Government of the Federated States of Micronesia
Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure
P.O. Box PS-2 Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941
Request Of Expressions Of Interest
(Consultant Services)
FSM-Palau Telecommunications & ICT Technical Assistance Project
Federated States of Micronesia-Sector Investment and Development Advisory Assistance
Project ID No. (TF015460)
The Federated States of Micronesia has appliedfor financing from the World Bank for the cost of the proposed Telecommunication and ICT Technical Assistance Project, and intends to applypart of the proceeds for consultant services. The services are for Sector Investment and Development Advisory Assistance.
The FSM recently passed a law liberalizing its telecommunications market, which eliminates the Government owned telecommunications provider, FSM Telecom Corp. (FSMTC), as the sole provider of internet connectivity in the FSM. The Government wishes to ensure that existing FSMTC infrastructure and new international connectivity assets are utilized to realize the Government's international broadband connectivity goals for the FSM. In addition, the Government seeks to ensure that FSMTC is positioned to compete in the newly liberalized environment and grow its business in order to meet the Government's priorities for expanding access to ICT services. A key policy imperative is to ensure that access tointernational connectivity infrastructure is available on non-discriminatory and cost-based terms to any service provider licensed to operate within FSM.
The objective of the assignment is to assist the FSM in developing and implementing its proposed new infrastructure investments in the communications sector. The scope of this assignment is envisioned in three phases for which consultancy is sought: (i) the future ownership of existing and new international connectivity assets, (ii) possible financial and ownership restructuring of FSMTC, and (iii) transactional issues with respect to implementing the proposed connectivity infrastructure investments and institutional restructuring.
The FSM Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure (DTCI), as implementing agency, now invites eligible consultants (firms) to indicate their interest in providing consultancy for this assignment. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultantsmay associate in the form of a joint venture or sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. In case ofa Joint Venture (JV), all members of the JV will be evaluated jointlyfor the purpose of short listing and shall be jointly and severally liable for the assignment and shall sign the contract jointly in case award is made to that JV group. Interested consultants should clearly indicate the structure of their "association" and the duties of their partners and sub consultants in their application. Unclear expressions of interests in terms of "in association with" and / or "in affiliation with" and etc. without indicating the status of the partnership and designation of the lead partner may not be considered for short listing.
A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures of Selection Based on the Consultants' Qualifications (CQS) set out in the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers of January 2011.
The closing date for submissions of expressions of interest is August 4, 2014 at 23:45 hours local (Pohnpei, FM) time. Expressions of Interest with supporting documents can be sent electronically to transcom@mail.fm or by Fax: + (691) 320-5853 or call Tel: + (691) 320-2381/2865. The office contact is indicated below:
Mark DeOrio, Acting Assistant Secretary for Communication
Tel: + (691) 320-2381/2865
Fax No. + (691) 320-5853
E-mail address: transcom@mail.fm
Government of the Federated States of Micronesia
Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure
P.O. Box PS-2
Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941
Interested consultants may obtain further information from the contacts listed above during office hours 08:00 to 17:00 hours [Monday-Friday].