ACCELERATING TRANSPORT AND TRADE CONNECTIVITY IN EASTERN SOUTH ASIA (ACCESS) – BHUTAN PROJECT
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
For
MARKET ENGAGEMENT FOR ACCESS BHUTAN PROJECT
Country: Bhutan
Name of Project: Accelerating Transport and Trade Connectivity in Eastern South Asia (Access) – Bhutan Project:
Project ID: P181278
The Royal Government of Bhutan has received financing for the Accelerating Transport and Trade Connectivity in Eastern South Asia (ACCESS)-Bhutan Project from the World Bank. The project is implemented by the Department of Surface Transport (DoST), Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) and the Government Technology Agency.
The objectives of the project, is to increase the efficiency and resilience of trade, transport, and digital connectivity along selected corridors in Bhutan. Project component 1, Digital Systems for Trade, will enhance trade efficiency and resilience by strengthening digital infrastructure and connectivity, and improving cybersecurity and disaster recovery capabilities. Component 2, Green and Resilient Transport and Trade Infrastructure, will enhance regional corridors and trade gateways that are the backbone of the physical and economic integration of the region. And component 3, Institutional and Policy Strengthening for Transport and Trade, will provide technical assistance and capacity building for climate resilient transport and digital connectivity, trade and customs modernization.
Procurement under the project follows the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, September 2023. With the project becoming effective from May 20, 2025, the procurement processes for the major activities will commence shortly. As part of designing a fit-for-purpose Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD), an early stakeholder and market engagement of the right suppliers/contractors/consultants has been planned.
The DoST, MoIT and GovTech Agency, hereby invite interested private sector stakeholders and industry players to a two-hour consultation meeting at 15:00 hours (Bhutan Time) (GMT + 6hrs) on September 18, 2025 (Thursday). The meeting will be connected online via Zoom Virtual Platform. The objectives of the meeting are to relay general information on the project to private sector stakeholders, present details of the procurement components, including nature of the procurement, delivery models, market approach, expected procurement packages and implementation arrangements, and receive feedback from vendors on the suitability and sustainability of the proposed project design.
The key activities planned under the project are:
- Construction of road and bridges for Gelephu-Tareythang, Sarpang, Bhutan
- Feasibility Studies, Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Preliminary and Detail Designs for Tareythang to Panbang
- Implementation of National Single Window (NSW)
- Procurement of international internet bandwidth and strengthening last mile connectivity for trade
There will also be other activities related to goods and consulting services. All the high-value contracts will follow an international competitive approach, using rated criteria.
We strongly encourage the potential Bidders (Suppliers, Contractors and Consulting Firms) working in the transport and ICT Industry to participate in this process and to use the meeting as an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments regarding this upcoming project procurement opportunity. Interested companies are requested to nominate top management level representatives who have a good understanding of the market and its firm experience.
A ‘Market Analysis Survey Form’ is available with this invitation notice, which has been prepared to collect some specific experience and capacity-related information of the potential Bidders. Please send your confirmation to participate and the filled-up form to the email address mentioned below during the confirmation process.
Interested firms/individuals can register at https://forms.gle/mFNU7d2rLscAYDNQ7 for participation in the forum.
Further queries related to the meeting can be sent to dechennorbu@moit.gov.bt . The virtual meeting link will be shared to registered individuals and firms before the meeting.
Name: Dechen Norbu
Designation: Procurement Specialist
Email address: dechennorbu@moit.gov.bt
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