National Vulnerability Assessment and Retrofitting Project

Project ID: P144054
Borrower/Bid No: Cons-1

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Country: Bhutan
Name of Project: National Vulnerability Assessment and Retrofitting
Loan No./Credit No./Grant No.: TF014121
Assignment Title: Retrofitting Design, Implementation and Vulnerability Assessment

The Engineering Adaptation and Risk Reduction Division (EARRD), Department of Engineering Services, Ministry of Works and Human Settlement, Thimphu, Bhutan has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the National Vulnerability Assessment and Retrofitting project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services ("the Services") include:
*Development of retrofit schemes of 5 (five) public buildings and assist EARRD in their implementation
*Assistance in the development of vulnerability assessment forms/guidelines and vulnerability assessment over a period of 30 months.

The Engineering Adaptation and Risk Reduction Division now invites eligible consulting firms ("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 short listing criteria are:

*A minimum annual turnover of US$ 132,000.00 for any one of the past three years;
*Engineering firm with more than 5 years' experience in retrofit design, implementation and supervision in the Himalayan region or similar terrain
*More than 5 years' experience in vulnerability assessment

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section I and IV of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers dated January 2011 ("Consultant Guidelines"), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment as per Section 1.9 of Consultant Guidelines.
Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information including the draft Terms of Reference can be obtained from (www.mowhs.gov.bt/?p=11293) and at the address below during office hours [0900 to 1700 hours].

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 7th May, 2014.

Engineering Adaptation and Risk Reduction Division
Attn: Mr. Karma Namgyel, Chief Engineer
Address: Engineering Adaptation and Risk Reduction Division
Department of Engineering Services
Ministry of Works and Human Settlement
PO Box: 791
11001, Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: (+975)-2-329891(+975)-2-329891
Fax: (+975)-2-329890
E-mail: knamgyel@gmail.com