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Expression of Interest are invited for Selection of a Firm for Technical Assistance to Support the Operationalization of the Universal Service Access Fund for the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (Arcep) of the Central African Republic 1 The Government of the Central African Republic received funding from the International Development Association (IDA) under the Public Sector Digital Governance (PGNSP) project and intends to use part of the amount of this donation to make payments under the following contract: Selection of a firm for technical assistance in strengthening the capacities of the regulator in favor of the regulatory authority for electronic communications and postal services (ARCEP) of the Central African Republic 2 The main objective of this call for expressions of interest is to request the services of a firm (technical assistance) to carry out a study on the technical, economic, legal and institutional levels in order to enable implementation adapted and coherent strategy for access to universal telecommunications service in the Central African Republic The cabinet must operationalize the FSU and make new proposals adapted to the current market context, the evolution of network coverage in the Central African Republic and by adapting Decrees 19.043 and 21.024. The cabinet must operationalize the FSU and make new proposals adapted to the current market context, the evolution of network coverage in the Central African Republic and by adapting Decrees 19.043 and 21.024. This involves updating the Strategy for Access to the Universal Telecommunications Service in the Central African Republic around the main axes below: · Generalized access to telecommunications services to all localities in the Central African Republic, notably through the development throughout the national territory, of telephone services (voice, data and SMS) and value-added services making it possible to improve the productivity of other sectors of the national economy such as (agriculture, livestock, trade and health); · The division into zones of the country. The deployment of universal service will be carried out primarily in rural areas not yet covered by operators and allotments. The lots are made up ofmore or less contiguous portions of several municipalities on a basis of geographical proximity; · The generalization of the use of ICTs in the education sector through the development of access to infrastructure and ICT equipment in public schools and universities, the training of teachers and the development of adapted digital educational content ; · Accompanying measures (capacity building), Establish a set of targeted capacity building programs aimed at raising awareness; encourage and support the use of ICT services; programs which simultaneously require the commitment of public authorities, private actors (first and foremost, service providers but also professional users) as well as all potential beneficiaries of the use of ICT services. Specifically, this project will involve: · Take stock of the regulatory framework and the implementation of the universal service strategy; · Make a diagnosis of the constraining factors in the operationalization of the FSU and propose appropriate remedies · Draw up an inventory of the mobile telephone network coverage infrastructures in the CAR in accordance with the guidelines detailed below at the level of the network coverage axes; · Identify projects linked to the development of universal service and develop a priority action plan; · Propose a multi-year plan for operationalizing the universal service fund · Lead validation and popularization workshops of the operational plan as well as the FSU regulatory framework; · Define a new FSU strategy adapted to the context of the electronic communications market in the Central African Republic. 3 The Project Coordination invites qualified and legally constituted and approved technical assistance Firms (proof of existence) to express their interest in providing the services described below. Interested Consultants must provide information demonstrating that they have the qualifications required and relevant experience for the performance of the Services. 4 Application files (30 pages maximum) written in French will include the following essential elements a) A cover letter b) A justification of the legal status of the firm; c) A brief description of the company explaining the main activity and the number of years of existence of the Firm in line with the proposed mission; d) Professional qualifications of the Firm in terms of technical assistance in the field e) Technical and administrative organization of the firm (Organization chart) f) General skills of the Firm as well as the number of key members of its staff g) Supporting documents (copies similar contracts, receipt report or certificate of successful completion of services) allowing verification of the selection criteria. 5 The criteria for establishing the shortlist are as follows: (a) Good knowledge of the electronic communications sector, the profession of regulating electronic communications and the post office to adapt the solution to the needs of the Ministry of the Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications and according to the future technological developments in the sector ; (b) Confirmed expertise for technical assistance missions to strengthen the regulators capacities; (c) The Cabinet must provide proof of at least two (02) similar projects in the last three (03) years with certificates of successful completion, The conduct of similar projects in at least one State in the sub-Saharan region or more deemed satisfactory by the customer; (d) Strengthening the capacities and skills of business teams; (e) For each deliverable, the Firm will provide references (name of a person from the company or contracting authority, with telephone number and email address, who can certify the information) and certificates of successful completion (f) Furthermore, the Firm is invited to provide any other reference (certification, benchmark, etc.) recognized on the market, likely to enhance its services. Profiles of project stakeholders (g) Key personnel involved in the Project must have excellent knowledge of similar services and particularly in the field of operationalization of the (h) In addition to the purely technical skills for each of the stakeholders sought, the staff will be called upon as part of the Transfer of Skills and must show their capacity as a didactic trainer, a teacher in order to transmit practical knowledge adapted to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications: (i) Excellent communication skills, teamwork, knowledge transmission, know-how, supervision, analysis and problem solving, decision-making and initiative; and professional experience in the country or sub-region is an asset. NB: For each module mentioned, the Firm will provide references (name of a person from the company or contracting authority, with telephone number and email address, who can certify the information) and provide the corresponding certificates of good execution. ARCEP reserves the right to check with the company cited by the Firm in order to convince itself of the veracity of the information provided. Furthermore, the Firm is invited to provide any other reference (certification, benchmark, etc.) recognized on the market, likely to enhance its services. 6 It is brought to the attention of the consultant that the provisions of paragraph 3.23 of the Procurement Regulations for Borrowers requesting financing of Investment Projects (FPI) from the World Bank relating to the rules of the World Bank in conflict of interest matters are applicable. 7 The selection of the firm will be made according to the Selection Based on Quality and Cost (SFQC) method of the World Bank procurement regulations Consultants can join forces with other Firms to strengthen their respective skills in the form of a joint group. 8 We invite interested firms to come and collect the terms of reference from the project or request them by email to the address mentioned above. 9 Interested Consultants may obtain additional information Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the address below. Tender Link : http://www.jeuneafrique.com/annonces/appels-doffres/
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