REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - Assessment and Design of Coastal Fisheries Data Management Framework

(CONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTION)

Consultancy Services for the Assessment and Design of a Coastal Fisheries Data Management Framework for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER)

CONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTION

The Federated States of Micronesia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services are for the assessment of existing coastal fisheries data systems and gaps and the design of a recommended coastal fisheries data management framework for future implementation. The assignment will cover the four FSM States of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae and is expected to take approximately 12 months.

The FSM Department of Resources & Development (DRD), in collaboration with State Fisheries Departments, NORMA , now invites eligible consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing the Services.

1. Objective and Scope of the Assignment

The objective of the consultancy is to assess existing coastal fisheries data systems and gaps, and to design a recommended data management framework for future implementation. The following areas are not within the scope of the assignment: 1) training, 2) conduct ecological field surveys, 3) build databases, 4) validate protocols, or and 5) produce management recommendations. These activities are intended to be undertaken under subsequent consultancies.

2. Key Deliverables and Timing

The Consulting Firm will be required to submit the following deliverables. Timing is indicative and measured in weeks after contract signing, unless otherwise stated.

3. Required Firm Experience and Shortlisting Criteria

Interested consulting firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Expressions of Interest should focus on firm-level qualifications and relevant experience. Key Experts will not be evaluated at this shortlisting stage.

4. Indicative Key Personnel

The firm should demonstrate that it can mobilize a qualified team. The TOR identifies the following indicative key personnel:

Note: Detailed CVs are NOT required at this Stage. However, Firms may provide a brief staffing approach or indicate availability of the required expertise..

5. Selection Process, Associations, and Conflict of Interest

A consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection (CQS) procedures set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, Seventh Edition, September 2025.

Consulting firms may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should clearly indicate whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all members of the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire assignment if selected.

Interested firms should provide information on any actual or potential conflict of interest arising from other assignments or conflicting involvement in related assignments.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to the applicable provisions of the World Bank Procurement Regulations on conflict of interest, eligibility, and fraud and corruption.

6. Submission Requirements

The Expression of Interest should include the following information, preferably not exceeding 15 pages excluding annexes]:

• Firm profile, legal status, country of registration, and contact details;
• Description of the firm’s core business and years in business;
• Summary of no more than five relevant assignments completed during the last 5 years, including client, country, contract value, duration, and firm role;
• Evidence of experience in fisheries data management, coastal fisheries, metadata catalogues, data gap assessments, data governance, GIS mapping, and institutional assessment;
• Brief statement on experience in FSM, Pacific Island countries, or small island developing states;
• Description of any proposed association, joint venture, or sub-consultancy arrangement;
• Statement confirming availability and ability to mobilize for a 12-month assignment involving travel to all four FSM States;
• Conflict of interest declaration.

7. Submission Address and Deadline