Consultancy Services for the Assessment of the Central Bank of The Gambia and GamSwitch Payment Ecosystems

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Consultancy Services for the Assessment of the Central Bank of The Gambia and GamSwitch Payment Ecosystems.

Country: The Republic of The Gambia

Project Name: Digital Transformation for Africa / Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (DTfA/WARDIP SOP1)

Project ID: P176932

Reference: WARDIP/C4/2024/QCBS008

Assignment Tittle: Consultancy Services for the Assessment of the Central Bank of The Gambia and GamSwitch Payment Ecosystems.

Duration of the assignment: Three (3) months

Deadline of submission: 1st November 2024, 12:30pm (Gambian Time)

Selection Method: QUALITY AND COST BASED SELECTION (QCBS)

Background:

The Government of The Gambia has secured funding from the International Development Association (IDA), hereinafter referred to as ‘the Bank,’ under the Digital Transformation for Africa - Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP) Series of Projects (SOP)-1, with an allocation of USD 50 million.

The primary goal of DTfA/WARDIP-SOP1 is to expand broadband access and usage while strengthening the foundation for Digital Financial Services (DFS) and selected digital public services, ultimately advancing the creation of a Single Digital Market in Western Africa. This initiative will accelerate the achievement of national digital development objectives, while also aligning with regional digital transformation goals.

To ensure success, the project will focus on improving national policies, regulations, and the implementation of strategic programs. It will address obstacles to cross-border connectivity, data flows, and digital services, fostering a seamless and competitive digital ecosystem at both the national and regional levels. The expected outcome is a self-sustaining cycle of economic growth, increased investment, innovation, job creation, and enhanced service delivery across both domains.

To achieve these objectives, the project will encompass three interconnected technical components, along with a Project Implementation and Coordination Component and a Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC), designed to address key constraints in developing a robust digital economy.

In view of the above, DTfA/WARDIP, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MOCDE), is seeking to engage a qualified consultancy firm to conduct Consultancy Services for the Assessment of the Central Bank of The Gambia and GamSwitch Payment Ecosystems.

The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) is undergoing significant upgrades to its payment and transaction systems, including the development of a Real-Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) and a Disaster Recovery Site (DRS). Concurrently, GamSwitch operates a Fast Payment System (FPS) for real-time retail payments and aims to enhance its infrastructure. This consultancy will assess the existing systems and provide recommendations to enhance market stability, efficiency, and resilience.

Objectives

The consultancy aims to:

• Assess CBG’s RTGS, DRS, and GamSwitch's FPS infrastructure.

• Identify gaps and recommend enhancements to hardware, software, and network systems.

• Ensure alignment with international best practices, focusing on cybersecurity, system integration, and operational efficiency.

Scope of Work

The consultancy will cover:

Hardware Assessment:

• CBG’s servers, firewalls, switches, and storage systems.

• GamSwitch’s hardware adequacy for FPS and infrastructure needs.

• Redundancy and reliability of both networks.

Software and Network Assessment:

• Payment system architecture and software integration.

• CBG’s middleware, monitoring tools, and network adequacy.

• Assessment of GamSwitch’s FPS capabilities, including open-source solutions.

Cybersecurity and Power Systems:

• Evaluation of cybersecurity protocols and risks.

• Review of CBG data center power supply and environmental controls.

Regulatory Framework and Risk Analysis:

• Assessment of relevant regulatory frameworks and operational risks.

• Stakeholder engagement with financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and payment operators.

Key Deliverables

• Inception Report: Outlining the methodology, timeline, and work plan.

• Gap Analysis Report: Recommendations for IT upgrades.

• System Architecture Design: RTGS and DRS system integration with FPS.

• Final Report: Comprehensive findings with a roadmap for enhancements.

• Procurement Support: Draft technical and functional specifications for new procurements.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to last for three (3) months, starting from the contract date.

Firms Qualification

Interested firms must demonstrate:

• Experience in assessing payment infrastructures (RTGS, DRS, FPS).

• Technical expertise in cybersecurity, system design, and IT infrastructure.

• Familiarity with relevant financial regulations and standards.

• Strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key Experts

The consulting firm should provide the following key personnel:

Lead Consultant:

• Advanced degree in Computer Science or IT with 10+ years of experience.

• Expertise in payment systems and project management.

IT Infrastructure Specialist:

• Bachelor’s degree in IT with 8+ years of experience in data center management.

Cybersecurity Expert:

• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity with 8+ years of relevant experience.

Financial Systems Analyst:

• Degree in Finance/Economics with 5+ years of experience.

Network and Communication Specialist:

• Bachelor’s degree in network engineering with 8+ years of experience.

Emerging Technologies Specialist:

• Advanced degree in IT/Fintech with 5+ years of experience in emerging technologies.

Submission of Expressions of Interest (EOI)

• Consulting firms are invited to submit their Expression of Interest which should include the following:

• A letter of expression of interest.

• Firm profile, including details of similar assignments undertaken.

• CVs of key experts proposed for the assignment, including their qualifications and experience relevant to the assignment.

• References from previous clients and examples of similar assignments successfully completed.

• Detailed information on the firm’s relevant experience, qualifications, and technical expertise.

The attention of interested firms is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” (July 1st, 2016, revised in November 2017, Augus 2018 and September 2023) (“A Candidate will be selected in accordance with the QUALITY AND COST BASED SELECTION (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information and the full TOR can be obtained from the email addresses below during office hours from 08:00 to 16:00 GMT on Mondays to Thursdays and from 0800 to 12:30 GMT on Fridays.

Expressions of interest together with relevant documents must be delivered in a written form or via email addresses below not later than 12:30pm 1st November 2024. Submissions should be in hard, or softcopy marked as Expression of Interest for the Assessment of the Central Bank of The Gambia and GamSwitch Payment Ecosystems.

All interested firms are urged to send their expression of interest letters with attached documents to the following email addresses:

• Sent to the Project Coordinator: [email protected]

• Attention to the Project Procurement Specialist: [email protected]

Physical Address of the Project:

Digital Transformation for Africa –

Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program

C/O Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy

Bertil Harding Highway, Stadium Junction, Bakau, The Gambia, West Africa.

Digital Address (Google Maps): F889+WWH