Development of a practical and implementable Public Service Obligation contract framework for passenger rail transport, including contractual structures, subsidy calculation methodologies, analytical tools, and implementation arrangements.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN CONNECTIVITY AND TRANSPORT SECTOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Project ID: P509487

Assignment Title: Development of a Standard Framework for Public Service Obligation (PSO) Contracts for Passenger Rail Transport in Uzbekistan

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): UZ-CTSIP-1004-CS-QCBS-UTY-PM-02

The Republic of Uzbekistan has applied for financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) of the World Bank Group toward the cost of the Connectivity and Transport Sector Improvement Project (CTSIP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services ("the Services") include the development of a practical and implementable Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract framework for passenger rail transport in Uzbekistan, comprising analytical assessment of PSO applicability; development of service quality standards (SLA/KPI); preparation of a standard PSO contract structure and templates; development of a subsidy calculation methodology and analytical calculator; establishment of monitoring and reporting arrangements; definition of institutional interaction mechanisms; preparation of regulatory proposals; and development of a phased implementation roadmap. The expected duration of the assignment is 9 (nine) months from contract signature. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest. JSC “O‘zbekiston temir yo‘llari” (the “Client”) 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:

Experience in Tariff and Regulatory Analysis in the Transport Sector: The Consultant shall demonstrate a proven track record of having successfully completed a minimum of two (2) assignments within the past three (3) years, each involving tariff analysis, regulatory reform, or financial sustainability assessment of transport services. At least one (1) such assignment should be in a CIS country. Prior experience on assignments financed by International Financial Institutions (IFIs) is essential. In substantiation of the above, the Firm shall provide verifiable client references for all qualifying assignments. Economic and Financial Analysis of Socially Significant Transport Services: The Consultant should demonstrate relevant experience in the economic and financial analysis of public transport services, including but not limited to the assessment of cost structures, revenue shortfalls, and the budgetary implications of PSO programs. The Firm shall provide evidence of having successfully completed comparable assignments, with prior experience on IFI-financed engagements considered essential. All qualifying experience shall be substantiated through verifiable client references submitted as part of the Firm's technical proposal. Legal Expertise in Public Service Contractual Documentation: The Consultant shall demonstrate experience in at least one (1) completed assignment involving the legal drafting of Public Service Obligations (PSO) documents, concession agreements, or equivalent contractual instruments within a CIS or EU country. Demonstrable knowledge of Uzbekistan's civil law framework and public budget legislation is required for the satisfactory performance of this assignment. Regulatory Reform and Institutional Engagement in Uzbekistan: The Consultant shall demonstrate experience in at least one (1) completed assignment undertaken directly in the Republic of Uzbekistan, encompassing regulatory drafting, policy development, or interagency coordination with national ministries or regulatory authorities. Such experience shall attest to the Firm's capacity to navigate the institutional and legislative environment of Uzbekistan effectively. Experience in the transport sector will be considered an advantage. Local Expertise and In-Country Presence: The Consultant shall demonstrate an established operational and legal presence in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan. The proposed team shall include qualified in-country experts with full professional proficiency in Uzbek and/or Russian, and with demonstrable familiarity with Uzbekistan's governance structures, institutional arrangements, and public budget frameworks. Such local presence and expertise are considered essential to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and timely delivery of assignment outputs.

(Note: Consultants shall clearly describe relevant assignments, indicating the client, country, duration, scope of services, financing source, and role of the firm, supported by verifiable client references.) Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. The shortlist will contain 5 to 8 firms. 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 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method, as set out in the World Bank's Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers and as further detailed in the Request for Proposals (RFP). Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or