Request for Expression of Interest - Consultant to Assess Feasibility of National Laboratory

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES)

Country: Federated States of Micronesia
Project: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program – Economic Resilience (PROPER)
Grant No.: IDA-E371-FM
Assignment Title: Consultant to Assess Feasibility of National  Laboratory
Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): FM-NORMA-470504-CS-INDV

The National Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Island Oceanscape Program – Second Phase for Economic Resilience and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) will include evaluating the feasibility and sustainability of establishing and operating a national laboratory in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to support its function as a Competent Authority (CA) for accessing the European Union (EU) market. The Consultant will comprehensively assess the viability of establishing a national testing laboratory under the FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs (DHSA).

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment may be found at DOFA website (www.dofa.gov.fm) or at the NORMA website (www.norma.fm).

The FSM National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA) now invites eligible individuals (“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 (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.).

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

Required experience and educational background:

• Post graduate qualifications in Laboratory Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or related field with a minimum of 10 years post qualification experience. 
• Extensive relevant experience in operations and establishment of national testing labs including undertaking laboratory feasibility studies. 
• Experience in engagements with developing country governments and development partners relating to trade and market access.
• Proven track records of relevant publications, reports, or similar work in English.

Desirable skills:

• Working knowledge of national lab operations in the Pacific region or in the fisheries products CA operations.

The attention of interested Consultants (including firms) is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers dated September 2023 (“the Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0800 to 1700 hours Pohnpei local time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) preferably by July 28, 2025 (Pohnpei local time).