Feasibility Studies Consultancy Services for Nationwide Road Study, Design, a…

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – FIRM BASED CONSULTANCY ASSIGNMENT

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for the Study, Design, and Construction of Roads Nationwide

Reference No. GM-CPCU - MOFEA-484831-CS-QCBS

• Context and Background information on the Consultancy

The Government of the Republic of the Gambia, under the World Bank (WB) Infrastructure Project has received an IDA Grant in an indicative amount equivalent to US$100 million available through The Gambia’s national IDA. The Bank intends to apply a portion of this grant to eligible payments under a consultancy contract for the provision of a detailed feasibility study (preliminary design), detailed design, as well as finance the construction of roads nationwide.

The Gambia's transport sector is crucial for its economic recovery and development. The National Transport Policy (2018-2027) guides sectoral development, emphasizing improved access, connectivity, and the integration of renewable energy. The Greater Banjul 2040 project further highlights the need for public transport infrastructure upgrades to support the country's growing urban population.

Despite its economic potential, The Gambia faces several structural challenges, including access and connectivity to daily needs and services, particularly among the poorest households. The country is also highly vulnerable to climate risks and shocks, which disproportionately affect the poor. Addressing these infrastructure gaps through the Gambia Infrastructure Project is essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and improved living standards for the Gambian population.

Within the framework of the activities of The Gambia Infrastructure Project, The Government of The Gambia through the National Roads Authority (NRA) wishes to obtain the services of consulting firms to undertake feasibility studies for the upgrade of 500km of roads throughout the country. Based on the feasibility studies outcome, a list of 150km of priority roads that achieve the highest economic and social rates of return, will be selected for detailed design and development of tender documentation. The contracting agent i.e., the Employer/Client is the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure (MoTWI) and the project executing agency is the National Roads Authority (NRA).

The Gambia Infrastructure Project is designed to substantially improve the country’s transport infrastructure, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

The Gambia Infrastructure Project includes the upgrade and construction of both rural and urban roads. Key activities include the rehabilitation and upgrade of existing roads, construction of new roads, and implementation of good maintenance practices to improve safe access and connectivity nationwide. These improvements aim to facilitate the efficient movement of goods, reduce travel times, and enhance safety.

• Objectives of the assignment

This assignment is to undertake feasibility studies and preliminary design for 500 km of roads nationwide. Detailed design will then be undertaken for 150 km, to be selected among the 500 km of roads, that will then be constructed. The works will be procured in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract and all other relevant documents.

The assignment also seeks to promote knowledge transfer through collaboration and joint ventures between international and local consultancy firms to build capacity for the latter. The inclusion of professional training for the NRA staff is a key component of this assignment

• Scope of the assignment

The consultancy services shall be undertaken in two stages as follows:

• STAGE 1 - Technical, Socio-economic, Environmental and Social Feasibility Study for 500km roads

• STAGE 2 – Detailed design, contract documentation, construction and Supervision of 150KM of Roads.

The duration for Stage 1 is expected to last 5.5 months, and for stage 2, it is expected to last for 5 months. A detailed scope of work is available on the TOR, which will be made available upon request.

Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) through the Central Project Coordination Unit invites interested consultant firms to submit their expressions of interest with a view to providing the services described above. Interested consultants must provide information on their capacity and experience demonstrating that they are qualified for the services:

• General qualifications in the field (main activities, number of years in existence

• Experience in similar assignments (provide proof of completion);

• The firm's technical and management capabilities.

• References for similar missions and any other information deemed relevant.

• Technical and managerial organization.

• Any other information deemed relevant.

The attention of interested Consultant Firms are drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultant Firms may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture to enhance their qualifications.

A Consultant firm will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Base Selection Method (QCBS) set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 12h30 on Friday.

Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before 23rd April 2025 at 12h30 GMT

Central Project Coordination Unit

Royal Insurance Building

2nd Floor, Kotu Bertil Harding Highway

The Gambia

Email: [email protected] and [email protected] and [email protected]