Strengthening an enabling Environment for Sea moss Aquaculture and Value added business development.

Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC)

CREDIT no. 7089-VC

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Assignment Title: STRENGTHENING AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR SEAMOSS AQUACULTURE AND VALUE-ADDED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

Reference No: SVGUBEC-C-IC-24

The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (GoSVG) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the SVG Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The Government of SVG has established a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development (MoTCASD) responsible for implementing the UBEC project national-level activities and coordinating with relevant ministries. The consulting services (“the Services”) include; to strengthen Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' seamoss sector by assessing its value chain, building capacity, and developing a roadmap for growth utilizing best practices across the value chain. Specifically, the consultancy will: Assess constraints and opportunities across the seamoss value chain, including production, processing, marketing, and institutional support systems; Deliver a structured two-track training programme to strengthen technical, regulatory and business capacity across the seamoss value chain, targeting private sector producers, processors and cooperatives, and public sector Fisheries Services and extension personnel.; Develop a pragmatic, investment-ready business case and strategic roadmap for scaling the seamoss sector; and Facilitate knowledge transfer and coordination among public-sector institutions, producers, and private-sector stakeholders.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://procurement.gov.vc/eprocure/index.php/current-bids The MoTCASD in conjunction with the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) now invite 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:

A minimum of 5-7 years' professional experience in aquaculture, mariculture, seamoss or related sectors, with a demonstrated track record of delivering comparable assignments in developing country contexts. At least five years of experience working within the Caribbean region, with knowledge of Eastern Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture institutional frameworks, including the roles of Fisheries Services, CRFM, and relevant regional bodies. A degree (Bachelor's or higher) in aquaculture, fisheries, marine sciences, or a closely related field, with additional training or demonstrated experience in business management, value chain development, or marketing. Demonstrated expertise in value chain analysis, food safety management (HACCP and GMP), post-harvest handling, and export market compliance for fisheries or aquaculture products. Proven capacity to design and deliver effective training programmes for diverse audiences, including small-scale producers, cooperatives, and government extension personnel. Experience in business case development, investment analysis, and strategic planning for aquaculture or blue economy sectors. Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, multilateral development partners (such as the World Bank, FAO, CRFM, and UNDP), private sector actors, cooperatives, NGOs, and community-based organisations. Knowledge of climate-smart and climate-resilient aquaculture technologies appropriate to small island developing states. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including the ability to prepare high-quality technical reports, policy documents, and strategic plans.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 [ revised November 2017, August 2018 and November 2020, September 2023, February 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 Individual Consulting method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 09:00 to 16:00 hours (Local time). Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by October 8, 2026 : Dr. Donna Joyette-Bascombe Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development 2nd Floor NIS Building Upper Bay Street, Kingstown Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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