Achiziții de bunuri și contractări de servicii

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Republic of Moldova

Education Quality Improvement Project

Reference No.: MD-MoED-545106-CS-CQS

Assignment Title: Training Services, Professional Development, and Study Visits for Teaching Staff, Thematic area: STEM, Robotics, Emerging Technologies and Innovation

The Ministry of Education and Research (MoER) has received financing from the World Bank Group toward the cost of the Education Quality Improvement Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for individual consulting services.

To ensure the effective organization and implementation of professional development services in the fields of STEM, robotics, emerging technologies, and innovation for teaching and managerial staff in general education institutions benefiting from the EQIP Project, through the provision of an integrated package of training, consultancy, mentoring, coaching, and methodological support, aimed at developing competencies for the pedagogical use of educational technologies and equipment, the design and implementation of interdisciplinary activities based on STEM and STEAM methodologies, the integration of experimentation, inquiry, and technological projects into teaching, learning, and assessment processes, and the effective utilization of investments made through school subprojects at the institutional level.

For more information, please see the Terms of Reference and Annex 1

The MoER now invites eligible 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.

To achieve the main objectives, the Consultant shall perform the following tasks:

Task 1. Planning and Design of Training Activities

a) Overall Planning and Coordination

The Consultant shall develop an integrated implementation framework for training activities in the fields of STEM, robotics, emerging technologies, and innovation, ensuring direct alignment with the objectives of beneficiary institutions under the EQIP Project and with the investments made through school subprojects. The planning shall ensure effective use of technological equipment and the development of teachers’ competencies for its application in relevant and practice-oriented educational activities.

The Consultant shall align training activities with the Thematic areas defined in these Terms of Reference and with the following thematic directions, as applicable: STEM education and interdisciplinary design; educational robotics and applied programming; 3D modeling and printing; drones and applied technological solutions; modern science laboratories and experimental learning; environmental education and green school practices; smart agriculture and applied technologies; pedagogical innovation through technology; study visits, exchange of good practices, and demonstration activities.

The Consultant shall confirm the target groups for each activity and adjust the planning in coordination with the Contracting Authority and beneficiary institutions. This confirmation shall include the type of participants, number of participants, subject profile, and the level of competencies required for participation.

The Consultant shall establish an implementation schedule with clear phasing and balanced distribution based on the volume, complexity, and specificity of the activities outlined in Annex 1. The planning shall consider school operational periods and the need to mobilize trainers across different regions of the country.

The Consultant shall develop detailed agendas for each training activity. Agendas shall include operational objectives, measurable results, applied learning activities, and concrete outputs that can be used at classroom or institutional level, such as STEM lesson scenarios, technological projects, models of experimental activities, or implementation plans.

The Consultant shall estimate the number of hours for each activity, with a clear distinction between theoretical sessions, practical applications, design activities, and any follow-up or mentoring components.

b) Curriculum Design

The Consultant shall develop training materials aligned with STEM, robotics, emerging technologies, and innovation, adapted to the profile of participants.

For STEM education and interdisciplinary design, the Consultant shall include activities for designing interdisciplinary lessons and learning units, applying project-based and inquiry-based learning, conducting scientific experiments, and developing student technological products.

For educational robotics and applied programming, the Consultant shall include activities on the use of educational robotics platforms, robot programming, use of microcontrollers and smart sensors, development of automation projects, and integration of robotics into curricular and extracurricular activities.

For emerging technologies in education, the Consultant shall include the use of 3D printing, digital modeling, use of drones in educational activities, application of virtual and augmented reality, and the use of artificial intelligence and other digital tools in teaching and learning.

For the use of modern science laboratories, the Consultant shall include activities on organizing experiments, using laboratory equipment and digital sensors, conducting scientific investigations, and developing discovery-based and experiment-based learning.

For pedagogical innovation through technology, the Consultant shall include activities for organizing STEM clubs, coordinating student technological projects, using technological infrastructure in extracurricular activities, and developing professional learning communities in educational technologies.

The Consultant shall define the outputs of the activities, including STEM lesson scenarios, interdisciplinary projects, technological prototypes, documented experimental activities, assessment tools, and institutional implementation plans for the use of equipment.

The Consultant shall develop tools to assess participants’ progress, aligned with the objectives of each Thematic area and with the outputs produced during training.

c) Logistical Planning

The Consultant shall determine the delivery format of activities, including face-to-face, online, or blended formats, based on the thematic focus, type of activities, and the needs of beneficiary institutions.

The Consultant shall plan the resources required for each Thematic area, including educational robotics equipment, STEM kits, materials for scientific experiments, resources for 3D modeling and printing, digital resources, and technical support for online delivery.

The Consultant shall prepare working materials and documentation required for effective training delivery, including course materials, worksheets, practical activity guides, and assessment tools.

d) Planning and Design of Training Activities

Before the start of implementation, the Consultant, in coordination with the Contracting Authority and beneficiary institutions, shall review and confirm the structure of each activity included in Annex 1. For each activity, the Consultant shall confirm:

1. Number of face-to-face contact hours.
2. Number of online contact hours.
3. Number of practical or individual work hours, where applicable.
4. Number of follow-up or mentoring hours, where applicable.
5. Total contact hours.
6. Total duration of the activity.
7. Delivery format.
8. Expected outputs and verification documents.

The final approved agenda for each activity shall reconcile the number of hours, delivery format, and expected outputs. No activity shall be considered ready for implementation until the Contracting Authority confirms that the hours and delivery format are clear and consistent.

Task 2. Organization and delivery of training activities

The Consultant shall implement training activities in accordance with the approved plan and aligned with the Thematic area of STEM, robotics, emerging technologies, and innovation.

The Consultant shall organize training sessions for teaching and managerial staff involved in STEM activities and in the use of technological equipment within beneficiary institutions.

For STEM education and interdisciplinary design, the Consultant shall deliver applied activities on designing interdisciplinary lessons, organizing experiments, applying project-based learning, and developing student technological products.

For educational robotics and applied programming, the Consultant shall organize practical sessions on programming educational robots, using microcontrollers and sensors, developing technological projects, and integrating robotics into curricular and extracurricular activities.

For emerging technologies, the Consultant shall facilitate the use of 3D printing, digital modeling, drones in education, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence in educational activities.

For the use of modern science laboratories, the Consultant shall organize practical activities on using laboratory equipment, conducting digitally supported experiments, and developing scientific inquiry.

The Consultant shall provide trainers with demonstrated expertise in STEM, educational robotics, emerging technologies, and innovative pedagogy.

The Consultant shall apply interactive training methods, including case analysis, teamwork, design exercises, micro-teaching, simulations, and technological project development.

The Consultant shall integrate relevant educational technologies and resources into the training process.

The Consultant shall maintain participant records and provide methodological support throughout the implementation of activities.

Task 3. Monitoring, reporting, and sustainability

This task focuses on tracking the quality of implementation, analyzing results, and supporting the application of developed competencies at the institutional level.

a) Monitoring of Results

• The Consultant shall apply initial and final assessment tools for each training activity.
• For STEM and interdisciplinary activities, monitoring shall assess participants’ ability to design and implement interdisciplinary lessons and projects.
• For educational robotics and programming, monitoring shall assess the use of equipment, development of technological projects, and integration of programming activities into the teaching process.
• For emerging technologies, monitoring shall assess the use of advanced digital tools, integration of technologies into educational activities, and development of innovative practices.
• For the use of science laboratories, monitoring shall assess the organization of experiments, use of laboratory equipment, and application of inquiry-based learning.

b) Reporting

• The Consultant shall prepare reports for each training activity, including the description of the topic, number of participants, results achieved, and outputs produced.
• The Consultant shall systematize materials and outputs developed by participants and highlight examples of good practice in STEM and in the use of educational technologies.
• The Consultant shall formulate recommendations to strengthen the application of developed competencies at classroom and institutional levels.
• The detailed reporting template is provided in Annex 2 and shall be used by the Consultant.

c) Ensuring Sustainability

• The Consultant shall propose measures to ensure continuity of interventions, including follow-up sessions, mentoring, and support for the development of professional learning communities in STEM.
• The Consultant shall support institutions in integrating training outcomes into institutional development plans and internal strategies for the use of technological infrastructure.

Task 4. Provision of logistical services related to training activities

The Consultant shall ensure the logistical organization of activities so that implementation conditions support the practical and application-oriented nature of training in STEM and educational technologies.

1.Initial Logistical Planning. The Consultant shall develop a logistical plan for each activity, aligned with the number of participants, delivery format, and duration.

2.Venue and Conditions. For face-to-face activities, the Consultant shall ensure appropriate venues for practical work, group activities, and technological demonstrations.

3.Technical Equipment and Digital Support. The Consultant shall provide the necessary equipment for demonstrations and STEM activities, including projector or interactive display, laptop, stable internet connection, and technical support for online or blended activities.

4.Materials and Learning Resources. The Consultant shall provide course materials, worksheets, materials for practical activities, STEM kits, experimental materials, and assessment tools.

5.Catering Services. The Consultant shall provide coffee breaks and lunch services depending on the duration of activities.

6.Transport and Accommodation. For activities requiring participant travel, the Consultant shall organize transport and, where applicable, accommodation for approved activities.

7.Records and Compliance. The Consultant shall ensure attendance lists, supporting documents for services delivered, and the issuance of participation certificates.

For each Thematic area, the Consultant shall prepare a Specific Logistical Plan. The plan shall indicate the logistical services required for each activity, in accordance with Annex 1, and shall ensure that logistical arrangements are aligned with the number of participants, delivery format, duration, location, equipment needs, and practical nature of the activity.

The Specific Logistical Plan shall include at least:

1.Activities requiring catering services, including coffee breaks, lunch, meal packages, or other refreshments.

2.Activities requiring transport services for participants, trainers, experts, equipment, or training materials.

3.Activities requiring accommodation services, where applicable.

4.Activities requiring printed materials, participant kits, certificates, badges, banners, or other training documentation.

5.Activities requiring consumables, STEM kits, experimental materials, robotics kits, 3D printing materials, sensors, or other materials for practical work.

6.Activities requiring technical equipment, internet access, online platform support, or technical assistance for face-to-face, online, or blended delivery.

7.Activities requiring photo, video, media documentation, dissemination materials, or visibility support.

8.The staff member, subcontractor, JV member, or service provider responsible for each logistical component.

9.The supporting documents to be submitted for verification of each logistical service delivered.

The Consultant shall ensure that logistical services are planned and delivered as associated services within the relevant Thematic area, strictly in accordance with Annex 1 and the approved activity agenda.

Target Group

Direct Target Group

• Primary school teachers, lower secondary teachers, and upper secondary teachers in STEM subjects.
• ICT coordinators and coordinators of digital and technological laboratories.
• Members of school management teams involved in the implementation of subprojects.

The estimated number of participants for each training program is specified in Annex 1.

KEY DELIVERABLES AND INDICATIVE TIMELINES

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The estimated duration of the assignment is up to 10 months, starting from July 2026, depending on the schedule of training programs and activities specified in Annex 1 for the thematic area of STEM, robotics, emerging technologies, and innovation.

Training activities shall be planned and implemented in several phases, with activities planned mainly in the second half of 2026 and some actions continuing in 2027, depending on the specific nature of the activities, implementation conditions, and the schedule presented in the annex. The Consultant shall ensure effective coordination so that all deliverables are completed within the contractual timeline.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND TECHNICAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

a) General Eligibility Criteria

• The Consultant shall be a legally registered entity in accordance with applicable national legislation.
• The Consultant shall have at least 5 years of relevant experience in organizing and delivering professional development activities for teaching and managerial staff.
• The Consultant shall demonstrate experience in implementing projects in the field of education, teacher professional development, or the use of educational technologies, through at least 3 relevant contracts or projects.
• Previous experience in collaboration with public institutions in the education sector shall be considered an advantage.
• Experience in projects financed by the World Bank, the European Union, or other international donors shall be considered an advantage.
• The Consultant shall demonstrate relevant experience in the development and implementation of training programs in the fields of STEM, robotics, emerging technologies, and innovation, including in one or more of the following areas:
  • Integration of STEM and STEAM methodologies into teaching, learning, and assessment processes.
  • Use of educational robotics and applied programming in curricular and extracurricular activities.
  • Use of emerging technologies in education, including 3D printing, digital modeling, educational drones, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence-based tools.
  • Organization and use of modern science laboratories and digitally supported experimental activities.
  • Development of educational activities based on technological projects, scientific inquiry, and applied learning.
  • Support to institutions in the use of technological infrastructure and equipment acquired through school subprojects.
• The Consultant shall demonstrate, through previously implemented similar contracts or projects, the capacity to organize and manage training activities delivered simultaneously in different locations, including logistical, administrative, and operational coordination.
• The Consultant may participate individually, as part of a Joint Venture, or may rely on subcontractors for specific components of the assignment.
• Subcontracting may be used for specialized technical expertise, logistical services, transport, accommodation, catering, production of training materials, technical support, or other clearly defined components of the assignment.

If the Consultant proposes subcontractors, the proposal shall clearly indicate:

1. The name and legal status of each subcontractor.
2. The specific services or activities assigned to each subcontractor.
3. The estimated share of the contract to be subcontracted.
4. The relevant experience and technical capacity of each subcontractor.
5. The coordination and quality assurance mechanism between the Consultant and subcontractors.

• In the case of a JV, the proposal shall identify the Lead Member, the role of each member, the allocation of responsibilities by activity type, and the mechanism for contractual, operational, and financial coordination.
• The Lead Member shall remain fully responsible before the Contracting Authority for the quality, timeliness, and completeness of all services delivered under the contract, including services delivered by subcontractors or JV members.

b) Key Personnel Requirements

Project Manager

The Consultant shall designate at least one Project Manager responsible for the overall coordination of the implementation of training programs in the Thematic area of STEM, robotics, emerging technologies, and innovation.

The Project Manager shall ensure planning of service delivery, operational coordination of training activities, monitoring of implementation, management of human and logistical resources, and periodic reporting to the Contracting Authority.

The Project Manager shall coordinate the team of trainers and ensure alignment of training activities with the objectives of the EQIP Project and the requirements set out in the School Technical Grants Operational Manual.

The proposed Project Manager shall meet the following criteria:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in project management, preferably in education, teacher professional development, educational technologies, or curriculum reform.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing and coordinating training programs for teaching and managerial staff, with at least 3 programs fully implemented.
• Experience in coordinating large teams of trainers, managing multiple activities simultaneously, and reporting to public institutions or donors.
• Experience in projects financed by the World Bank, the European Union, or other international donors shall be considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated competencies in strategic planning, risk management, monitoring, and quality assurance of training processes, including the ability to coordinate programs that include technological components, practical activities, and the use of educational equipment.

c) Minimum Requirements for Trainers’ Qualifications

Trainers shall hold relevant higher education degrees and have at least 5 years of experience in adult training, teacher professional development, STEM education, educational technologies, or other fields relevant to the proposed Thematic area. They shall provide CVs, copies of diplomas, a training portfolio, and at least 2 references.

Trainers shall demonstrate competencies in facilitating active learning, using digital tools, developing applied training materials, guiding practical activities, and supporting participants in producing concrete outputs, such as STEM lesson scenarios, interdisciplinary projects, technological prototypes, digital educational resources, experimental activity models, assessment tools, or institutional implementation plans.

• For Thematic area 1, STEM and STEAM Education, Interdisciplinary Design and Pedagogical Innovation, trainers shall demonstrate experience in STEM or STE(A)M methodology, interdisciplinary design, project based learning, inquiry based learning, experiment based learning, authentic learning, formative assessment, and development of applied learning outputs.
• For Thematic area 2, Educational Robotics, Applied Programming, Microcontrollers and Sensors, trainers shall demonstrate experience in educational robotics, applied programming, microcontrollers, smart sensors, visual programming, automation projects, and platforms such as LEGO Education SPIKE, Arduino, Micro:bit, KUBO, Fable, or equivalent technologies.
• For Thematic area 3, 3D Modeling, 3D Printing and Digital Fabrication, trainers shall demonstrate experience in 3D modeling, 3D printing, digital fabrication, preparation of printable objects, use of open source 3D resources, creative engineering, and safe pedagogical use of 3D equipment.
• For Thematic area 4, Emerging Technologies in Education, Artificial Intelligence, VR/AR, Drones and Immersive Learning, trainers shall demonstrate experience in the use of artificial intelligence in education, virtual and augmented reality, educational drones, immersive learning, digital games, interactive simulations, or other emerging technologies relevant to teaching, learning, and assessment.
• For Thematic area 5, Scientific Experiments, Digital Laboratories and Pedagogical Use of STEM Equipment, trainers shall demonstrate experience in the use of modern science laboratories, digital laboratories, STEM equipment, experimental kits, sensors, measurement tools, interactive panels, technology supported inquiry, scientific investigations, and the organization of experimental activities.
• For Thematic area 6, Study Visits, Exchange of Experience, Dissemination Activities and Associated Logistical Services, proposed staff shall demonstrate experience in organizing study visits, professional exchange activities, demonstration sessions, seminars, conferences, logistical coordination, documentation of results, photo and video production, and dissemination of educational practices.

Where a trainer is proposed for more than one Thematic area, the Consultant shall clearly demonstrate that the trainer has relevant experience for each respective activity. Where subcontractors, JV members, or associated partners are proposed for specific technical or logistical components, their relevant qualifications and experience shall also be documented.

The Consultant shall present examples of outputs, sample tools, course materials, practical tasks, or training products that reflect the methodological level and practical orientation of the proposed training activities.

The Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person or by mail) by June 10, 2026, 16:00 o’clock, Moldova local time.

Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova,

Stefan cel Mare 180, 13th floor, room no. 1314,

mun. Chisinau, Republic of Moldova MD-2004

E-mail: eqip@mec.gov.md