Consulting Services for Climate Resilience and Agriculture Development Project in Albania

The Consultant will be responsible for providing qualified professional and supporting staff and all necessary services required for the efficient cost effective and timely execution of the Consultancy Services.

Scope of Work To effectively achieve the objectives of this consultancy, the Consultant shall be responsible for providing all necessary technical services and mobilizing a qualified multidisciplinary professional team throughout the duration of the assignment.

During implementation, the Consultant shall closely coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), as the implementing institution, through the CRAD Project Management Unit (PMU).

(i) Feasibility Study Site Assessment and Data Collection Conduct on-site inspections and collect technical, environmental, social, and institutional data for each potential location of the Border Inspection Posts (BIPs).

Technical and Regulatory Analysis Review the existing infrastructure and assess compliance with Albanian legislation and EU standards for official controls in food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary systems. Cost-Benefit Analysis Analyze alternative development scenarios (new construction or rehabilitation), assess economic feasibility, projected costs, and expected operational efficiency.

Environmental and Social Screening Identify potential environmental and social risks and propose initial mitigation measures, site specific instrument (EMPS or ESMP checklist based on the screening) in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

Technical Recommendations Provide recommendations for the most appropriate site(s), including a justification matrix and prioritization of investments. (ii) Preparation of Detailed Design and Bidding Documents The Consultant shall prepare the detailed technical design in full compliance with Albanian building codes and legal provisions, and in line with EU standards for official border inspection posts.

The design shall include the following key components: Functional Layout Planning – shall at least meet requirements of Article 64 of EU Regulation 2017/625, and relevant requirements of EU Regulation 2019/104 (extract from these legal acts constitutes Annex 2 to this ToR); in addition to these: a roofed ramp with lights; spaces for temporary disposal (if required); waste management system for hazardous and biological materials; parking and traffic circulation zones for both light and heavy vehicles.

Engineering Design Disciplines, including: architecture and structural design; mechanical and electrical systems; plumbing and sanitary installations; heating/air conditioning; ICT and connectivity with AKU systems; fire safety systems; physical security (CCTV, barriers, lighting); universal accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Procurement Documentation, including: detailed Bill of Quantities (BoQs) and cost estimates; technical specifications for equipment and materials; implementation timeline (Gantt chart); bidding documents in accordance with World Bank Standard Procurement Documents (SPDs).

(iii) Construction Supervision During the construction phase, the Consultant shall provide full technical supervision services, including: Supervision and Quality Control Ensure compliance of the works with the approved design, enforce quality and safety standards, and resolve any technical issues arising during implementation.

Site Diary (Daily Logbook) Maintain and regularly update a daily site diary to document progress, completed activities, unexpected events, and daily site presence. Progress Monitoring and Reporting Submit regular (monthly and final) progress reports including photographic documentation, comparison with initial plans, and implementation recommendations.

Support in Contract Management Review contractor submissions, approve work plans and technical documents, verify quantities executed, and certify interim payment requests. Technical Commissioning and Final Handover Conduct final inspections and tests, validate as-built drawings, prepare handover documentation, and support the official handover to the responsible authorities.

Requirements for All Phases Engagement of stakeholders, including AKU, Customs, Border Police, and Local Authorities, coordinated by MARD in its role as the implementing institution. Full compliance with World Bank environmental and social standards, occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, and grievance redress mechanisms (GRM).

Deliverables must be submitted in both Albanian and English, in editable formats (Word, Excel, DWG) and print-ready (PDF).

Qualifications of the firms The contract shall be awarded following a Consultant Qualification (CQ) procedure, in accordance with the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: "Procurement in Investment Project Financing – Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services" (July 2016, revised November 2017, August 2018, and November 2020).

The Consultant may associate with other entities in the form of a joint venture or sub-consultancy to complement respective areas of expertise, enhance technical responsiveness, provide a broader expert pool, and strengthen methodological approaches.

The Consultant shall be a firm or group of firms with the following minimum qualifications: Minimum 10 years of demonstrated experience in assignments involving feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, design, and supervision of construction or rehabilitation of Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) and/or similar facilities, such as Border Control Posts, customs facilities with sanitary/veterinary/phytosanitary controls, veterinary or phytosanitary inspection and quarantine facilities, and port or airport inspection infrastructure; Completion of at least three (3) similar contracts in the last ten (10) years; Previous experience with World Bank-financed projects is considered an advantage.

Firms will be shortlisted based on the following evaluation criteria: Core business and years of operation – 30 points Relevant experience in similar assignments – 60 points Availability of qualified in-house staff – 10 points The CVs of Key experts will not be evaluated during the shortlisting process.

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 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: "Procurement in Investment Project Financing of Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services" (July 2016, revised November 2017, August 2018, and November 2020), using the Consultant Qualification (CQ) method.

Interested Consultants may obtain further information concerning the Terms of Reference at the official website of MARD: https://bujqesia.gov.al/projekti-qendrueshmeria-ndaj-klimes-dhe-zhvillimit-ne-bujqesi/ , or at the address below, during office hours 09:00 to 16:00 (Monday to Thursday) and 09:00 to 13:00 on Friday.

Expressions of Interest (EoI) in English language must be delivered no later than January 06, 2026 hardcopy (in person or by mail) to the address below, within office hours, and/or electronically at the below e-mail address. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Adr: Blv. "Dëshmorët e Kombit", Nr. 2, 1001, Tirana, Albania E-mail: arben.molla@bujqesia.gov.al Attn: Mr.

Arben Molla Project Manager Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Procurement method: Consultant Qualification Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 217390.0 USD