Diagnostic Assessment for Strengthening Climate-Smart Rice and Water Security in Barind Tract

SELECTION OF CONSULTING FIRMS BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) Electronic Submissions through WBGeProcure RFx Now ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

Assignment Title: DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT FOR STRENGTHENING CLIMATE-SMART RICE AND WATER SECURITY IN BARInd TRACT

Assignment Countries:

- Bangladesh ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION The economy of Bangladesh, dominated by agriculture, demands over 90% of the available fresh water. Sourced from groundwater at large, the availability of freshwater has become a matter of concern in recent years, especially in the Barind of Northern Bangladesh. Due to over-abstraction and pollution of surface water, groundwater is being used excessively and as a result depleting at a higher rate than it is being re-charged. Furthermore, it is expected that water demanded by agriculture will rise by 46% by 2030 given population growth and dietary changes. Given this context, improving water use efficiency and water productivity in agriculture is a critical issue that needs urgent attention for sustainable agriculture. Adoption of water conserving crop technology where feasible, and conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water (National Water Policy, 1999), enhancing irrigation efficiency (Integrated Minor Irrigation policy, 2011) and usage of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and other efficient irrigation systems (e.g., buried pipe, sub-surface irrigation, pukka nala etc.). (National Agriculture Extension Policy (draft, 2012) has been recommended to address the persisting challenges in Barind agricultural transformation. The primary objective of this assignment is to strengthen institutional mainstreaming of scaling climate-resilient agriculture and water security across public and private sector. To achieve this, The firm will conduct diagnostics on institutionalization of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) practices and advancing carbon market readiness. The firm will assess stakeholder capacity, quantify volumetric water savings, forge agribusiness partnerships to expand non-rice value chains through Farmers’ Hubs, and promote youth-led mechanization entrepreneurship which is envisioned to create more jobs. Ultimately, the assignment aims to strengthen institutional capabilities, facilitate policy integration, and mobilize private sector commitments through behavior change campaigns and agribusiness consortium coordination. Crucially, the generated evidence, baseline models, and institutional frameworks will provide the World Bank with actionable insights and strategic recommendations to design upcoming AgriConnect MPA in Bangladesh. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS The World Bank Group invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Please note that the total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB. Firms may associate to enhance their qualifications unless otherwise stated in the solicitation documents. Where a group of firms associate to submit an EOI, they must indicate which is the lead firm. If shortlisted, the firm identified in the EOI as the lead firm will be invited to the request for proposal (RFP) phase. Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through WBGeProcure RFx Now NOTES Following this invitation for EOI, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit proposals. Shortlisting and selection will be subject to the availability of funding. Only those firms which have been shortlisted will be invited to participate in the RFP phase. No notification or debrief will be provided to firms which have not been shortlisted. If you encounter technical difficulties while uploading documents, please send an e-mail to the Help Desk at [contact details removed] prior to the submission deadline.

Procurement number: 0002023957. Expressions of interest are submitted through the World Bank Group's eProcure (RFx Now) portal, which requires vendor registration.