Consulting Service to conduct Last Mile assessment for MDAs, public schools, Universities and Hospitals Community Centers

Request for Expression of Interest (REOI)

COUNTRY: Republic of South Sudan

PROJECT: Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP)

PROJECT ID: P176181

GRANT No: IDA-E180

CONSULTING SERVICES: Consultancy Services for Connectivity Needs and Requirements Assessment for MDAs, Schools, Hospitals and Community Centers.

DUTY STATION: MICT&PS Project Building, Juba- South Sudan

Ref No: SS-MICT&PS-544332-CS-CQS

The Government of the Republic South Sudan (GoSS), through the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services (MICT&PS) has received a grant from the World Bank toward the cost of the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The project development objective is to address connectivity needs for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The project is structured around four main components: (i) Connectivity Market Development and Integration. This component will provide support to develop terrestrial cross-border connectivity and expand backbone and last-mile connectivity to rural and remote communities. (ii) Data Market Development and Integration. This component will provide support to the integration and development of the data market, to enable secure exchange, storage and processing of data across borders, including strengthening the environment for cybersecurity. (iii) Online Market Development and integration. This component will provide support to the integration and development of the online market, through targeted support for e-service enablers and digital skills. (iv) Project Management and implementation. This component will provide technical assistance and capacity support for project preparation and implementation.

MICT&PS is seeking to use a portion of the proceed of the funds the Consultancy Service to undertake the assignment through a structured, evidence-based and participatory methodology. The work shall begin with inception, desk review and sampling design before field assessment, analysis, technical options development, roadmap preparation and validation. Recommendations shall be practical and adapted to South Sudan’s security, access, infrastructure, capacity and fiscal realities.

The consulting services (“Services”) is required for connectivity needs and requirements for selected MDAs, schools, hospitals and community centers. The assessment shall include current connectivity status, available network infrastructure, power readiness, ICT equipment, user demand, applications used, service quality, cybersecurity and physical security considerations, institutional capacity, cost drivers and sustainability requirements. The assessment shall be based on a representative and feasible sample agreed during inception, rather than an unrealistic attempt to physically assess every institution nationwide within the assignment period and other services as detailed in the terms of reference.

Duration: The assignment period is expected to take 6 calendar months from the date of contract signing.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: www.mictps.gov.ss/eardip-south-sudan or can be obtained at the address given below.

The Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services now invites eligible service providers (“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.

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’ July 2016 revised November 2017, August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023 [Procurement in investment Project Financing; Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services], setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

The best qualified firm to carry out the services will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualifications Based Selection (CQS) method set out in the Regulations and based on the following criteria:

• Core business and years in business: The firm shall be a legally registered consulting firm with core business in ICT infrastructure advisory, telecommunications, broadband planning, digital transformation, connectivity assessments, network engineering, GIS mapping, public-sector ICT planning or related services. The firm shall have at least five (5) years of relevant experience. A longer track record in similar fragile or developing contexts will be an advantage.
• Relevant Firm experience: The firm shall demonstrate successful completion of at least three (3) assignments of similar nature, complexity and operating environment during the last ten (10) years. Similar assignments may include public-sector connectivity assessments, broadband infrastructure planning, last-mile connectivity studies, institutional ICT readiness assessments, network design, digital infrastructure investment planning, GIS-based connectivity mapping, or donor-financed ICT infrastructure advisory services. Details of similar assignments should include client name and address, scope, contract value, period of performance and completion status.
• Technical and managerial capability of the firm. The firm shall demonstrate adequate technical and managerial capacity to undertake the assignment, including experience managing fieldwork, security-sensitive missions, technical surveys, stakeholder engagement, data quality assurance, GIS mapping, reporting, cost estimation and delivery of practical implementation-ready recommendations. Experience working with government institutions, World Bank-financed projects or comparable development partners will be an advantage (attach company profile). Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. Consultants may associate with other consultants in the form of a joint venture or a sub consultancy to enhance their qualifications. The nature of association, whether it is a joint venture or a sub consultancy, should clearly be stated. In case of joint venture, the Consultant leading the joint venture should be mentioned.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualifications Based Selection (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Interested Consultant may obtain further information at the address below during office hours from 10:00 to 16:00 hours South Sudan on all working days.

Expressions of interest (EOI) must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by June 20, 2026, at 5.00 P.M (South Sudan Time) marked clearly as “Expression of Interest for Connectivity Needs and Requirements Assessment for MDAs, Schools, Hospitals and Community Centers.”.

Attention: Project Manager

Project Implementation Unit (PIU),

Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services

Location: Juba, Opp. Bank of South Sudan

Republic of South Sudan

E-mail: [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]