Recruitment of a consulting firm for the Development of a National Ag-Tech Policy and a Roadmap for Implementation — West Africa Food System Resili…

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION THROUGH CQS)

Country: Republic of Sierra Leone

Name of Project: The West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP-2)

Project ID: P178132

Assignment Title: Development of a National Ag-Tech Policy and a Roadmap for Implementation (rollout) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Reference No.: SL-MAFS-448331-CS-CQS

EOI Issued Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

EOI Closing Date: Monday, November 25, 2024

The Government of Sierra Leone through Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP-2) for Global Agriculture and Food Security Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for Consulting Services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the Development of a National Ag-Tech Policy and a Roadmap for Implementation (rollout) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The objectives of the assignment are the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies, such as precision farming, improved seed varieties, and efficient irrigation systems, which can significantly boost crop yields and overall agricultural output.

The implementation period for the assignment is 90 Days (Excluding Weekends) and is expected to Commence in December 2025. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) and expression of interest document for the assignment can be obtained via email: [email protected] or the address given below.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) through Food Security and Resilience Program 2 (FSRP-2)14 Pipe- Line Off-Wilkinson Road, Freetown Sierra Leone now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services.

Interested Consultants must provide specific information which demonstrate that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience required Skills and specialized techniques to perform the Services.

The shortlisting and selection criteria for the firm shall be based on the following minimum qualification and experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in agricultural technology, including experience with innovative solutions like precision farming, digital tools, and sustainable agriculture techniques.

• A strong history of successfully developing and implementing national or regional agricultural policies, with evidence of crafting policies that are both strategic and practical.

• In-depth understanding of Sierra Leone's agricultural sector, including its specific challenges, opportunities, and the socio-economic and environmental factors influencing the industry

• Proven ability to effectively engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies, farmers, technology providers, and international organizations, to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive policy development process

• A minimum of five (5) years of proven experience in the development of Policy (preferably Agric Policy).

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

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 July 2016 and revised in November 2017, August 2018, and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

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

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection (CQS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e., 0900 to 1700 hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in sealed envelopes marked with the assignment title or by e-mail to the address below by 4:00 Pm local time on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Attn:

Project Manager/Procurement Specialist

The West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP-2)

Project Management Unit

(Third Floor – 14 Pipeline Drive, Off Wilkinson Road Freetown, Sierra Leone)

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected]