The 590 MW Chamkharchhu II project is planned to be developed in the central-southern district of Zhemgang (Zhemgang Dzongkhag) and the 364 MW Chamkharchhu IV project in the northern district of Bumthang (Bumthang Dzongkhag). The services are to be financed by the World Bank within the framework of the Accelerating Transport and Trade Connectivity in Eastern South Asia Phase (ACCESS) – Bhutan Project. Part of the project is being implemented by the Department of Surface Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in collaboration with the main implementing agency, DGPC.
The scope of services includes carrying out ESIAs for the Chamkharchhu II and Chamkharchhu IV projects in compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and the applicable requirements of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The assignment covers environmental and social screening and scoping, data collection, impact and risk assessments, and development of mitigation measures. It also includes preparation of key environmental and instruments, including ESIA reports, Labour Management Procedures, Land Acquisition and Livelihood Restoration Plans (LALRP), Stakeholder Engagement Plans, other relevant management plans and environmental and social planning for the transmission line, in coordination with relevant stakeholders and the World Bank. The expected date for commencement is September 2026 and the duration of the assignment is fifteen months. Detail Terms of Reference (TOR) are available on the website of DGPC at: https://www.drukgreen.bt/tender.
Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. The shortlisting criteria are:
- General experience of the consultant in providing similar services (core business and years in business);
- Experience in similar assignments of compatible size, complexity and technical specialty in the required area;
- Experience in working with development partner financed projects, and,
- Technical and managerial capability of the firm, including overall staffing and logistics.
The attention of interested consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.13, 3.15, and 3.16 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but shall indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture (i.e. all members of the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable) and/or a sub-consultancy. In case of an association, the consultant must explain in the EoI submission (a) the rationale/justification for the proposed inclusion of the JV members and/or sub-consultants; and (b) the anticipated role and relevant qualifications of each member of the Joint Venture and/or of each sub-consultant for carrying out the assignment. The total number of firms in the association will be limited to a maximum of three. A consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted in written form (either by e-mail, in person or by mail) to the below address by 15:00 hours (Bhutan Time) (GMT + 6 hours) on 29 April. Please clearly mention: “Expression of Interest (EoI) for “Selection of Consultant for Preparation of ESIA for Chamkharchhu II and Chamkharchhu IV Hydropower Projects (HPPs)” in the e-mail’s subject line or on the top of the envelope.
For further information, contact: Sonam Choden, Contracts Section, Projects and Contract Department, Druk Green Power Corporation, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan; E-mail: s.choden272@drukgreen.bt.
