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Page 3 / 3Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation Project
GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Liberia Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Credit No. IDA 7511-LR Project ID No. 177478 The Republic of Liberia has received financing in the amount of US$ 30 Million (Thirty Million United States Dollars from the World Bank toward the cost of the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, related services and consulting services to be procured under this project. The project will include the following components: Component 1: Enhance Access to Selected Public Services. This component aims to support enhanced access to selected public services through multichannel service delivery with a focus on the digitalization of public service; Component 2: Raise Tax Revenue. This component will provide support to enhance Liberia’s capacity to mobilize resources more effectively through the implementation of the VAT and a modern tax administration; Component 3: Enhance the capacity and openness of selected of selected accountability institutions. This component seeks to improve audit follow- ups, rollout the e-GP System, launch of a digitalized asset declaration system and the rollout of the IFMIS. Procurement under these components will include the following: Goods - Build a system of connectivity of CSCs to e-Liberia Portal for e-Services (850K), Procurement and installation of ICT infrastructure of CSCs (1,600K), ICT infrastructure and Data Warehouse (600K), and Establish shared digital infrastructure (NDC, GovNet, GSB, APIs) (2million) E-Declaration Software Development (Design, develop, and implement an E-Declaration & Verification System, Procurement of assorted ICT equipment (Laptops, Desktops Printers), Procurement of Office Furniture etc. Consulting Services – build a national M&E system to support the delivery of local services and publish open data (500K), GIS and Valuations Systems and Enrollment, Prepare new procurement regulations, manuals, and standard procurement documents, sustainable procurement policy and implementation roadmap, Consultant to develop the joint Public accounts Committee training manual, Procurement of contracts financed by the World Bank will be conducted through the procedures as specified in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, September 2023, and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the regulations. Specific procurement notices for contracts subject to open international competitive procurement will be announced, as they become available, in UN Development Business online, on the World Bank’s external website and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning website, Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) website and in local newspapers. Interested eligible firms and individuals who would wish to be considered for the provision of goods, works, non-consulting services and consulting services for the above mentioned project, or those requiring additional information, should contact the Borrower at the address below: Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project Jim-ngormoh A. Kamara, Project Team Lead Office of the Deputy Minister, Department of Economic Management Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Broad & Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-777-638-969 E-mail: [email protected] Monrovia, Liberia
Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation Project
GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Liberia Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Credit No. IDA 7511-LR Project ID No. 177478 The Republic of Liberia has received financing in the amount of US$ 30 Million (Thirty Million United States Dollars from the World Bank toward the cost of the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, related services and consulting services to be procured under this project. The project will include the following components: Component 1: Enhance Access to Selected Public Services. This component aims to support enhanced access to selected public services through multichannel service delivery with a focus on the digitalization of public service; Component 2: Raise Tax Revenue. This component will provide support to enhance Liberia’s capacity to mobilize resources more effectively through the implementation of the VAT and a modern tax administration; Component 3: Enhance the capacity and openness of selected of selected accountability institutions. This component seeks to improve audit follow- ups, rollout the e-GP System, launch of a digitalized asset declaration system and the rollout of the IFMIS. Procurement under these components will include the following: Goods - Build a system of connectivity of CSCs to e-Liberia Portal for e-Services (850K), Procurement and installation of ICT infrastructure of CSCs (1,600K), ICT infrastructure and Data Warehouse (600K), and Establish shared digital infrastructure (NDC, GovNet, GSB, APIs) (2million) E-Declaration Software Development (Design, develop, and implement an E-Declaration & Verification System, Procurement of assorted ICT equipment (Laptops, Desktops Printers), Procurement of Office Furniture etc. Consulting Services – build a national M&E system to support the delivery of local services and publish open data (500K), GIS and Valuations Systems and Enrollment, Prepare new procurement regulations, manuals, and standard procurement documents, sustainable procurement policy and implementation roadmap, Consultant to develop the joint Public accounts Committee training manual, Procurement of contracts financed by the World Bank will be conducted through the procedures as specified in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, September 2023, and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the regulations. Specific procurement notices for contracts subject to open international competitive procurement will be announced, as they become available, in UN Development Business online, on the World Bank’s external website and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning website, Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) website and in local newspapers. Interested eligible firms and individuals who would wish to be considered for the provision of goods, works, non-consulting services and consulting services for the above mentioned project, or those requiring additional information, should contact the Borrower at the address below: Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project Jim-ngormoh A. Kamara, Project Team Lead Office of the Deputy Minister, Department of Economic Management Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Broad & Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-777-638-969 E-mail: [email protected] Monrovia, Liberia
Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation Project
GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Liberia Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Credit No. IDA 7511-LR Project ID No. 177478 The Republic of Liberia has received financing in the amount of US$ 30 Million (Thirty Million United States Dollars from the World Bank toward the cost of the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, related services and consulting services to be procured under this project. The project will include the following components: Component 1: Enhance Access to Selected Public Services. This component aims to support enhanced access to selected public services through multichannel service delivery with a focus on the digitalization of public service; Component 2: Raise Tax Revenue. This component will provide support to enhance Liberia’s capacity to mobilize resources more effectively through the implementation of the VAT and a modern tax administration; Component 3: Enhance the capacity and openness of selected of selected accountability institutions. This component seeks to improve audit follow- ups, rollout the e-GP System, launch of a digitalized asset declaration system and the rollout of the IFMIS. Procurement under these components will include the following: Goods - Build a system of connectivity of CSCs to e-Liberia Portal for e-Services (850K), Procurement and installation of ICT infrastructure of CSCs (1,600K), ICT infrastructure and Data Warehouse (600K), and Establish shared digital infrastructure (NDC, GovNet, GSB, APIs) (2million) E-Declaration Software Development (Design, develop, and implement an E-Declaration & Verification System, Procurement of assorted ICT equipment (Laptops, Desktops Printers), Procurement of Office Furniture etc. Consulting Services – build a national M&E system to support the delivery of local services and publish open data (500K), GIS and Valuations Systems and Enrollment, Prepare new procurement regulations, manuals, and standard procurement documents, sustainable procurement policy and implementation roadmap, Consultant to develop the joint Public accounts Committee training manual, Procurement of contracts financed by the World Bank will be conducted through the procedures as specified in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, September 2023, and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the regulations. Specific procurement notices for contracts subject to open international competitive procurement will be announced, as they become available, in UN Development Business online, on the World Bank’s external website and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning website, Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) website and in local newspapers. Interested eligible firms and individuals who would wish to be considered for the provision of goods, works, non-consulting services and consulting services for the above mentioned project, or those requiring additional information, should contact the Borrower at the address below: Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project Jim-ngormoh A. Kamara, Project Team Lead Office of the Deputy Minister, Department of Economic Management Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Broad & Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-777-638-969 E-mail: [email protected] Monrovia, Liberia
Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project
GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Liberia Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Credit No. IDA 7511-LR Project ID No. 177478 The Republic of Liberia has received financing in the amount of US$ 30 Million (Thirty Million United States Dollars from the World Bank toward the cost of the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, related services and consulting services to be procured under this project. The project will include the following components: Component 1: Enhance Access to Selected Public Services. This component aims to support enhanced access to selected public services through multichannel service delivery with a focus on the digitalization of public service; Component 2: Raise Tax Revenue. This component will provide support to enhance Liberia’s capacity to mobilize resources more effectively through the implementation of the VAT and a modern tax administration; Component 3: Enhance the capacity and openness of selected of selected accountability institutions. This component seeks to improve audit follow- ups, rollout the e-GP System, launch of a digitalized asset declaration system and the rollout of the IFMIS. Procurement under these components will include the following: Goods - Build a system of connectivity of CSCs to e-Liberia Portal for e-Services (850K), Procurement and installation of ICT infrastructure of CSCs (1,600K), ICT infrastructure and Data Warehouse (600K), and Establish shared digital infrastructure (NDC, GovNet, GSB, APIs) (2million) E-Declaration Software Development (Design, develop, and implement an E-Declaration & Verification System, Procurement of assorted ICT equipment (Laptops, Desktops Printers), Procurement of Office Furniture etc. Consulting Services – build a national M&E system to support the delivery of local services and publish open data (500K), GIS and Valuations Systems and Enrollment, Prepare new procurement regulations, manuals, and standard procurement documents, sustainable procurement policy and implementation roadmap, Consultant to develop the joint Public accounts Committee training manual, Procurement of contracts financed by the World Bank will be conducted through the procedures as specified in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, September 2023, and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the regulations. Specific procurement notices for contracts subject to open international competitive procurement will be announced, as they become available, in UN Development Business online, on the World Bank’s external website and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning website, Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) website and in local newspapers. Interested eligible firms and individuals who would wish to be considered for the provision of goods, works, non-consulting services and consulting services for the above mentioned project, or those requiring additional information, should contact the Borrower at the address below: Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project Jim-ngormoh A. Kamara, Project Team Lead Office of the Deputy Minister, Department of Economic Management Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Broad & Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-777-638-969 E-mail: [email protected] Monrovia, Liberia
Conduct Baseline Survey on Citizens Perception of Transparency of Selected Accou…
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRM SELECTION) LIBERIA Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project Project ID: P177478 Credit No..: 7511-LR Assignment Title: Consultancy to Conduct a Survey on Citizens’ Perception of the Transparency of Selected Accountability Institutions Reference No.: LR-MFDP-477422-CS-CQS The Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project is a World Bank-funded initiative designed to enhance governance transparency, accountability, and service delivery in Liberia. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and focuses on strengthening integrity institutions, improving public sector efficiency, and fostering citizen engagement in governance processes. A key aspect of the project is the measurement of citizen perception of transparency of selected accountability institutions. This aligns with Project Development Objective (PDO) indicator #3. Over the years, Liberia has undertaken several institutional reforms to improve public sector governance and combat corruption. These reforms have included the establishment of accountability institutions such as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), Public Accounts Committee (PAC), General Auditing Commission (GAC), and other institutions mandated to publish data on anti-corruption efforts. However, despite these efforts, public trust in institutional transparency remains a challenge. Citizens often face barriers in accessing information related to governance processes, auditing reports, procurement decisions, and financial disclosures. Additionally, perceptions of transparency are influenced by factors such as the limited availability of information, public awareness, responsiveness of institutions, accessibility of public records, and effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Recognizing these challenges, the Government of Liberia, through the GREAT Project, aims to conduct, three perception surveys throughout the project’s implementation. The baseline survey will be conducted in 2025, another survey will be conducted at the midterm of the project in 2027, and a final survey will be conducted in 2029. These surveys will collect data to measure and track citizens' perceptions of the transparency of selected accountability institutions. The findings from this survey will inform ongoing reforms, support evidence-based decision-making, course correct during project implementation and guide future interventions aimed at strengthening institutional integrity. Survey Objectives and Linkages to Broader Governance Reforms The results of this survey will contribute to ongoing governance reforms under the GREAT Project, particularly in the digitalization of anti-corruption systems, improvements in institutional reporting mechanisms, and strengthening of public oversight processes. Furthermore, the survey findings will provide benchmark data for tracking improvements in transparency over time and guiding policy adjustments. This assignment will require the expertise of a consulting firm to design, implement, and analyze the survey results while ensuring alignment with international best practices in governance research and data integrity. To ensure methodological consistency and enable effective tracking of progress over the project period, the firm selected to conduct the baseline survey in 2025 will be eligible for contract renewal to carry out the midline and endline surveys planned for 2027 and 2029, respectively. This eligibility will be contingent on the firm’s satisfactory performance during the baseline phase, as assessed by the client. This provision will be clearly stipulated in the contract, and the subsequent engagements will be subject to applicable procurement procedures, including performance-based justification, market assessment (where required), and the availability of funds. Objective of the Assignment: The objective of this assignment is to systematically assess and document citizens' perceptions of transparency of selected accountability institutions. The survey will establish a baseline and provide a robust methodology that enables periodic tracking of citizen’s perception of transparency throughout the project cycle (2025, 2027 and 2029). In this regard, the data collected will allow the project to: • Understand the baseline of citizens' perception vis-à-vis selected accountability institutions. • Identify the main bottlenecks, challenges, and areas of concern based on citizens' responses. • Highlight positive aspects of institutional transparency and identify practices that are working well. • Analyze the data with appropriate disaggregation based on gender, age, geographic location, and other relevant socio-economic variables. • Formulate initial recommendations to inform governance reforms and institutional improvements. • Collect data in subsequent years (2027, 2029) to track the evolution of perception over time. • Analyze this evolution—whether positive or negative—to identify persistent challenges or emerging improvements. • Formulate new recommendations in future rounds, taking into account changes in public perception and institutional performance. The Consultant will undertake the following tasks and deliverables: • Conduct a Comprehensive Assessment of the National Data Center's Current ICT Infrastructure. The Consultant shall carry out a detailed evaluation of the existing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment at the National Data Center (NDC). This assessment will encompass all critical components, including hardware, peripherals, software, network infrastructure, power supply systems, and other associated equipment. The goal is to identify gaps and inefficiencies that hinder the NDC’s ability to provide effective and efficient service delivery, both online and onsite. The Consultant will also document the specific needs (National Data Center related) and requirements of relevant Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) with prioritized services based on the e-Liberia assignment that will benefit from the NDC resources and service delivery, ensuring alignment with the broader objective of creating a citizen-centric service delivery ecosystem with the whole of government approach. Scope of Work The selected consulting firm will undertake the following tasks: A. Survey Design & Methodology • Develop a survey methodology focused exclusively on citizens’ perceptions of the transparency of selected accountability institutions supported by the GREAT Project including the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Public Procurement Concession Commission (PPCC), General Auditing Commission (GAC), and Public Accounts Committee (PAC). • Employ both qualitative and quantitative research methods to ensure a comprehensive analysis. • Use stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different demographic and geographic groups, including urban and rural populations. • Develop a structured survey questionnaire that assesses transparency aspects such as access to institutional reports, public trust levels, and awareness of anti-corruption efforts. • Pilot-test the survey tools to ensure clarity, validity, and reliability before full deployment. B. Data Collection • Conduct nationwide data collection covering diverse population segments, ensuring proportional representation of gender, youth, socio-economic status, and geographic location. • Utilize multiple data collection techniques, including: • Face-to-face interviews in key urban and rural centers. • Online surveys to capture literate and tech-savvy respondents. • Key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders such as civil society representatives, government officials, and journalists. • Focus group discussions for qualitative insights into citizens' experiences with transparency. • Ensure inclusivity by capturing perspectives from marginalized communities, youth, and women to reflect broader societal views on institutional transparency. C. Data Analysis & Reporting • Disaggregate and analyze the data by gender, age, and location in order to be able to identify patterns and variations in public perception during subsequent surveys (2027, 2029) • Apply appropriate techniques to analyze the surveyed data. • Provide graphical representation of results through appropriate means including dashboards, tables, and visual summaries. Required Consulting Firm’s Qualifications and Expertise The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) now invites eligible firms (“Consulting firm”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. The Consulting firm must possess, at a minimum, the following qualifications: The Consultant firm must possess, at the minimum, the following qualifications: • The Consultancy firm must be a legally established and registered entity. • The Consultancy firm should demonstrate at least 10 years of relevant experience. • The Consultancy firm must have successfully conducted surveys or evaluations of at least three (3) large-scale governance, accountability, or transparency projects within the last seven (7) years. • Successfully completed projects should be presented in a table listing the name of the relevant assignments, short scope of work, contract start and end dates, country/region, contact reference (name, e-mail, phone number), and supporting documentation such as reports or acceptance certificates. Additional references may be requested directly from the clients of completed projects if necessary. • Proposed technical approach and methodology should be suitable for the assignment and aligned wit
Consultant to Develop the Joint Committee Training Manual for PAC
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION) LIBERIA Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project Credit No.: IDA–75110 Assignment Title: Consultancy to Develop Joint Committee Training Manual for the Public Account Committee (PAC) Assignment Level: Position for National Consultant Reference No.: LR-MFDP-477356-CS-INDV The Government of Liberia has received financing from the World Bank for the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services to hire a consultant to Develop the Joint Committee Training Manual for the Public Account Committee (PAC). Objective of the Assignment: The objective of this consultancy is to develop a structured and standardized PAC Training Manual. Scope of the Assignment Stakeholder Consultation & Needs Assessment • Conduct structured consultations with: • PAC Members & Secretariat Staff to identify specific training needs. • Key Oversight Institutions (GAC, LACC, PPCC) to ensure alignment with existing audit procedures and integrity frameworks. • Public Financial Management (PFM) Experts to integrate best practices in financial scrutiny. • Assess current procedural gaps, knowledge deficiencies, and institutional challenges. • Develop a stakeholder consultation report summarizing key insights, challenges, and recommendations. 2. Review of Legal & Institutional Framework • Analyze Liberia’s PFM laws, legislative framework, and PAC’s governance structure. • Examine international best practices in parliamentary financial oversight. • Identify case studies and global lessons that can be adapted for Liberia. 3. Development of the PAC Training Manual • Structure the manual into clearly defined modules covering: • PAC’s legislative and financial oversight role. • Audit report review procedures and interaction with GAC. • Guidelines for conducting hearings and investigations. • Protocols for engaging with integrity institutions. • Develop practical tools such as: • Checklists for audit report analysis. • Templates for hearing procedures and financial scrutiny. • Standardized report formats for PAC findings. 4. Integration of Sustainability & Monitoring Mechanisms • Develop M&E indicators to track the effectiveness of PAC oversight activities. • Propose a feedback mechanism for periodic updates to the manual. • Design a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) framework to ensure ongoing capacity-building. 5. Development of Training Modules & Materials • Create structured training modules aligned with the manual. • Develop interactive learning materials, including: • Case studies and real-world scenarios. • Role-playing exercises simulating PAC hearings. • Workshops with practical simulations. The detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) 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. Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria: • Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Policy, Law, Governance, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field. (10 Points) • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in governance, legislative oversight, public financial management, or institutional capacity-building. (20 Points) • Proven track record in developing training manuals, legislative frameworks, and public sector capacity-building tools. (20 Points) • Experience working with legislative bodies or public accountability institutions (e.g., PAC, parliamentary committees, audit institutions, anti-corruption agencies) at the national or international level. (15 Points) • Experience working with donor-funded projects. Prior experience with World Bank-funded governance or capacity-building programs is an asset. (10 Points) • Strong facilitation, lecturing, and training delivery capabilities, particularly for knowledge transfer in parliamentary and public sector settings. (15 Points) • Strong project management and organizational skills, ensuring timely delivery of outputs while engaging multiple stakeholders. (10 Points) Duration of the Assignment The consultant is expected to commence and conclude the assignment within a period of Four (4) months, with a minimum time input of two (2) person-months to ensure comprehensive stakeholder engagement, iterative review cycles, and the development of a high-quality, practical, and sustainable PAC Training Manual and associated training materials. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Approved Selection Methods for Individual Consultant Based Selection set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 0900 to 1700 hours. Expressions of interest must be submitted electronically or hard copy in a format that cannot be altered (pdf format is preferred) to the email addresses below by 21st April, 2025 @ 17:00 GMT and indicate on the email or the outer envelope: “Consultancy to Develop Joint Committee Training Manual for the Public Account Committee (PAC)”. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Assignment and further information can be obtained at: https://mfdp.gov.lr/index.php/portfolio/vacancies/vacancies/consultancy-to-develop-training-manual-for-the-public-accounts-committee-pac-of-the-liberian-legislature Attn: Jim-ngormoh A. Kamara, Project Team Lead Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project Office of the Deputy Minister Department of Economic Management Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) Broad & Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-777-638-969 E-mail: [email protected] Cc: [email protected]
Consultancy to Develop Requirements and Bidding Document for the Establishment o…
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRM SELECTION) LIBERIA Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project Project ID: P177478 Credit No..: 7511-LR Assignment Title: Consultancy for the Development of Requirements and Bidding Documents Consultancy for the Development of Requirements and Bidding Documents for the Establishment of a Shared Digital Infrastructure at the National Data Center Reference No.: LR-MFDP-477417-CS-CQS In 2018, the Government of Liberia (GoL) initiated an ambitious reform agenda to strengthen public sector capacity, improve service delivery, advance administrative decentralization, combat corruption, and reinforce the judiciary and rule of law. Central to this agenda is public sector modernization, emphasizing the critical role of technology, institutional reform, and innovation in enhancing governance and promoting equitable access to public services for all Liberians. While progress has been made, achieving the full potential of this agenda remains challenging. Foundational public services, such as birth and death registration, land ownership verification, and business registration, face fragmentation, inefficiencies, and accessibility barriers. These challenges disproportionately affect rural and underserved populations, particularly women, who often encounter high travel costs, informal fees, and lengthy processing times, deepening existing gender disparities. A systemic issue exacerbating these challenges is the lack of an integrated digital framework. Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) often operate in silos, relying on separate systems and fragmented data centers/server rooms. This disjointed approach results in duplicated efforts in government, increased cost both capital and operational costs, and limited ability to deliver citizen-centric services efficiently. To address these issues, the Government of Liberia envisions the improvement of the existing National Data Center (NDC) as a centralized hub for digital infrastructure. The NDC will integrate and support critical e-Government platforms, including the Government Service Bus (GSB), a middleware solution designed to facilitate secure and efficient data exchange across government systems. By promoting interoperability and data-sharing through a “Whole of Government Approach”, the NDC and GSB will: • Enhance Interoperability: Enable real-time communication and data-sharing among government entities, fostering seamless coordination. • Reduce Redundancies: Minimize duplicative data entry and system maintenance by providing a single source of truth for critical information. • Improve Service Delivery: Support integrated workflows, enabling citizens to access multiple services through a unified platform. • Promote Transparency and Accountability: Centralize data-sharing mechanisms to enhance traceability and reduce corruption. • Optimize Costs: Leverage shared infrastructure to reduce operational expenses and eliminate the need for siloed ICT investments. By providing shared infrastructure and advanced capabilities, the NDC will serve both as the primary digital hub for entities lacking ICT infrastructure and as a backup and disaster recovery solution for those with existing capabilities. It will also address critical challenges, including: • Enhanced Security and Data Protection: Robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information. • Scalability and Flexibility: Infrastructure designed to accommodate future digital transformation demands. • Technical Expertise and Support: Centralized management to reduce the burden on individual entities. • Inclusive Service Delivery: Streamlined processes to extend services to underserved and marginalized populations. • Disaster Recovery: Reliable off-site data storage and redundancy to ensure business continuity during disruptions. The National Data Center offers a transformative opportunity to consolidate digital infrastructure, improve service delivery, and strengthen governance. It aligns with the Government of Liberia's broader efforts to enhance public administration under the Governance Reform Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) project, supported by the World Bank. To realize this vision, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications through the GREAT Project is seeking a consulting firm with extensive expertise in designing and implementing shared digital infrastructure and interoperability frameworks. The Consultant will support the development of technical requirements and bidding documentation for a robust, secure, and efficient digital infrastructure hosted at the National Data Center. This initiative represents a significant step towards achieving Liberia’s governance reform goals, creating a foundation for an efficient, inclusive, and digitally empowered public sector. Objective of the Assignment: The purpose of this consultancy assignment is to assess business needs and define the functional and technical requirements for modernizing the National Data Center, in alignment with a “whole-of-government” approach and a shared digital infrastructure strategy. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing National Data Center, including an evaluation of its current components. Scope of the Assignment The Consultant will undertake the following tasks and deliverables: • Conduct a Comprehensive Assessment of the National Data Center's Current ICT Infrastructure. The Consultant shall carry out a detailed evaluation of the existing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment at the National Data Center (NDC). This assessment will encompass all critical components, including hardware, peripherals, software, network infrastructure, power supply systems, and other associated equipment. The goal is to identify gaps and inefficiencies that hinder the NDC’s ability to provide effective and efficient service delivery, both online and onsite. The Consultant will also document the specific needs (National Data Center related) and requirements of relevant Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) with prioritized services based on the e-Liberia assignment that will benefit from the NDC resources and service delivery, ensuring alignment with the broader objective of creating a citizen-centric service delivery ecosystem with the whole of government approach. Key areas of focus for the assessment include: • Applications, Systems Software, and Information Systems • Review and document the applications, systems software, and information systems currently in use at the NDC and server rooms/mini data centers at the relevant MACs. • Identify compatibility, scalability, and interoperability gaps with the NDC's infrastructure. • 2. Hardware Inventory and Specifications • Assess the existing inventory of servers, storage systems, computers, and peripherals, including their technical specifications, capacities, and current operational status. • Evaluate hardware performance against current and projected workloads. • 3. Power Supply and Environmental Systems • Evaluate the existing power supply, cooling systems, fire protection mechanisms, and alternative power sources. • Identify deficiencies in power reliability, capacity, or redundancy that could affect operations. • 4. Server and Storage Infrastructure • Document the number, type, and specifications of existing servers, data storage units, racks, enclosures, and cabinets at the NDC and MACs’ server rooms. • Assess the scalability of the existing infrastructure to meet future demands. • 5. Network Equipment and Internet Connectivity • Evaluate the NDC’s and MACs’ server rooms’ network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other equipment. • Assess the quality and reliability of internet connectivity, bandwidth utilization, and redundancy measures. • 6. Security Requirements • Analyze the current security measures in place to protect the NDC's and MACs’ server rooms’ infrastructure, data, and operations. • Identify gaps in cybersecurity protocols, physical security, and compliance with international standards. Required Consulting Firm’s Qualifications and Expertise The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) now invites eligible firms (“Consulting firm”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. The Consulting firm must possess, at a minimum, the following qualifications: The Consultant firm must possess, at the minimum, the following qualifications: • The Consultancy firm must provide evidence as a legally established and registered entity. • The Consultancy firm should demonstrate at least 10 years of relevant experience. • The Consultancy firm must have successfully completed the development of requirements and bidding documents for national data center and or improving/upgrading National Data Center of at least three (3) large organizations/government agencies within the last five (7) years (as the main solution provider or main contributor in a joint venture). Successfully completed projects will be presented through a table listing the name of the relevant assignments, short scope of work, contract start and end dates, country/region, contact reference (name, e-mail, phone number), and operational acceptance certificates. Additional references may be requested directly from the clients of completed projects, if necessary. • The Consultancy firm must be able to mobilize at least four (4) key experts with the necessary skills and experience presented below as well as the project management and backstopping capacity, to ensure the successful completion of this assignment. • The Consulting firm is expected to provide minimum Eight (8) person-months (p-m) of total input