GRID EXTENSION AND REINFORCEMENT PROJECT
Project ID No. P133305
FUNDING AGENCY: WORLD BANK/ IDA
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)
CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESEMENT (ESIA), RESETTLEMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK (RPF) FOR THE PROPOSED MASAKA – MUTUKULA 400 (220) kV, 82KM TRANSMISSION LINE
REF: UETCL/CONS/2020-2021/00003
The Government of Uganda (GoU) has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Grid Expansion and Reinforcement Project (GERP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consultancy services for Environmental and Social Impact Assesement (ESIA), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) for the proposed Masaka – Mutukula 400 (220) kV, 82km Transmission Line.
The proposed 400 (220) kV project is intended to interconnect Uganda and Tanzania Power grids and also tee - off to interconnect Tanzania and Rwanda Power Systems. This will also make it possible to interconnect the Rwanda and Burundi power grids.
The objective of this assignment is to assess the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed four phases of the Project (pre-construction, construction, operation, decommissioning) and propose mitigation measures in line with best practices. The assignment will consist of an Environmental and Social Impact Analysis (ESIA – Part I) and a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF – Part II). The studies shall be undertaken in line with Ugandan policies, laws and regulations on the environment as well as the World Bank Environmental and Social Safegaurd requirements, especially the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and other applicable Standards. The findings of the study should guide definition of the most optimal transmission line routing that minimises negative environmental and social impacts and enhances postives outcomes. It shall also guide preparation of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), among others.
Duration: The assignment is expected to take four (4) calendar months from the date of contract signing
The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the website: www.uetcl.go.ug and can also be obtained from UETCL at the address:
Manager, Procurement and Disposal Department
Uganda Electricity Transmission Company
UETCL Annex Building 2nd Floor
Plot 12, Hannington Road
Uganda Electricity Transmission Company (UETCL) now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services.
The short-listing criteria is as follows:
a) The consulting firm shall be legally registered firm in Uganda or overseas and shall be Certified to conduct ESIA by the regulatory authorities and the following documents shall be submited;
(i) A certificate of incorporation/registration and NEMA Certificate for the firm.
(ii) Memorandum & Articles of Association,
(iii) Powers of Attorney (notorised or registered) authorizing the signatory of the Application/Expression of Interest,
(iv) List of Directors ,shareholders or equivalent,
(v) In case of Associations or Joint Ventures, submit the letters of association/Joint Venture agreements/letters of intent and requisite powers of attorney.
b) The consultant shall be a firm of proven experience in conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assesement (ESIA), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) or similar studies with the following competencies:
(i) At least 10 years experience conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assesement (ESIA), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) or similar studies.
(ii)Specific Experience; The consulting firm should have completed a minimum of five (5) similar assignments in the last 10 years (specifically Environmental and Social Impact Assesement (ESIA), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) or similar studies for high voltage line transmission line projects of not less than 132kV, the projects which should have been in the Sub-Saharan African region or developing countiries with similar condtions The consulting firm should demonstrate its experience and knowledge by listing contracts including description, value, year of commencement, year of completion, client and contact person for reference.
(iii) The firm must posses a valid registration certificate or equivalent for conducting ESIA studies
(iv) Experience with World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards Policies and procedures in at least three (3) of the five (05) assignments mentioned in (ii) above and this experience must show the nature and scope for ESIA carried out and Financed by the World Bank .
(c) Availability of appropriate skills for the assignment: The following experts are required for the assignment . The ESIA Team Leader and the Environmental Experts for Environment Analysis, Wild Life study, Social Impact Assesement, Biodiversity surveys and Avifauna studies must be NEMA certified and registered or equivalent The study team for the RPF ie. The team leader, The Surveyor, Land Valuation expert, Electrical Engineer and Legal Expertise must all be registered practitioners.
(d) The Environmental and Social Team Leaders should demonstrate knowledge of World Bank safeguards and familiarity with application of the Environmental and Social Framwork (ESF) in projects undertaken. The general qualifications, Experience requirements of key staff are provided in the ToRs.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers [January 2011 Revised July 2014] (“Consultant Guidelines”), 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.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (9:00am – 4:00pm East Africa Time (EAT)).
Expressions of interest clearly marked “Consultancy services for Environmental and Social Impact Assesement (ESIA) & Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) for the proposed Masaka – Mutukula 400 (220) kV, 82km Transmission Line” must be delivered to the address below by 4:00pm on Friday, 29th January, 2021.