Fit-gap analysis in the field of sustainable development

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION) REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN CONNECTIVITY AND TRANSPORT SECTOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Project ID: P509487

Assignment Title: Fit-gap analysis in the field of sustainable development, ESG reporting (SASB, IFRS 1/2), development of a decarbonization program, industrial safety, independent reporting certification, and obtaining an ESG rating

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): UZ-CTSI-1004-CS-QCBS-UTY-PM-05

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 enhancement of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices of JSC “O‘zbekiston temir yo‘llari” and its Group entities, comprising a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA); assessment of sustainability-related financial risks and opportunities, including climate-related physical and transition risks and opportunities; an integrated ESG diagnostic covering governance, strategy, risk management, data and internal controls, and readiness for IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 reporting; targeted implementation of both ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems at three common operational sites, together with capacity transfer and tools for subsequent Group rollout; a Scope 1, Scope 2 and material Scope 3 GHG emissions inventory and an air pollutant emissions assessment for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 reporting years, and development of decarbonization and air pollutant emissions reduction programs; and preparation of a 2025 SASB-aligned Sustainability Report and a 2026 IFRS S1/S2-aligned Sustainability Report, together with strengthening of internal sustainability reporting readiness. The Services also include support for one initial engagement cycle with one ESG rating agency selected and contracted by the Client. The Client shall pay the agency’s fees; the Consultant shall not guarantee a particular rating outcome. 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:

1. At least 5 comparable assignments completed during the last 5 years involving the preparation and/or assurance of sustainability reports under SASB, IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and/or GRI Standards for companies in transport, infrastructure, utilities, energy, extractives, manufacturing or other asset-intensive sectors. The demonstrated experience shall include direct preparation of sustainability reports. 2. At least 4 comparable ESG diagnostic assignments completed during the last 5 years for companies in the above sectors. The experience shall cover governance, management systems, data, internal controls and disclosure processes, including at least two assignments involving IFRS S1/S2 readiness, implementation or reporting. 3. At least 3 comparable assignments completed during the last 5 years involving climate-risk and opportunity assessments, scenario analysis and assessment of potential financial effects. At least 1 assignment shall involve infrastructure, industrial operations or other long-lived physical assets. 4. At least 5 comparable assignments completed during the last 5 years involving Scope 1, Scope 2 and material Scope 3 GHG inventories under the GHG Protocol and/or ISO 14064-1, including decarbonization measures, target pathways or transition-planning inputs. 5. At least 2 comparable double materiality assessment completed during the last 5 years using ESRS requirements and EFRAG guidance. 6. At least 3 comparable assignments completed during the last 5 years involving ISO 14001- and/or ISO 45001-aligned management systems. The combined experience shall cover both standards and include practical implementation, procedures and controls, training, internal audits, management review and corrective actions. Experience providing ESG, sustainability, governance, climate or corporate transformation advice to state-owned enterprises, sovereign holding companies or public-sector entities will be considered a strong advantage. Railway-sector experience shall not be mandatory unless expressly specified for a particular role. (Note: Consultants shall clearly describe relevant assignments, indicating the client, country, duration, scope of services, financing source, and role of the firm.) The same assignment may satisfy more than one experience criterion where its scope, outputs and the relevant entity’s or expert’s role are clearly evidenced. Evidence may include completion certificates, acceptance acts, client references or equivalent contractual documentation. Anonymized evidence may be provided where confidentiality restrictions apply. Relevant experience of joint venture members shall be assessed against their assigned roles. Specialized ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 experience may be demonstrated by a named sub-consultant where permitted by the procurement documents and supported by a substantive role and committed resources. Experience of an affiliated or network firm shall not be attributed automatically to the bidder; that entity’s formal participation, assigned responsibilities and committed resources shall be identified. 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 (“Procuremen