Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation: Design, Supply and Installation of the New Single Window (NSW) System in North Macedonia

NOTICE AT-A-GLANCE

Project ID: P162043

Project Title: Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation

Country: Western Balkans

Notice No: OP00360316

Notice Type: Invitation for Bids

Notice Status: Published

Borrower Bid Reference: WBTTFP-8929-MK-112-C-RFP

Procurement Method: Request for Proposals

Language of Notice: English

Submission Deadline Date/Time: Jul 15, 2025 00:00

Published Date: 28-May-2025

Description: Design, Supply and Installation of the New Single Window (NSW) System in North Macedonia - WBTTFP-8929-MK-112-C-RFP

Details:

Specific Procurement Notice

Request for Proposal

Information Systems

(Design, Supply and Installation)

(Two-Envelopes Procurement Process Without Prequalification)

Purchaser: Ministry of Transport

Project: Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation Project - P162043

Contract title: Design, Supply and Installation of the New Single Window (NSW) System in North Macedonia

Country: Republic of North Macedonia

Loan No.: IBRD 8929-MK

RFB No: WBTTFP-8929-MK-112-C-RFP

Issued on: May 29, 2025

1. The Republic of North Macedonia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation Project - P162043, and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for Design, Supply and Installation of the New Single Window (NSW) System in North Macedonia.

2. The Ministry of Transport now invites sealed Proposals from eligible Proposers for Design, Supply and Installation of the New Single Window (NSW) System in North Macedonia, an integrated IS solution that contains one application with hardware platform.

The brief description of the NSW System includes:

The New Single Window shall meet the characteristics and requirements of the ‘National Single Window’ described in Section VII - Requirements of the Information System.

The NSW System shall enable fully electronic submission and processing of all cross-border trade data between the trading community and the concerned government stakeholders. This requires a sound and firm functional and technical architecture that can adapt to the ever-changing environment of global trade.

The NSW shall provide a single facility for traders to electronically submit regulated and harmonized data in order to complete foreign trade transactions. The NSW shall aggregate trade data in a single facility to enable full tracking and monitoring of transactions, for both trade and government institutions. This will lead to simplification of import, export and transit procedures, as well as cost savings, increased efficiency and transparency.

The functional and technical architecture for the NSW shall be aligned with the overall principles defined in the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Macedonian Interoperability Framework (MIF)[1]. MIF provides general principles that are relevant to the process of establishing Macedonian public services. They describe the context in which Macedonian public services are decided and implemented. Many of them are closely related and aligned with the principles for the establishment of an NSW. For more info, please kindly refer to Section VII - Requirements of the Information System.

[1] https://mioa.gov.mk/sites/default/files/pbl_files/documents/Macedonian_Interoperability_Framework_MIF_v2.0.pdf

The delivery period for Design, Supply and Installation of the New Single Window (NSW) System is 104 weeks (24 months).

Qualification requirements for Proposers stipulated in the RFP - Section III – Evaluation and Qualification Criteria are:

Experience

i. Experience in implementing at least Two (2) similar Contracts of the type specified below that have been satisfactorily and substantially completed in the role of prime supplier, management contractor, JV Lead member, or subcontractor for at least the last five years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) prior to the applications submission deadline.

At least 1 (one) Contract in the domain of Single Window for Customs/Trade Facilitation similar to the proposed contract for North Macedonia (as specified in Section VII - Requirements of the Information System) and in at least 1 (one) Contract in the domain of Customs Automated Information System. Proposers may present more than two Contracts.

JV Lead member must have experience in Single Window for Customs/Trade facilitation or in Customs Automated IS or in both. Members of the Joint venture combined must fulfill requirement.

Single Window (SW) for Customs/Trade Facilitation refers to a unified electronic platform that integrates both customs and non-customs formalities required for the import, export, and transit of goods in cross-border trade. It streamlines interactions with Cross-Border Regulatory Agencies (CBRAs), enabling efficient processing of licenses, permits, and certificates (LPCOs), and reducing reliance on paper-based procedures.

Note: Substantial completion shall be based on 80% or more of the contracts completed.

For contracts under which the Applicant participated as a joint venture member, only the Applicant’s role and responsibilities shall be considered to meet this requirement.

For contracts under which the Applicant participated as a sub-contractor, only the Applicant’s role and responsibilities shall be considered to meet this requirement.

ii. Participation as a prime supplier, management contractor, JV[2] member, sub-contractor, in at least 1 (one) Contract in the domain of Single Window for Customs/Trade Facilitation and in at least 1 (one) Contract in the domain of Customs Automated Information System within the last five (5) years, with a value of at least 2.700.000,00 EUR (two million seven hundred thousand EUR) for each of the Contracts, that have been successfully and substantially completed and that are similar to the proposed NSW Information System. The Proposers may present more than two contracts to satisfy the requirement, but each Contract must be with a value of at least 2.700.000,00 EUR.

iii. Similar project will be considered as the project similar in size and with the following scope: (a) design, development and implementation of Single Window for Customs/Trade Facilitation , (b) design, development and implementation of Customs Automated Information System and (c) required hardware to support the NSW software solution - (references as “subcontractors” will be allowed for the bidders or JV partners).

Customs Automated Information System refers to a computerized platform that enables the electronic, paperless submission, processing, and management of customs declarations and related trade documents, automating procedures and workflows to streamline and standardize, import, export, and transit operations between traders, customs brokers and customs authorities.

iv. The successfully completed similar contracts shall be documented by a copy of an Operational acceptance certificate (or equivalent documentation such as reference letters, satisfactory to the Purchaser) issued by the employer(s)/purchaser(s) of similar contracts and those documents must be submitted in the Proposal.

v. Manufacturer’s authorization - For all powered (active) hardware and/or software components of the Information System which the Bidder does not itself produce, by submission of documentary evidence in its Bid, the Bidder must establish to the Purchaser’s satisfaction that it is not prohibited to supply those components in the Purchaser’s country under the Contract(s) that may result from this procurement.

For contracts under which the Proposers participated as a joint venture member or sub-contractor, only the Proposer’s share, by value, and role and responsibilities shall be considered to meet this requirement.

Financial capacity:

1. Minimum average annual turnover of 2,700,000.00 EUR ( two million and seven hundred thousand EUR), calculated as total certified payments received for contracts in progress or completed, within the last three years (2022, 2023, 2024).
2. The Proposer must demonstrate access to, or availability of, financial resources such as liquid assets, unencumbered real assets, lines of credit, and other financial means, other than any contractual advance payments to meet the following cash-flow requirement: 300,000.00 EUR (Three hundred thousand EUR).
3. If the bidder is a Joint Venture, all partners combined must meet the qualifications requirement and all partners of the Joint Venture shall be liable jointly and severally for the execution of the Contract. For the partner in charge (leader of the Joint Venture) the average annual turnover must not be less than fifty percent (50%) of the total required annual turnover and for each other partners the average annual turnover must not be less than twenty five percent (25%) of the total.

(iii) Technical Capacity

The team shall consist of a core team made of key experts with the qualifications and skills defined below and non-key experts, as needed. The Bidder is obliged to ensure adequate staff in terms of expertise and time allocation, as well as needed equipment in order to complete the activities required under the scope of work and to achieve the objectives of this Contract in terms of time, costs, and quality.

The Bidders are encouraged to hire/use local experts for some of the positions below either as individual experts (or from local firms, as sub-consultants or JV members). The Bidders should pay attention to the need to ensure the active participation of local professional skills, and to provide a suitable mix of international and local staff in the team. The team, as a whole, shall include experts familiar with North Macedonia' regulations.

The CV’s of the following Key Experts will be subject to evaluation:

1. One (1) Project Manager - At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Management / Engineering / information technologies / Finance or Trade / Law / Economics / other relevant field with minimum 10 years’ professional experience in project management of ICT for public sector organizations, holding a valid certification of PMP (Project Management Professional, PMI institute or SCRUM Master) or equivalent. ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) certification will be considered an advantage. Experience as Project Manager/Team Leader of at least two (2) ICT projects for public sector organizations (letter of reference signed by Client is obligatory) and experience in customs system and other trade related agencies. Proven experience in planning and supporting capacity building activities and change management. Experience in Quality assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for ICT projects. Proven experience in risk analyses. The Project Manager shall be available during the whole project timeline due to the complexity and number of stakeholders and services to be implemented during the project.
2. One (1) Software Architect / Deputy Project Manager - At least a Bachelor degree in an ICT related discipline (information technologies / electronics / communications / other relevant field), holding a valid certification PMP (PMI institute or SCRUM Master) or equivalent, with at least 10 years of professional experience in developing or implementing strategic information systems plans for public sector organizations and complex enterprise software systems implementation. Extensive knowledge in informatics management and current technology trends would be desirable. The Deputy Project Manager shall be available during the whole project timeline due to the complexity and number of stakeholders and services to be implemented during the project.
3. One (1) Business Analysts - At least a Bachelor degree in an ICT related discipline (information technologies / other relevant field), with at least 10 years of professional experience in developing or implementing information systems for public sector organizations and complex enterprise software systems implementation. Must have experience with CERTEX technical specifications in EU.
4. One (1) certified specialist in Microsoft Certified Professional developer (MCPD) or Java developer holding a certification from Microsoft or Oracle or IBM or SQL, with a minimum of 7 years of experience. The candidate must have experience in software and database development, complex enterprise software systems implementation, extensive knowledge in informatics management and current technology trends.
5. One (1) Change Management and Communication specialist - at least Bachelor degree in information technology, informatics management or related area within the public sector, or relevant discipline, with at least 7 years of experience in capacity building, change management implementation and communications.

The below listed Non Key Experts (from item 6 to item 13) are required and should be stated in the Proposal.

The CV’s of the below listed Non Key Experts are required and must be presented in the technical proposal.

6. One (1) Business Analysts - At least a Bachelor degree in an ICT related discipline (information technologies / other relevant field), with at least 5 years of professional experience in developing or implementing information systems for public sector organizations and complex enterprise software systems implementation.

7. One (1) specialist for the implementation of the Storage and Backup solution - at least a Bachelor degree in an ICT related discipline (information technologies / other relevant field) holding the architect level of certification with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience.

8. One (1) specialist for the implementation of the Firewall solution - at least a Bachelor degree in an ICT related discipline (information technologies / electronics / communications / other relevant field) holding the highest expert level of certification with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience.

9. Two (2) Database specialists, with at least a Bachelor degree in an ICT related discipline (information technologies / other relevant field) and a minimum of 5 years of experience for each specialist. Experience in the solutions with database system, workflow systems, application server and business intelligence. Professional experience in implementing or supporting information systems and technology for public sector organizations is required.

10. One (1) certified specialist with a professional level for service oriented architecture - at least a Bachelor degree in an ICT related discipline (information technologies / other relevant field) with a minimum of 5 years of experience. Prior experience of working with enterprise systems and infrastructure. Experience in the systems and technology for public sector organizations is required.

11. One (1) certified specialist certified (MCPD) or Java developers holding a certification from Microsoft or Oracle or IBM or SQL with a minimum of 5 years of experience. Experience in software and database development, complex enterprise software systems implementation, extensive knowledge in informatics management and current technology trends.

12. One (1) networking specialist in order to support the project team if required - at least a Bachelor degree in an ICT related discipline (information technologies / other relevant field) with a minimum of 5 years of experience. Prior experience of working with enterprise systems and infrastructure and conversant on a range of technical issues relevant to the assignment, including servers, networks and communications, software and database development, web services and messaging protocols.

13. One (1) Specialist in Cyber Security - at least Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least 5 years of experience in cyber security, information assurance, and risk management, including experience in designing and implementing cybersecurity frameworks and security architecture for enterprise systems, conducting risk assessment , threat modeling and vulnerability management, supporting the design and implementation of secure network infrastructure, endpoint protection systems, supporting the integration of security solution across the system architecture of large scale public sector for ICT project.

Experience in cybersecurity for Customs/Trade Facilitation systems is required. The Cybersecurity specialist shall be actively involved throughout the project lifecycle to ensure security by design, compliance with applicable standards, and mitigation of risk related to data protection and cyber threats. Therefore, demonstrable experience will be required, with proven hands-on expertise in identifying, mitigating and managing cyber risks, through practical application of security measures, tools, and processes in real world environments.

Professional experience in network security, cryptography, penetration testing, and vulnerability management. Experience with security frameworks and standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, EU GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), and PCI-DSS compliance.Holding valid CISSP (Certified information system security professional) certificate or equivalent.

3. The procurement process will be conducted through international competitive procurement using Request for Proposals (RFP) as specified in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated July 2016, revised November 2017, July 2018, November 2020, September 2023 and February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), and is open to all eligible Proposers as defined in the Procurement Regulations.

4. Interested eligible Proposers may obtain further information from the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Ministry of Transport and Communication, Attn: Mr. Slavko Micevski and/or Ms. Vlasta Ruzinovska and/or Natasha Stojanovska, e-mails: slavko.micevski@piu.mtc.gov.mk; vlasta.ruzinovska@piu.mtc.gov.mk; natasha.stojanovska@piu.mtc.gov.mk; and inspect the request for proposals document during office hours 09:30 to 15:30 at the address given below.

5. The bidding document in English language may be obtained by interested eligible Proposers from the website of the national electronic system for procurement: “ЕСЈН-Заеми/Донации/Грантови-Огласи од меѓународни институции” (https://www.e-nabavki.gov.mk) and from the website of the Ministry of Transport: http://mtc.gov.mk/javniOglasi; as well as upon submission of an written application to the e-mail addresses stated in the above paragraph No.4. and to the additional e-mail address: maja.lazarevska@piu.mtc.gov.mk. All interested eligible Bidders must submit an application via e-mail with contact details for their companies including contact e-mail address immediately after downloading the Bidding Document from the listed websites, to announce that they intend to participate in the bidding process and to obtain the Annex 1 - New Single Window (NSW) Blueprint, as part of the Bidding Document. Due to the large size of the Annex 1, it will be delivered to Bidders that have submitted applications through WeTransfer: https://wetransfer.com/.

6. Proposals must be delivered to the address below on or before 13:00 o’clock local time on July 15, 2025. Electronic procurement will not be permitted. Late Proposals will be rejected. The outer Proposal envelopes marked “ORIGINAL PROPOSAL”, and the inner envelopes marked “TECHNICAL PART” will be publicly opened in the presence of the Proposers’ designated representatives and anyone who chooses to attend, at the address below on July 15, 2025. All envelopes marked “FINANCIAL PART” shall remain unopened and will be held in safe custody of the Purchaser until the second public Proposals opening.

7. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid-Securing Declaration.

8. Attention is drawn to the Procurement Regulations requiring the Borrower to disclose information on the successful Proposer’s beneficial ownership, as part of the Contract Award Notice, using the Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Form as included in the request for proposal document.

9. The address (es) referred to above is (are):

Ministry of Transport

Project Implementation Unit

Mr. Slavko Micevski and/or Ms. Vlasta Ruzinovska and/or Natasha Stojanovska – procurement officers

Street “Crvena Skopska Opstina”, No. 4, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

Tel. + 389 (0)2 3145 531

Mob. + 389 (0)75 494977

E-mail address:

slavko.micevski@piu.mtc.gov.mk;

maja.lazarevska@piu.mtc.gov.mk;

vlasta.ruzinovska@piu.mtc.gov.mk;

natasha.stojanovska@piu.mtc.gov.mk

Web site addresses: http://mtc.gov.mk/; and https://www.e-nabavki.gov.mk.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Organization/Department: Ministry of Transport and Communications

Name: Maja Lazarevska

Address: “Crvena Skopska Opstina”, No. 4, 1000 Skopje

City:

Province/State:

Postal Code:

Country: North Macedonia

Phone: + 389 (0)2 3145 531

Email: maja.lazarevska@piu.mtc.gov.mk

Website: http://www.mtc.gov.mk/