State of Maharashtra's Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project: Appointment of External Auditor for SMART Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) – CONSULTING SERVICES-FIRM SELECTION

Country: India

Name of Project: Hon. Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (SMART) Project

Project Number: P168310

Assignment Title: External Auditor for the SMART Project.

Reference No: SMART/PCMU/Ext. Audit/ 15/2021-22

The Republic of India received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the implementation of the SMART project to be implemented by the Govt. of Maharashtra and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the above mentioned consulting services.

Brief Background: Government of Maharashtra has launched World Bank assisted Hon. Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (SMART)’ Project in order to transform agriculture and livelihoods sector in Maharashtra. The objective of the project is “to support development of inclusive and competitive agriculture value chains focusing on smallholder farmers and agri-entrepreneurs in Maharashtra”. This would be achieved by expanding access to new and organized markets for producers and enterprises with complementary investments in provision of technical services and risk management capabilities.

Objectives of the Assignment for engaging External Audit Firm:

Undertake annual external audit of all the accounting centers under SMART Project and certifying the Project financial statements for FY 2020-21 & FY 2021-22

Estimated Level of Effort (Professional Staff-Months):

Implementation Period:

The appointment of CA firm as External Auditor of Project would be for the period of two years subject to performance review by the Project after first year. If performance of the firm is found to be satisfactory, it can be further extended for a period of one year after the period of two years of contract.

Expected Start date of Assignment: 01-10-2021

The SMART PCMU 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 minimum short listing criteria for the selection of a External Audit Consultancy Firm will be as follows:

• The consultancy firm exceeded the above mentioned criteria will be given higher weightage for short listing of the firm.
• The organization with more experience on finance management & audit for External or World Bank funded projects will be preferred.

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 and August 2018. In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment “a firm that has been engaged by the borrower to provide consultancy services for preparation or implementation of a project shall be disqualified from subsequently providing Goods, Works, Non-Consultancy Services resulting from, or directly related to those consultancy services”.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection Based on Consultants Qualification based Selection (CQS) method set out in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulation for IPF Borrowers, July 2016, Revised in November 2017 and August2018.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours [1000 to 1730 hours].

Interested Consultant may submit "Expression of Interest" in a sealed envelope clearly superscripted as expression of interest for “Consulting Services for External Audit for the SMART Project” by 19/07/2021 up to 1600 hours.

           -Sd-

    Project Director, SMART

Address:

Project Director, SMART,MSFC Building, 270 Bhamburda,

Senapati Bapat Marg, Opposite Symbiosis College, Gokhale nagar, Pune - 411016, Maharashtra, India.

Website: www.smart-mh.org

Tel: 020-25656577

E-mail:pcmu.smart@gmail.com