vary depending on the Terms of Reference.

Throughout execution of the study, the Consultant should maintain communication with the Client (MHTP management) and consider any specific development plans for the park (e.g. locations of heavy structures, roads, utilities) to focus the investigation accordingly. All necessary permits or authorizations for performing field investigations (such as drilling permits or land access permissions) will be facilitated by the Client, but the Consultant is responsible for conducting the work safely and in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

C. Required qualifications:

• The Consultant must be legally registered and licensed to perform engineering-geological (geotechnical) investigations in the Republic of Moldova. It should possess any required certifications or licenses issued by relevant Moldovan authorities
• The Consultant should have a proven track record of at least 5 years in performing in conducting geotechnical investigations and soil surveys for construction projects. The firm should have completed at least two (2) similar projects of comparable scale and complexity in the last 5–10 years.
• The Consultant team should include qualified specialists in geology and geotechnical engineering. Key experts must be professionally certified (attested) in their respective fields:
  • Lead Engineering Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Field engineers/technicians
  • Laboratory specialists
• The Consultant must have access to necessary equipment and facilities, including drilling rigs capable of reaching 5–7 m depth (and deeper if needed), tools for in-situ testing (e.g., SPT hammer, dynamic cone penetrometer), and an accredited geotechnical laboratory for soil and water testing. Calibration certificates for equipment may be requested. All fieldwork must follow safety standards; personnel should have protective gear and the company must have liability insurance for site works.

D. Evaluation criteria

The selection method for this contract will be Lowest Price Qualified. This means that the evaluation will be conducted in two stages: first, the technical proposals will be reviewed for compliance with the above qualifications and scope requirements (including completeness of the proposal, methodology, work plan, personnel qualifications, and relevant experience). Only proposals that meet all the minimum technical requirements and are deemed substantially responsive to the ToR will be considered for financial evaluation. In the second stage, the financial offers of technically qualified bidders will be compared. The contract will be awarded to the bidder who offers the lowest price among the technically compliant proposals. In summary, the award criterion is the lowest evaluated price, provided that the bidder is fully qualified and their proposal conforms to all requirements of this Terms of Reference.

E. Duration and Location of Employment

 The intended duration of the contract is from the date of contract signing up to 31 December 2025. The timeframe is set to ensure that both phases of the geological/geotechnical study (for the initial 24.4 ha and the subsequent ~25 ha) can be completed and delivered, including time for review and official approvals, within the period when the entire 50 ha site becomes available.

F. Instructions for Applicants

Applicants will read the Terms of Reference and submit their proposals to marina.bzovii@mitp.md and viorica.jereghi@mitp.md no later than November 28, 2025.

All questions or/and clarifications regarding this ToR must be submitted to the following emails: marina.bzovii@mitp.md (in copy viorica.jereghi@mitp.md) no later than November 21, 2025.