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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTCONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTIONCountryFederated States of MicronesiaProjectPacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER)Assignment TitleCONSULTANCY SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A FISHERIES DATA COLLECTION AND STORAGE FRAMEWORK FOR COASTAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN FSMReference No.FM-NORMA-539887-CS-CQSPublication DateAugust 26, 2026Deadline for EOI SubmissionSeptember 28, 2026 3:00 PM Pohnpei Local TimeSelection MethodCQS 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 are for the assessment of existing coastal fisheries data systems and gaps and the design of a recommended coastal fisheries data management framework for future implementation. The assignment will cover the four FSM States of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae and is expected to take approximately 12 months.The FSM Department of Resources & Development (DRD), in collaboration with State Fisheries Departments, NORMA , now invites eligible consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing the Services.1. Objective and Scope of the AssignmentThe objective of the consultancy is to assess existing coastal fisheries data systems and gaps, and to design a recommended data management framework for future implementation. The following areas are not within the scope of the assignment: 1) training, 2) conduct ecological field surveys, 3) build databases, 4) validate protocols, or and 5) produce management recommendations. These activities are intended to be undertaken under subsequent consultancies.StageMain ActivityExpected Output / Focus1Desk Review and Data InventoryExisting literature, research reports, available databases, catch and effort, landings, market, ecological data, and metadata catalogue.2Stakeholder EngagementFact-finding and prioritization with State fisheries departments, research institutions, and communities; information disaggregated by gender, age group, and fishing role where feasible.3Data Quality and Gap AssessmentGap analysis and scoring matrix covering completeness, accuracy, timeliness, consistency, accessibility, and dataset quality tiers.4Institutional AssessmentReview of data-related capacity, systems, workflows, reporting, responsibilities, and data-sharing mechanisms.5Recommended Data Collection ProtocolsRecommended SOPs for catch, effort, market, and biological data collection aligned with SPC, WCPFC, and FAO ASFIS references.6Data Storage, Access, and Governance FrameworkRecommended database architecture, hosting, backup, user permissions, ownership, interoperability, sustainability, and accessibility arrangements.7State-Specific Ecological Assessment TORsFour separate procurement-ready TORs for Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, based on data assessment outcomes.8Ecological Assessment Data Needs PrioritizationPrioritized sequence of future State ecological data collection assessments, including maps and GIS coordinates of priority sites.9Data Management Implementation RoadmapPhased implementation roadmap with estimated costs, sequencing, and dependencies.10Other Subsequent Consultancy TORsProcurement-ready TORs for data training and mentoring, protocol validation, database build-out/deployment, and data entry mobile applications.11Final Report and PresentationFinal consultancy report, handover package, and presentation of findings.2. Key Deliverables and TimingThe Consulting Firm will be required to submit the following deliverables. Timing is indicative and measured in weeks after contract signing, unless otherwise stated.No.DeliverableTiming1Inception Report, including risk mitigation planWeek 22Stakeholder Engagement SummaryWeek 143Compiled Data Repository and Metadata CatalogueWeek 184Data Quality and Gap Assessment Report, including scoring matrixWeek 225Institutional Assessment Report - data-related capacity only, no training deliveryWeek 266Recommended Data Collection Protocols Document - design onlyWeek 327Recommended Data Storage, Access, and Governance FrameworkWeek 368Ecological Assessment Data Needs Prioritization by State, with maps/GIS, based on SAR 2023 and data assessment outcomesWeek 389Yap Ecological Data Collection TOR, based on data assessment outcomesWeek 4210Chuuk Ecological Data Collection TOR, based on data assessment outcomesWeek 4211Pohnpei Ecological Data Collection TOR, based on data assessment outcomesWeek 4212Kosrae Ecological Data Collection TOR, based on data assessment outcomesWeek 4213Data Management Implementation RoadmapWeek 4414Procurement-ready TORs for other subsequent consultancies: data training, database, mobile app, and protocol validationWeek 4415Final Consultancy Report, including handover packageWeek 4616Presentation of FindingsWeek 4617Monthly Progress ReportsMonthly3. Required Firm Experience and Shortlisting CriteriaInterested consulting firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Expressions of Interest should focus on firm-level qualifications and relevant experience. Key Experts will not be evaluated at this shortlisting stage.CriterionIndicative considerationsSuggested evidenceRelevant fisheries data management experienceExperience assessing and designing fisheries data systems, metadata catalogues, data quality frameworks, data gap assessments, and data governance arrangements.Project descriptions, client references, outputs, dates, countries, and contract values.Coastal fisheries and Pacific/small island contextExperience in coastal fisheries, community fisheries, ecological information needs, and Pacific Island or small island developing state contexts. FSM experience is preferred.Examples of comparable assignments in Pacific Island countries or similar contexts.Institutional and capacity assessment experienceExperience reviewing institutional workflows, data-sharing mechanisms, reporting responsibilities, and data-related capacity needs for public agencies.Institutional assessment reports or project summaries.Data standards and interoperabilityExperience applying fisheries data standards, metadata, QA/QC, and relevant standards or references such as SPC coastal fisheries minimum datasets, WCPFC standards, FAO ASFIS codes, and other recognized ecological data methods.Examples of standards-based data frameworks, metadata catalogues, or SOPs.GIS and spatial prioritizationExperience in spatial data inventory, mapping, GIS prioritization, and preparation of maps and coordinates for ecological assessment planning.GIS outputs, mapping work samples, and project references.TOR and implementation roadmap preparationExperience preparing procurement-ready TORs, implementation roadmaps, costed action plans, and phased system implementation recommendations.Examples of TORs, roadmaps, or investment plans.Stakeholder engagementExperience consulting with government agencies, communities, research institutions, and fisheries stakeholders, including gender- and role-sensitive data collection where feasible.Stakeholder engagement summaries and references.4. Indicative Key PersonnelThe firm should demonstrate that it can mobilize a qualified team. The TOR identifies the following indicative key personnel:Key Personnel / ExpertiseDescriptionTeam Leader / Fisheries Data Management SpecialistSenior fisheries professional with expertise in data systems assessment and Pacific Island fisheries context. Minimum 10 years of experience. FSM or small islands experience preferred.Data Management SpecialistExperience in data standards, metadata, gap analysis, QA/QC assessment, data-related capacity assessments, and institutional reviews of data systems. Minimum 10 years of experience. FSM or small islands experience preferred.GIS and Spatial Data SpecialistExperience in spatial data inventory, gap analysis, and prioritization mapping. Minimum 5 years of experience. FSM or small islands experience preferred.National Liaison SpecialistKnowledge of FSM institutions, fisheries sector, and stakeholder engagement. Minimum 5 years of experience.Note: Detailed CVs are NOT required at this Stage. However, Firms may provide a brief staffing approach or indicate availability of the required expertise..5. Selection Process, Associations, and Conflict of InterestA consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection (CQS) procedures set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, Seventh Edition, September 2025.Consulting firms 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 of the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire assignment if selected.Interested firms should provide information on any actual or potential conflict of interest arising from other assignments or conflicting involvement in related assignments.The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to the applicable provisions of the World Bank Procurement Regulations on conflict of interest, eligibility, and fraud and corruption.6. Submission RequirementsThe Expression of Interest should include the following information, preferably not exceeding 15 pages excluding annexes]:Firm profile, legal status, country of registration, and contact details;Description of the firm’s core business and years in business;Summary of no more than five relevant assignments completed during the last 5 years, including client, country, contract value, duration, and firm role;Evidence of experience in fisheries data management, coastal fisheries, metadata catalogues, data gap assessments, data governance, GIS mapping, and institutional assessment;Brief statement on experience in FSM, Pacific Island countries, or small island developing states;Description of any proposed association, joint venture, or sub-consultancy arrangement;Statement confirming availability and ability to mobilize for a 12-month assignment involving travel to all four FSM States;Conflict of interest declaration.7. Submission Address and DeadlineSubmission deadlineSeptember 28, 2026, 3:00 PM Pohnpei Local TimeSubmission methodE-mailAddress / emailproper.procurement@norma.fmContact personOkean Ehmes, Project ManagerClarification deadlineSeptember 17,2026 Expressions of Interest must be delivered in written form to the address above by the stated deadline. Late submissions may be rejected in accordance with the applicable procurement procedures. APPENDIX A - Suggested EOI Submission FormsForm 1. Firm InformationProvide the firm name, country of registration, address, authorized representative, contact details, legal status, and years in business.FieldResponse Form 2. Relevant Assignment ExperienceProvide details for each relevant assignment: client, country, contract title, contract value, dates, role of the firm, partners, description of services, outputs, and contact reference.FieldResponse Form 3. Summary of Relevant Technical ExperienceSummarize experience in fisheries data systems, metadata catalogues, data quality and gap assessments, institutional assessments, GIS/spatial prioritization, data governance, and Pacific/small island fisheries.FieldResponse Form 4. Association / Joint Venture / Sub-consultancy StatementState whether the firm is expressing interest alone, as a joint venture, or with sub-consultants. Identify each partner and its proposed role.FieldResponse Form 5. Conflict of Interest DeclarationDisclose any actual or potential conflict of interest, including prior or current assignments that may affect the firm’s ability to perform the assignment impartially.FieldResponse APPENDIX B - Optional Internal Shortlisting WorksheetThis worksheet is for Client internal use only and should be tailored to the approved procurement approach. It should not be included in the published REOI unless intended.Shortlisting AreaSuggested WeightEvidence to ReviewEvaluator NotesFisheries data management and data systems assessment experience25%Comparable assignments and outputs Coastal fisheries and Pacific/small island context15%Relevant country and sector experience Data quality, metadata, standards, QA/QC, and interoperability20%Standards-based work, metadata, QA/QC frameworks Institutional/data governance assessment experience15%Institutional reviews and governance frameworks GIS/spatial prioritization and ecological assessment planning15%Mapping and spatial planning outputs Quality of EOI, relevance, and clarity of proposed association10%Completeness and clarity APPENDIX C - Summary Terms of Reference for PublicationFSM currently lacks nationally standardized approaches for fisheries data collection, storage, access, and governance. Prior to implementation investments, FSM requires an assessment of existing datasets, information systems, institutional arrangements, and data/ecological information gaps. The FSM Coastal Fisheries SAR 2023 is the foundational reference for identifying priority data and ecological assessment needs across Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae.The assignment will produce a data inventory and metadata catalogue, data quality and gap assessment with scoring matrix, institutional capacity assessment focused on data-related capacity, recommended standardized data collection protocols, recommended data storage/access/governance framework, ecological assessment data needs prioritization, four State-specific ecological data collection TORs, a phased data management implementation roadmap, and procurement-ready TORs for subsequent implementation consultancies.The assignment is assessment and design focused. It excludes implementation training, ecological field surveys, database build-out, protocol validation, mobile application rollout, and management recommendations