Assistance a l'Invest Moldova Agency (MIA) pour la selection et la preparation de PME moldaves pour des missions d'exportation B2B

Project: P177895 - MSME Competitiveness Project Reference: MD-CEP-560558-CS-CQS Procurement method: Consultant Qualification Selection Financing: World Bank REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES: Assisting MIA in selecting and preparing Moldovan SMEs for B2B Export Missions REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT Sector: General industry and trade sector IDA Credit No. 71740 IBRD Loan No. 94230 Project ID No. P177895 Reference No. MD-CEP-560558-CS-CQS The Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Competitiveness Project (MSME) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include providing support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Invest Moldova Agency to carry out activities related to the evaluation/selection and preparation of app. 140 Moldovan SMEs for the B2B export missions. The assignment will be performed in the period August 2026 - June 2027 and shall be aligned with the export missions calendar provided in Tabel 1 of these ToRs. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment is attached to this request for expressions of interest . The Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project now invites eligible local 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 (required qualifications and experience of the firm, but not individual experts’ bio data). This assignment requires a local Consultant, which may be a consulting firm or a consortium of consulting firms, with proven knowledge of the local SME sector and export /trade promotion, that meets the following requirements: Has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience and knowledge of SME sector and export facilitation, export readiness assessment, and market analysis, demonstrated through similar assignments implemented; Has demonstrated competence and prior experience in developing eligibility criteria, selection methodologies for SME-focused programs and in conducting similar evaluation/selection assessments; Has proven experience in organizing and facilitating sector-specific workshops and consultations with business associations; Has sound knowledge of the economic sectors of the Republic of Moldova and their export potential, reflected through practical experience in working on SME development, export facilitation, and trade-related projects; Has a team of qualified experts with relevant professional experience in export promotion, trade facilitation, market analysis, and business development; Has proven prior experience in the implementation of donor-funded and/or IFI-financed projects, including compliance with reporting and procedural requirements. 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” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the „Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection” method set out in the Procurement Regulations. 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. The Expression of Interest shall clearly state the name of the Consultant (individual Firm, Joint Venture or sub-consultancy). The Consultant shall provide relevant references (assignment name, Client, time frame, the role of the firm (main Consultant/Partner in JV/sub-consultant, contract amount, tasks performed etc.) to confirm its experience and qualifications. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by July 27, 2026, COB. Only the letter of Intention must be sent to the email piu@mded.gov.md Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project 180, Stefan cel Mare Ave., office 815, MD-2004, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova Tel: + 373 22 296-723 e-mail: procurementmgf@gmail.com web: www.uipac.md TERMS OF REFERENCE Assisting MIA in selecting and preparing Moldovan SMEs for B2B Export Missions (Support to Invest Moldova Agency under World Bank MSME Competitiveness Project) A. Background The Government of the Republic of Moldova (GoM) is pursuing a policy agenda focused on sustainable, exportled economic growth and strengthened enterprise competitive