RFP: Recruitment of a consultant/firm for the preparation of preliminary studies for the transformation of ONEP into a hydraulic heritage company

WATER SECURITY AND SANITATION SUPPORT PROJECT (PASEA)

NOTICE OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NO. 12/PASEA/JUNE/2025

FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTANT/FIRM FOR THE PREPARATION OF PRELIMINARY STUDIES FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF ONEP INTO A HYDRAULIC HERITAGE COMPANY

1. The Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire has obtained a loan from the International Development Association (IDA) in the amount of two hundred and fifty million (250,000,000) USD for the implementation of the Water Security and Sanitation Support Project (PASEA). Part of these financial resources will be used to pay for the contract for consultancy services for the recruitment of a consultant/firm for the preparation of preliminary studies for the transformation of ONEP into a hydraulic heritage company .
2. The Firm’s mission will generally consist of proposing all the necessary regulatory and institutional arrangements to transform ONEP into a heritage company in the human hydraulics sector in Côte d’Ivoire.

The specific objectives are structured around the following actions:

• the study of a new institutional framework, possibly including the analysis and establishment of a Revolving Fund managed by ONEP:
• the organizational study of ONEP.

1. The purpose of this notice of expression of interest is to solicit competent firms with a view to establishing a shortlist as part of the preparation of preliminary studies for the transformation of ONEP into a hydraulics heritage company .
2. The Coordination Unit of the Water Security and Sanitation Support Project (PASEA) invites eligible candidates to express their interest in providing the services described above. Interested firms must provide a file including a letter of expression of interest and relevant information indicating that they are qualified to perform the requested services (brochures, references concerning the proper execution of similar contracts, experience in similar conditions, years of implementation, costs, clients).  

The Consultant/firm will be a design office which must provide proof of at least:

• Five (05) years of legal existence;
• At least five (5) years in the field of hydrology-rural engineering or hydraulics;
• Two (02) studies and legal and institutional analysis in terms of structuring transactions and delegation of public services;
• Two (02) institutional reform design or support projects;
• One (1) study in the operation or audit and institutional analysis or control of the drinking water production and distribution service.

               Each of the projects cited by the Firm must be justified by a certificate of proper execution.

1. 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 REIT Borrowers”, version of March 1, 2025, relating to the World Bank’s rules on conflict of interest (applicable).  
2. The Consultant firm will be recruited on the basis of the Quality Based Selection procedures as defined in the “Procurement Regulations for Borrowers requesting Investment Project Financing (IPF)”, version of March 1, 2025”.
3. One (01) shortlist will be established at the end of this Notice of Expression of Interest for restricted consultations with a view to the missions of developing preliminary studies for the transformation of ONEP into a hydraulic heritage company .
4. Consultants may partner with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but must clearly indicate whether the association takes the form of a joint venture and/or subcontracting. In the case of a joint venture, all members of the joint venture will be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.
5. Interested firms should obtain the terms of reference at the address below and during the following hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (local time).
6. Expressions of interest must be submitted in French and electronically to the address below no later than Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10 a.m. sharp (local time) and must be labeled ”  Expression of interest for the recruitment of a consultant/firm for the development of preliminary studies for the transformation of ONEP into a hydraulics heritage company .”
7. The opening will take place on the same day ,  that is, Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. (local time) at the address below.
8. For applicants who wish to submit their bids physically, they must do so in six (06) copies, including an original copy and an electronic version (on USB key or any other electronic medium).
9. The addresses referred to above are:

• Email addresses for withdrawing or requesting the Terms of Reference and sending files:

• KOUAME Yves Jonas; yvesjonas.kouame@gmail.com;
• Copy: ABLEKE Jean Paul; ablekejeanpaul@yahoo.fr

•  Physical filing and file opening address:

Water Security and Sanitation Support Project (PASEA), Coordination of the Security Support Project located in Cocody Bonoumin, rue I14 opposite the MJ EVENTS event space

Geolocation: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LSRufLHpPTCnJ9oh6

08 BPV 803 Abidjan 08 / Tel: (225) 27 22 24 33 76.

• Request for clarification

Requests for clarification should be made in writing and sent to the following addresses:

• Procurement Specialist: yvesjonas.kouame@gmail.com
• Copy: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist: jcehonan@gmail.com