REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Loan No. 8286-AZ

Assignment Title: Development of Animal Identification and Registration System

Reference No. A3/CS-15

The Government of Azerbaijan has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Agricultural Competitiveness Improvement Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include support to the Ministry of Agriculture and State Veterinary Control Services in preparing a strategic plan for establishing the Animal Identification and Registration System (AIRS) and further development of a National Veterinary (animal health) Information System (NVIS). The strategic plan will incorporate also other components of the animal recording system, such as animal health information system and animal traceability. The strategic plan should: define the objectives and scope of the animal recording system; identify the participating stakeholders and their needs; decide upon the type of system and define its elements; specify the rules and procedures for data collection, storage, processing and reporting; and specify the IT requirements that are needed to develop the software application and build the IT infrastructure. It should also define the legal and institutional support required and specify human resource and budget requirements. The specific reasons for implementing the AIRS in Azerbaijan include (i) controlling disease outbreaks, (ii) ensuring food safety for consumers; (iii) enabling genetic improvement; and (iv) managing the payment of subsidies, (if introduced). The EU acquis in veterinary is to be used as guidelines and reference standard for establishing the AIRS in Azerbaijan. The consultancy assignment will also develop recommendations for modernization of the existing ACCESS based National Veterinary (animal health) Information System, including IT solution for upgrading   the NVIS. The conceptual framework for establishing the AIRS will be considered in the context of implementation of the overall e-Agriculture policies in Azerbaijan. The AIRS and NVIS should be considered as integral components of the e-Agriculture development concept.

The Agricultural Competitiveness Improvement Project 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 shortlisting criteria are: (i) specific experience in analyzing and developing  EU-compliant animal identification and registration system and veterinary information systems; (ii) experience with preparing major strategic documents, development of user requirement specifications for design of IT systems, and costs-benefit analysis; and (iii) experience in the legal aspects of animal recording systems and good knowledge of the current EU acquis pertaining to animal identification and registration. Prior regional experience or experience in similar regions and circumstances will be advantageous.

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 edition  (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a subconsultancy to enhance their qualifications.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality-Based Selection (QBS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 0900 to 1800.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, by mail or by e-mail) by January 20, 2015.

Project Management Unit/Agricultural Competitiveness Improvement Project

State Agency on Agricultural Credits under the Ministry of Agriculture

Huseyn Huseynov, Project Director

 80, U. Hajibeyli Str, Government House, Room 801

Baku AZ1016, Azerbaijan

Tel: +99412 4937108

Email:[email protected], [email protected]