Strengthening the Legal Frameworks for Coastal Fisheries Management

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTION Consultancy Services to Strengthen the Legal Frameworks for Coastal Fisheries Management in the Federated States of Micronesia Country Federated States of Micronesia

Project Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER)

Project Implementing Agency / Client FSM Department of Resources & Development (FSM R&D), in collaboration with NORMA, State Fisheries/Marine Departments

Assignment Title Consultancy Services to Strengthen the Legal Frameworks for Coastal Fisheries Management in the Federated States of Micronesia

Selection Method Consultant’s Qualification-Based Selection (CQS)

Contract Type Lump Sum

Reference No. FM-NORMA-560493-CS-CQS

Credit/Grant No. IDA-E3710

Date of Issue August 17, 2026

Deadline for Submission September 17, 2026

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTION The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) are for strengthening the management of coastal fisheries through review and gap analysis of legislative and regulatory frameworks governing coastal fisheries in the FSM states, and development of draft legislation and related recommendations, including areas relating to small boat registration and safety, community-based fisheries management, compliance, enforcement, stakeholder engagement, awareness and follow-on TORs. The FSM Department of Resources & Development, with support from NORMA, and the State Fisheries/Marine Departments, 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.

1. Background and Context

FSM is an island nation in the western Pacific comprising Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Fisheries are a vital economic resource, and FSM’s coastal and near-shore resources are under state jurisdiction while offshore oceanic resources are retained as a national government function. Under PROPER, FSM seeks to strengthen management of both oceanic and coastal fisheries and the critical habitats upon which they depend. The coastal component seeks to implement priority actions identified in the coastal fisheries situation analysis and related investment project profiles. The TOR identifies that FSM lacks modern legal frameworks for coastal fisheries and that existing legislation is often not implemented or enforced. The assignment will support legislative assessment, consultation, and drafting of laws and regulations responsive to each state’s needs.

2. Assignment Objective

The objective of the assignment is to strengthen coastal fisheries management through review and gap analysis of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing coastal fisheries in the FSM states; development of draft legislation and related management recommendations; and broad stakeholder consultations across all four states, including municipalities, communities and outer island representatives where viable.

3. Scope of Services

The expected services will be delivered through the following stages: Stage Expected scope

Stage 1 Desk Review and Compilation of Laws and Policies

Stage 2 Legal Analysis and Gap Identification

Stage 3 Stakeholder Engagement and Site Selection - First Round

Stage 4 First Draft of Legislation and Management Recommendations

Stage 5 Stakeholder Engagement and Site Selection - Second Round

Stage 6 Second Draft of Legislation and Management Recommendations

Stage 7 Validation Workshop

Stage 8 Final Draft of Legislation with Workshop Feedback

Stage 9 Awareness Raising and Other Activities, including TORs for subsequent consultancies

Stage 10 Final Consultancy Report

The assignment is expected to require field work and consultations in all four FSM states, as well as desk-based legal and policy analysis, legislative drafting, reporting and support to stakeholder validation.

4. Expected Duration and Indicative Level of Effort

The total duration of the assignment is expected to be fourteen (14) months. The TOR indicates an expected total input of approximately twenty-five (25) person-months by key experts, working part-time across the assignment. The final team composition, level of effort and work plan will be proposed by the selected Consultant in its technical and financial proposals and confirmed during negotiations.

5. Main Deliverables

No. Deliverable Indicative timing after contract signing

1 Inception Report Week 2

2 Legislative Review Report Week 4

3 Legal Gap Analysis Report Week 16

4 Stakeholder Engagement Summary - First Round Week 24

5 Preliminary Legal Recommendations Report / First Draft Week 28

6 Stakeholder Engagement Summary - Second Round Week 32

7 Interim Legal Recommendations Report / Second Draft Week 36

8 Validation Workshop Report Week 44

9 Final Legal Recommendations Report / Final Draft with Workshop Feedback Week 48

10 TORs for Subsequent Consultancies Monthly after Month 1, as required

11 Final Consultancy Report Week 56

6. Required Consultant Profile and Experience

Interested consulting firms should demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications in the following areas: Legal and regulatory review, gap analysis and legislative drafting for fisheries, marine resources, maritime safety, natural resources, environment or related sectors. Coastal fisheries management, community-based fisheries management, compliance and enforcement, and sustainable fisheries policy, preferably in Pacific Island countries or small island developing states. Experience supporting nation