Consultancy Services for Substation Modernization Technical Specifications in Uzbekistan

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) Country: Republic of Uzbekistan Project: Electricity Sector Transformation and Resilient Transmission Project (ESTART) Client: Joint Stock Company National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (JSC NEGU) Financing: World Bank (ESTART Project) Selection Method: Least-Cost Selection (LCS)

• Background

The Government of Uzbekistan is implementing comprehensive reforms in the electricity sector aimed at introducing competitive market principles, strengthening institutional capacity, and modernizing transmission infrastructure. Within this framework, the World Bank–financed Electricity Sector Transformation and Resilient Transmission Project (ESTART) supports digitalization, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and institutional strengthening of JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (NEGU). Under Component 2 of the ESTART Project, NEGU is undertaking modernization and reconstruction of priority high-voltage substations to improve reliability, resilience, and integration of large-scale renewable energy sources. In this context, NEGU intends to procure consultancy services for the development of Technical Specifications for the Tender Documentation for “Modernization and Reconstruction of Substations, Lot 7.”

• Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to provide consultancy services to support the ESTART Project PIU in preparing comprehensive, compliant, and high-quality Technical Specifications (TS) for tender documentation related to the modernization and reconstruction of selected high-voltage substations under Lot 7. The Technical Specifications shall comply with applicable national standards of the Republic of Uzbekistan (including SNiP, GOST, PUE), international standards (IEC), World Bank requirements, and NEGU’s operational and technical regulations, while ensuring compatibility with future SCADA and digital systems.

• Scope of Services

The Consultant will be responsible for, inter alia:

• Inspection of existing substations and collection of technical requirements;
• Analysis of existing equipment, drawings, and available technical data;
• Identification of required replacements, upgrades, and modifications;
• Preparation of inspection reports and preliminary cost estimates;
• Development of detailed Technical Specifications for tender documentation, including:
• Electrical engineering requirements (primary and secondary equipment, protection and automation, communications, SCADA integration);
• Civil engineering requirements;
• Fire safety systems and requirements;
• Preparation of equipment lists, Bills of Materials, diagrams, and preliminary cost estimates;
• Support during the tender stage, including responses to bidders’ technical inquiries and clarifications.

A detailed description of the assignment is provided in the Terms of Reference (TOR). https://cloud.uzbekistonmet.uz/index.php/s/5MH46zM5wWXGmMN

• Duration of the Assignment

The expected duration of the assignment is approximately 60 working days from the date of contract signature.

• Selection Method

The Consultant will be selected using the Least-Cost Selection (LCS) method in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.

• Qualification and Shortlisting Criteria

Consulting firms will be shortlisted using a pass/fail (minimum qualification) approach , in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers for consulting services under the Least-Cost Selection (LCS) method. Firms must meet all the minimum qualification criteria listed below. Only firms that meet all criteria will be considered qualified and shortlisted. Firms that fail to meet any one of the criteria will not be shortlisted. No. Minimum Qualification Criterion Requirement (Pass/Fail) Evidence to be Provided 1 General experience Minimum 5 years of experience in providing consultancy services in the power transmission / substation sector Company profile, year of incorporation, list of relevant assignments 2 Specific experience in similar assignments Experience in at least two (2) assignments involving preparation of technical specifications or bidding documents for HV (110 kV and above) substation modernization or reconstruction Assignment descriptions, client references, completion certificates 3 Experience in CIS / Uzbekistan Experience in at least one (1) assignment implemented in CIS countries; experience in Uzbekistan is an advantage Project list indicating country, client, and scope 4 Technical and organizational capacity Availability of suitably qualified experts in electrical engineering and substation design to carry out the assignment Organizational chart and brief CV summaries of key experts Firms meeting all the above criteria will be shortlisted and invited to submit Technical and Financial Proposals.

• Submission of Expressions of Interest

Interested consulting firms are invited to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI) in English in accordance with the requirements set out in this REOI. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by email no later than: January 21, 2026, at 11:00 (Tashkent time) The Expression of Interest shall clearly indicate the assignment title in the subject line and be sent to the email address specified in the REOI announcement . Late submissions will not be considered. All requests for clarification shall be addressed to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) team (pmu.modernization@gmail.com).

• Additional Information

Shortlisted firms will be invited to submit Technical and Financial Proposals. Firms may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications; however, one firm shall be designated as the lead firm. JSC NEGU reserves the right to accept or reject any Expression of Interest and to annul the selection process at any time in accordance with the applicable World Bank Procurement Regulations. Agency: National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan.. Procurement method: Least Cost Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 55000.0 USD