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FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIAREQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTCONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTIONConsultancy Services to Strengthen the Legal Frameworks for Coastal Fisheries Management in the Federated States of MicronesiaCountryFederated States of MicronesiaProjectPacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER)Project Implementing Agency / ClientFSM Department of Resources & Development (FSM R&D), in collaboration with NORMA, State Fisheries/Marine DepartmentsAssignment TitleConsultancy Services to Strengthen the Legal Frameworks for Coastal Fisheries Management in the Federated States of MicronesiaSelection MethodConsultant’s Qualification-Based Selection (CQS)Contract TypeLump SumReference No.FM-NORMA-560493-CS-CQSCredit/Grant No.IDA-E3710Date of IssueAugust 17, 2026Deadline for SubmissionSeptember 17, 2026 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTCONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTIONThe Government of the Federated States of Micronesia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.The consulting services (“the Services”) are for strengthening the management of coastal fisheries through review and gap analysis of legislative and regulatory frameworks governing coastal fisheries in the FSM states, and development of draft legislation and related recommendations, including areas relating to small boat registration and safety, community-based fisheries management, compliance, enforcement, stakeholder engagement, awareness and follow-on TORs.The FSM Department of Resources & Development, with support from NORMA, and the State Fisheries/Marine Departments, 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.1. Background and ContextFSM is an island nation in the western Pacific comprising Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Fisheries are a vital economic resource, and FSM’s coastal and near-shore resources are under state jurisdiction while offshore oceanic resources are retained as a national government function.Under PROPER, FSM seeks to strengthen management of both oceanic and coastal fisheries and the critical habitats upon which they depend. The coastal component seeks to implement priority actions identified in the coastal fisheries situation analysis and related investment project profiles.The TOR identifies that FSM lacks modern legal frameworks for coastal fisheries and that existing legislation is often not implemented or enforced. The assignment will support legislative assessment, consultation, and drafting of laws and regulations responsive to each state’s needs.2. Assignment ObjectiveThe objective of the assignment is to strengthen coastal fisheries management through review and gap analysis of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing coastal fisheries in the FSM states; development of draft legislation and related management recommendations; and broad stakeholder consultations across all four states, including municipalities, communities and outer island representatives where viable.3. Scope of ServicesThe expected services will be delivered through the following stages:StageExpected scopeStage 1Desk Review and Compilation of Laws and PoliciesStage 2Legal Analysis and Gap IdentificationStage 3Stakeholder Engagement and Site Selection - First RoundStage 4First Draft of Legislation and Management RecommendationsStage 5Stakeholder Engagement and Site Selection - Second RoundStage 6Second Draft of Legislation and Management RecommendationsStage 7Validation WorkshopStage 8Final Draft of Legislation with Workshop FeedbackStage 9Awareness Raising and Other Activities, including TORs for subsequent consultanciesStage 10Final Consultancy ReportThe assignment is expected to require field work and consultations in all four FSM states, as well as desk-based legal and policy analysis, legislative drafting, reporting and support to stakeholder validation.4. Expected Duration and Indicative Level of EffortThe total duration of the assignment is expected to be fourteen (14) months. The TOR indicates an expected total input of approximately twenty-five (25) person-months by key experts, working part-time across the assignment. The final team composition, level of effort and work plan will be proposed by the selected Consultant in its technical and financial proposals and confirmed during negotiations.5. Main DeliverablesNo.DeliverableIndicative timing after contract signing1Inception ReportWeek 22Legislative Review ReportWeek 43Legal Gap Analysis ReportWeek 164Stakeholder Engagement Summary - First RoundWeek 245Preliminary Legal Recommendations Report / First DraftWeek 286Stakeholder Engagement Summary - Second RoundWeek 327Interim Legal Recommendations Report / Second DraftWeek 368Validation Workshop ReportWeek 449Final Legal Recommendations Report / Final Draft with Workshop FeedbackWeek 4810TORs for Subsequent ConsultanciesMonthly after Month 1, as required11Final Consultancy ReportWeek 566. Required Consultant Profile and ExperienceInterested consulting firms should demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications in the following areas:Legal and regulatory review, gap analysis and legislative drafting for fisheries, marine resources, maritime safety, natural resources, environment or related sectors.Coastal fisheries management, community-based fisheries management, compliance and enforcement, and sustainable fisheries policy, preferably in Pacific Island countries or small island developing states.Experience supporting national and subnational/state government agencies with legal reform, stakeholder consultation and validation workshops.Experience with small boat registration, vessel safety, minimum safety standards, licensing, compliance systems or related maritime/fisheries regulatory reforms.Demonstrated ability to manage participatory consultation processes involving government, communities, municipalities, NGOs, outer island representatives and other stakeholders.Experience preparing clear, practical reports, legislative drafting instructions, draft legal instruments, management recommendations, training/awareness TORs and final consolidated reports.Demonstrated institutional capacity, project management systems and quality assurance procedures to deliver a 14-month multi-state assignment.The indicative key expertise identified in the TOR includes Fisheries Legal Expert; Fisheries Management Specialist / Fisheries Policy and Development Planner; National Local Liaison / Community Facilitator; and National Legal Expert. Key experts and CVs should not be evaluated at the EOI shortlisting stage unless expressly required by the Bank-approved procurement documents; detailed staffing will be evaluated at the proposal stage.7. Shortlisting CriteriaThe Borrower will assess Expressions of Interest to determine the shortlist of qualified firms. The criteria below are proposed for use in the shortlisting assessment. The EOI evaluation should focus on the firm’s qualifications and experience, not on individual experts or detailed methodology.CriterionIndicative assessment considerationsCore business and years in businessRelevance of the firm’s core business to legal reform, fisheries/marine governance, natural resources, maritime safety, stakeholder consultation and policy/regulatory support; demonstrated operational history.Relevant assignment experienceSimilar assignments completed in legislative review, legal gap analysis, fisheries/coastal resource legal frameworks, community-based fisheries management, enforcement/compliance, maritime/small boat safety, and subnational legal drafting.Technical and managerial capabilityFirm’s capacity to manage a multi-disciplinary assignment across four FSM states over 14 months, including quality assurance, consultation logistics, reporting, legislative drafting, and coordination with government agencies.Pacific / FSM / small island context experienceExperience working in Pacific Island countries, FSM, small island developing states, customary/community settings, outer island communities, and multi-jurisdictional state/national governance environments.Team/partnership strengthStrength and relevance of team, JV, sub-consultant arrangements proposed to cover national legal systems, local liaison, community consultation and specialized technical expertise.8. Selection Method and Next StepThe Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualification-Based Selection (CQS) method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers 7th Edition, September 2025. Under CQS, firms provide information on relevant experience and qualifications; the Borrower selects the firm with the best qualifications and relevant experience and invites that firm to submit technical and financial proposals for negotiations.The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers 7th edition, September 2025, including provisions on conflict of interest, eligibility, fraud and corruption, and the Bank’s sanctions framework. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should clearly indicate whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all members shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract if selected.9. Information to be Submitted by Interested FirmsInterested firms should submit an Expression of Interest containing the following information. The EOI should be concise and should not include a full technical proposal or financial proposal at this stage.Submission itemDescriptionCover letterSigned by an authorized representative, identifying the firm or joint venture, contact details, and confirmation of interest.Firm profileLegal name, country of registration, ownership, years in business, core business areas, management structure and contact details.Relevant experienceA table of similar assignments, including client, country, contract value if available, duration, role of the firm, description of services and relevance to this assignment.Technical and managerial capabilityBrief description of internal resources, quality assurance arrangements, consultation management, legislative drafting capacity and ability to work across FSM states.Association detailsJV or sub-consultant arrangements, including lead firm and roles of each partner, if applicable.Conflict of interest declarationStatement of any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, or confirmation that none exist.Eligibility declarationConfirmation that the firm and any JV members are eligible in accordance with World Bank requirements and are not subject to World Bank sanctions or applicable ineligibility.10. Submission InstructionsSubmission address / emailproper.procurement@norma.fmRecipientOkean Ehmes, PROPER Project ManagerDeadlineSeptember 17, 2026, 3:00 PM Pohnpei Local TimeLanguageEnglishFormatPDF electronic copy; if hard copies are required, insert number of copies and address.Subject lineExpression of Interest - Legal Frameworks for Coastal Fisheries Management in FSM - Ref. FM-NORMA-560493-CS-CQSClarificationsRequests for clarification shall be submitted in writing to OKEAN EHMES, no later than September 07, 2026. Responses will be issued in writing to all interested firms as appropriate.Email: proper.procurement@norma.fm Late EOIs will be rejected. ANNEX 1: EOI SUBMISSION FORMSThe following forms may be included with the REOI to make responses consistent and easier to evaluate. Firms may add supporting information where necessary.Form EOI-1: Cover LetterName of firm / JV:[Insert]Country of registration:[Insert]Authorized representative:[Insert]Address:[Insert]Telephone / email:[Insert]Confirmation of interest:[Insert]Signature and date:[Insert]Form EOI-2: Firm ProfileLegal status and registration details:[Insert]Year established:[Insert]Core business areas:[Insert]Number of permanent professional staff:[Insert]Office locations relevant to the assignment:[Insert]Quality assurance and project management systems:[Insert]Prior experience with World Bank or donor-financed assignments:[Insert]Form EOI-3: Relevant Assignment ExperienceNo.ClientCountryAssignment title / periodRole of firmBrief scope and outputsRelevance to this assignment1[Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert]2[Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert]3[Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert]4[Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert]5[Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert][Insert]Form EOI-4: Association / Joint Venture / Sub-consultantsLead firm:[Insert / Confirm]JV members, if any:[Insert / Confirm]Sub-consultants, if any:[Insert / Confirm]Role of each member / sub-consultant:[Insert / Confirm]Proposed association type:[Insert / Confirm]Confirmation that JV members will be jointly and severally liable if selected and contracted:[Insert / Confirm]Form EOI-5: Conflict of Interest and Eligibility DeclarationActual, potential or perceived conflict of interest:[Insert / Confirm]World Bank sanctions / ineligibility status:[Insert / Confirm]Government ownership / SOE status, if applicable:[Insert / Confirm]Certification by authorized representative:[Insert / Confirm]