Consulting Services on Strengthening the level of competence and know-how transfer on operation of the metrology equipment (2nd batch) — MSME Competitiveness Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES ON STRENGTHENING THE LEVEL OF COMPETENCE AND KNOW HOW TRANSFER ON OPERATION OF THE METROLOGY EQUIPMENT 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-547273-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 enhancement the technical competence and knowledge of NMI’ specialists through comprehensive training and structured know-how transfer, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the following domains: (i) electrical measurements; (ii) ionization and radiation measurements; (iii) flow and volume measurements and (iv) acoustic measurements. To achieve the assignment’s objectives, the Consultant shall develop the training materials and deliver trainings for NMI specialists at the NMI premises and ensure practical on-site trainings for specialists of NMI at Consultant’ premises according to the topics, duration and timeline suggested in ToR. The assignment will be performed in the period October - December, 2026. 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 will require an EURAMET metrology institute or consortium of such metrology institutes with appropriate technical and metrological qualification, comparable standards and internationally recognized knowledge, which: Has relevant competence in the field electrical, ionization and radiation, flow and volume measurements, acoustic measurements, including relevant Calibration and Measurement Capabilities reflected in the Bureau International des Poids et Measures (BIPM) key comparison database. Has demonstrated previous experience in providing similar internship and/or trainings in relevant subject fields. Has experience in the implementation of the donors’ and/or IFI’s sponsored projects. Has experience in preparation of analytical reports, training programs and training curricula. 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 August 11, 2026 , COB. 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: piu@mded.gov.md web: www.uipac.md E-mail for submission of the clarifications: piu@mded.gov.md E-mail for submission of the EoIs: procurementmgf@gmail.com Only the notification of EoI submission must be sent to piu@mded.gov.md Terms of Reference Consulting Services on strengthening the level of competence and know how transfer on operation of the metrology equipment A. INTRODUCTION The Government of the Republic of Moldova (GoM) is pursuing a policy agenda to support export-led economic growth. In this regard, an improved business environment is essential to foster sustainable private sector growth. Significant regulatory and institutional weaknesses in the business environment have been identified by the recently conducted Investment Climate Assessment as major obstacles to the private sector’s ability to perform efficiently and grow, and they also negatively affect investor confidence. The presence of cumbersome regulations undermines the competitiveness of private Moldovan enterprises and prevents increased investment by increasing the cost of doing business, and ultimately providing fertile ground for corruption, favoritism, and the informal economy. GoM is currently implementing a project - the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSME) Competitiveness Project, which takes a comprehensive approach to business competitiveness with funding from the International Development Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The MSME’s project development objectives (PDO) are: (i) to reduce the regulatory burden, increase access to finance, increase the export competitiveness of Moldovan enterprises, and (ii) in case of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, to respond promptly and effectively to it. The PDO will be achieved through a set of activities that aim to: (a) digitize government-to-business services and inspections, streamline permissive documents, and enhance national quality infrastructure to reduce the regulatory burden enterprises face; (b) support access to finance for enterprises through credit guarantees and enhance the capacity of the Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF), and (c) support the development of MSMEs and enhance their export competitiveness; d) support project management; e) support the government's response in case of an emergency. B. BACKGROUND OF THE ASSIGNMENT The target segment of the current assignment is National Quality Infrastructure System (NQI). NQI activities under the project focuses on increasing MSME competitiveness and enabling exports. The NQI activities aim at addressing the enterprise sector’s difficulties in competing in foreign markets caused by the existing gaps in NQI and services. Improving the NQI system will be achieved through: (a) building capacity in metrology and testing area by upgrading selected laboratories and strengthening institutional capacity in order to expand the list of measurements and testing demanded by export oriented firms; (b) ensuring the traceability of the measurements performed to enterprises, as well as access to quality infrastructure services due to increased number of calibrations and accredited cross-comparisons at the European Union (EU) level and (c) strengthening accreditation and certification capacity. Investment and technical assistance needs are significantly higher than what the Project can support. Thus, an allocation of approximately US$7 million equivalent will address these priority needs. Special attention will be paid to building skills among specialists to perform measurements and ensure more laboratories and services are accredited meeting the EU requirements. Within this framework, the Government of Moldova through the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (the Client) and the National Metrology Institute (the Beneficiary) are seeking the services of an EURAMET member metrology institute ( hereinafter Consultant ), who has relevant expertise in the field of the assignment to provide the know-how transfer and training of the specialists of the National Institute of Metrology of the Republic of Moldova ( hereinafter NMI ). C. Objectives of the Assignment The main objectives of the assignment are to enhance the technical competence and knowledge of NMI’ specialists through comprehensive training and structured know-how transfer, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the following domains: (i) electrical measurements; (ii) ionization and radiation measurements; (iii) flow and volume measurements and (iv) acoustic measurements . D. Task to be performed (Scope of Work) To achieve the assignment’s objectives, the Consultant shall develop the training materials and deliver trainings for NMI specialists at the NMI premises and ensure practical on-site trainings for specialists of NMI at Consultant’ premises according to the topics, duration and timeline suggested below . TASK I - Electrical Measurements For the topics related to electrical measurements, the Consultant will have to: Develop and submit to the Client training materials. Design and deliver training courses (at NMI premises) and practical trainings (at Consultant’ premises) in separate courses on electrical measurements as follows: Energy and electrical power standard metrology Further below a detailed technical composition of the expected training topics is presented. The normative documentation in the field with requirements and technical aspects; Technical and metrology aspects; Correct handling of instruments (care and maintenance); Calibration procedures; Identification and evaluation of uncertainty factors; Determining and calculating uncertainty; Reporting results; Support in the development of a calibration procedure and adaptation of the normative document to the needs of INM clients. Tentative schedule, duration and number of participants to the theoretical and practical trainings is described below. Item Nr. of participants Duration Training at NMI premises 4 5 days On-site training at Consultant’ premises 2 5 days Composition of the on-site practical training at Consultant’ premises : 8 hours theory; 19 hours laboratory practice; 10 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate; 3 hours practical evaluation of knowledge. Training at NMI premises : 8 hours theory; 16 hours laboratory practice; 12 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate; 4 hours practical evaluation of knowledge. High-frequency signal power and High stability Standard Resistor Further below a detailed technical composition of the expected training topics is presented. The Normative documentation in the field with requirements and technical aspects; Technical and metrology aspects; Correct handling of instruments (care and maintenance); Calibration procedures; Identification and evaluation of uncertainty factors; Determining and calculating uncertainty; Reporting results; Support in the development of a calibration procedure and adaptation of the normative document to the needs of INM-MD clients. Tentative schedule, duration and number of participants is described below. Item Nr. of participants Duration Training at NMI premises 3 5 days On-site training at Consultant’ premises 3 5 days Composition of on-site practical training at Consultant’ premises : 8 hours theory 19 hours laboratory practice 10 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 3 hours practical evaluation of knowledge. Training at NMI premises : 16 hours theory 16 hours laboratory practice 4 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 4 hours practical evaluation of knowledge. TASK II- Ionization and radiation measurements For the topics related to ionization and radiation measurements, the Consultant will have to: Develop and submit to the Client training materials. Design and deliver theoretical training courses (at NMI premises) and practical trainings (at Consultant’ premises) in separate courses on ionization and radiation measurements as follows: Quality Control of the X-ray systems Further below a detailed technical composition of the expected training topics is presented. Technical aspects of X-ray system Testing procedure Testing parameters The Normative documentation in the field with requirements and technical aspects Testing Parameters Assurance of metrological traceability for involved standards in testing procedure Determination of the irradiation beam Evaluations of measurement uncertainty Quality assurance of the X-ray system Tentative schedule, duration and number of participants to the theoretical and practical trainings is described below. Item Nr. of participants Duration Training at NMI premises 3 4 days On-site training at Consultant’ premises 3 4 days Composition of on-site practical training at Consultant’ premises : 8 hours theory 17 hours laboratory practice 12 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 3 hours practical evaluation of knowledge Training at INM premises: 16 hours theory 16 hours laboratory practice 4 hours result evaluation 4 hours practical evaluation of knowledge TASK III – Flow and Volume measurements Advanced training for calibration of water meters, flow meters and small flow metrology For the topics related to flow and volume measurements, the Consultant will have to: Develop and submit to the Client training materials. Design and deliver theoretical training courses (at NMI premises) and practical trainings (at Consultant’ premises) in separate courses on flow and volume measurements as follows: Further below a detailed technical composition of the expected training topics is presented: Calibration water meter test bench, use of volumetric method, mass, piston, estimation of measurement uncertainties, influence factors Maintenance of the water meter test bench, estimation of calibration periodicity Determination of the minimum volume to be measured, depending on the accuracy class, division value, measurement uncertainty Determination of the minimum flow time, depending on the accuracy class, division value, measurement uncertainty Calibration of water meters, flow meters, estimation of measurement uncertainties, influence factors Reading the indications on the water meter, flow meter through, impulse, current, frequency, dry signal, opto port, optical signal. Connection method, rules, influences on the signal, auxiliary equipment required for connection How often should water be changed, from water meter test bench, water treatment methods, to prevent salt deposition Determining the calibration period of water meters, flow meters, water meter test bench Determination of the influence of pressure in the closed pipe, on measurement uncertainties European directives on water meters, requirements, scope European and international standards in the field of water meters, requirements, scope, technical aspects Calibration of the test bench, consisting of water meters (ultrasonic, Coriolis) located at the customer's premises Selection of standards Advantages and disadvantages of meter calibrations in the test bench component, at the customer's premises Tentative schedule, duration and number of participants to the theoretical and practical trainings is described below. Item Nr. of participants Duration Training at NMI premises 3 3 days On-site training at Consultant’ premises 2 3 days Composition of the training at Consultant’ premises: 8 hours theory 19 hours laboratory practice 10 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 3 hours practical evaluation of knowledge Training at INM premises: 16 hours theory 16 hours laboratory practice 4 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 4 hours practical evaluation of knowledge Advanced training for calibration of gas flow meters Further below a detailed technical composition of the expected training topics is presented: Calibration of the test bench for gas meter calibration, with standard meters, bell piston, critical nozzles, bell, estimation of measurement uncertainties, influence factors Installation maintenance, estimation of calibration frequency Determination of the minimum volume to be measured, depending on the meter type, accuracy class, division value, measurement uncertainty Determination of the minimum flow duration, depending on the meter type, accuracy class, division value, measurement uncertainty Calibration of gas meters (rotor, turbine, drum) estimation of measurement uncertainties, influence factors Calibration of critical nozzles, estimation of measurement uncertainties, influence factors, mounting conditions Reading of meter indications by pulse, current, frequency, dry signal, opto port, optical signal. Connection method, rules, influences on the signal, auxiliary equipment required for connection How often should critical nozzles in the component be cleaned, test bench for calibration of gas meters, how to clean them correctly Determining the calibration period of gas meters (rotor, turbine, drum), test bench for calibration of gas meters, critical nozzles European directives on gas meters, requirements, scope European and international standards in the field of gas meters, requirements, scope, technical aspects Calibration of the test bench, consisting of gas meters (rotor, turbine, drum) located at the customer's premises, Advantages and disadvantages of meter calibrations in the test bench component, at the customer's premises Tentative schedule, duration and number of participants to the theoretical and practical trainings is described below. Item Nr. of participants Duration Training at NMI premises 3 5 days On-site training at Consultant’ premises 2 5 days Composition of the training at Consultant’ premises: 8 hours theory 19 hours laboratory practice 10 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 3 hours practical evaluation of knowledge Training at INM premises: 16 hours theory 16 hours laboratory practice 4 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 4 hours practical evaluation of knowledge TASK IV – Acoustic measurements For the topics related to flow and volume measurements, the Consultant will have to: Develop and submit to the Client training materials. Design and deliver theoretical training courses (at NMI premises) and practical trainings (at Consultant’ premises) in separate courses on acoustic measurements as follows: Basics of acoustic metrology A detailed technical composition of the training topics is presented further below: Introduction in acoustic metrology; The Normative documentation in the field with requirements and technical aspects; Technical and metrology aspects; Correct handling of instruments (care and maintenance); Calibration procedures; Identification and evaluation of uncertainty factors; Determining and calculating uncertainty; Reporting results; Support in the development of a calibration procedure and adaptation of the normative document to the needs of INM-MD client Support of interlaboratory comparison Tentative schedule, duration and number of participants to the theoretical and practical trainings is described below. Item Nr. of participants Duration Training at NMI premises 3 5 days On-site training at Consultant’ premises 2 5 days Composition of on-site practical training at Consultant’ premises : 8 hours theory 35 hours laboratory practice 12 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 3 hours practical evaluation of knowledge Training at INM premises: 16 hours theory 16 hours laboratory practice 4 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 4 hours practical evaluation of knowledge Advance training in acoustic metrology with focus to microphones and sound meters metrology A detailed technical composition of the training topics is presented further below: Theory of acoustic metrology with focus to microphones and sound meters; The normative documents for microphones and sound meters; Technical and metrology aspects of acoustic calibrators; Correct handling of instruments (care and maintenance); Calibration procedures for microphones and sound meters; Identification and evaluation of uncertainty factors for microphones and sound meters; Determining and calculating uncertainty for microphones and sound meters; Support in the development of a calibration procedure and adaptation of the normative document to the needs of INM-MD client; Support of interlaboratory comparison in field of microphones and/or sound meters. Tentative schedule, duration and number of participants to the theoretical and practical trainings is described below. Item Nr. of participants Duration Training at NMI premises 3 5 days On-site training at Consultant’ premises 2 5 days Composition of on-site practical training at Consultant’ premises : 16 hours theory 40 hours laboratory practice 16 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 8 hours practical evaluation of knowledge Training at INM premises: 16 hours theory 16 hours laboratory practice 4 hours result evaluation and preparation of calibration certificate 4 hours practical evaluation of knowledge E. Details of the assignment Theoretical trainings will be provided in Chisinau within NMI’ facilities. Estimated duration of the trainings is estimated at 32 days or around 256 academic hours. The Consultant shall be granted an additional period of approximately six (6) calendar days for the preparation and submission of reports and deliverables. The allocation of working days required for the development of theoretical and practical training materials shall be proposed by the Consultant and shall include a reasonable timeframe for their elaboration. Practical training (on-site training) will be provided abroad within the Consultant’ laboratory. Each on-site training will be structured for 3-5 days /domain. F. Common details and requirements for the Consultant’s work The consecutiveness of the task accomplishment is free, at the opinion of the consultant and according the availableness of the trainers and bodies that will be involved in realisation of the project. Recommended documents, language: All key theoretical training materials, printed documents including Power-Point applications, will be delivered in English. Each participant will receive hand-outs of the related training material. The training materials and document during the trainings will be available in English. The supporting documents should have added value, importance and significance for participants in respect to the objectives described. The Consultant will have to consider for expenditure estimation, inter alia, the following items of the costs: Fees for trainers (training in Moldova plus preparation/reporting at home), daily allowance for staying in Moldova; Cost of necessary international and local travel, including transportation of the Personnel of the Consultant by the most appropriate means of transport and the most direct practicable route; Cost of applicable international or local communications such as the use of telephone and email required for the purpose of the Services; Development presentations and supporting documents in English Printing materials; Renting training room (including refreshment); Renting technical equipment (data projector, interpretation facilities); Organization and logistics etc. at place; Fees for laboratory use, if applicable; In-country travel costs for Moldovan specialists during the internships (i.e. airport pick-up and drop, etc); Development presentations and supporting documents in English (internships) The Consultant shall be responsible for: Carrying out the required assessment at best level; Coordination of the progress status with the National Institute of Metrology (NMI) and PIU for MSME; Producing, for delivery to the NMI and MSME PIU of all specified below deliverables in a timely manner and acceptable quality. G. Reports / Deliverable s Within the time frame of this assignment, the Consultant will be expected to develop the following deliverables: First Progress Report . This paper will comprise inter alia (i) theoretical training programs; (ii) training materials by training topic based on training programs and (iii) description and planning how the practical trainings (internships) will be organized, inter alia agenda for the internship. The report will be submitted within four weeks after commencing the assignment. Second Progress Report. This paper will include the report on theoretical training sessions delivered by the Consultant to specialists of NMI. The report will be submitted within eight weeks after commencing the assignment. Third Progress Report. This paper will include the report on practical trainings (internships) provided by the Consultant. The report will be submitted within eleven weeks after commencing the assignment. Final Report . The Final Report is the report comprising all the assignment results. The Report will be submitted within fourteen weeks after commencing the assignment. The NMI and PIU may provide comments to the deliverables, which should be addressed by the Consultant accordingly. All Deliverables will be provided in electronic form and in hard copies (if required). The language of the deliverables shall be English. PERIOD and TERMS of the ASSIGNMENT The assignment shall be implemented in the period from October to December 2026. Local Inputs The NMI will provide to the Consultant the following available materials and support: Logistical support relevant to the assignment; Information on type and models of the metrology equipment available within the metrology laboratories of the Client. Requirements for the assignment This assignment will require an EURAMET metrology institute with appropriate technical and metrological qualification, comparable standards and internationally recognized, which: Has relevant competence in the field electrical, ionization and radiation, flow and volume measurements, acoustic measurements, including relevant Calibration and Measurement Capabilities reflected in the Bureau International des Poids et Measures (BIPM) key comparison database. Has demonstrated previous experience in providing similar internship and/or trainings in relevant subject fields. Has experience in the implementation of the donors’ and/or IFI’s sponsored projects. Has experience in preparation of analytical reports, training programs and training curricula. k. Terms of payment The Contract will be the Standard World Bank Lump-sum contract. Tentative payment schedule is provided below: advance payment, in the amount of 10% of the contract – within 30 days after signing of the contract. 2nd payment, in the amount of 25% of the contract - within 30 days after approval of the first progress report. 3rd payment, in the amount of 25% of the contract - within 30 days after approval of the second progress report. 4th payment, in the amount of 25% of the contract - within 30 days after approval of the third progress report. Final payment, in the amount of 15% of the contract - within 30 days after approval of the final report.