Analytical Study to Support the Preparation of the Connectivity and Logistics Programme for the Commonwealth of Dominica — Caribbean Regional Connectivity and Logistics MPA

COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA MINISTRY OF TOURISM REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION) Country: Commonwealth of Dominica Project: Preparation Grant for Caribbean Connectivity and Logistics Regional Program – Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) Grant No.: E5950-001 Assignment Title: Analytical Study to Support the Preparation of the Connectivity and Logistics Program for the Commonwealth of Dominica Reference No.: DM-CSU-564635-CS-INDV The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Preparation Grant for Caribbean Connectivity and Logistics Regional Program – Multiphase Programmatic Approach and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for “ Analytical Study to Support the Preparation of the Connectivity and Logistics Program for the Commonwealth of Dominica” . The Ministry of Tourism now invites eligible Individual Consultants ("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. Scope of the Assignment The Individual Consultant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following: Conduct a focused diagnostic of Dominica's connectivity and logistics sector, including ports, road connectivity, trade facilitation, private sector participation, and green logistics. Identify priority policy reforms, institutional strengthening measures, and infrastructure investments to improve the country's transport and logistics systems. Prepare a comprehensive Dominica Country Program Document aligned with the three components of the Caribbean Reconnect Multi-Phase Programmatic Approach (MPA). Develop an implementation and financing roadmap, including investment priorities, results framework, project preparation activities, and recommendations for World Bank, IFC, and MIGA engagement. Consult with relevant government agencies, development partners, and private sector stakeholders, and facilitate a validation workshop to finalize the proposed program. A detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment is attached to this Request for Expressions of Interest . Minimum Qualifications and Experience The selected consultant should possess the following: A postgraduate degree in transport economics, logistics, infrastructure planning, engineering, public policy, economics, or a related field. At least 12 years of professional experience in transport sector development, logistics, trade facilitation, and/or connectivity, with a strong track record in analytical and program preparation assignments. Demonstrated experience in preparing World Bank-financed operations or similar assignments for multilateral development banks, including strategic program development and investment planning. Proven knowledge of maritime transport, port operations, multimodal logistics, and transport sector policy and institutional frameworks. Familiarity with private sector participation frameworks, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green logistics initiatives in the transport sector. Experience working in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and/or the Caribbean region will be an advantage. Excellent analytical, report-writing, and communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. Selection Method The selection will be conducted in accordance with the Open International Market Approach for Individual Consultants as set out in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Project Financing, Goods, Works, Non-Consulting Services and Consulting Services (February 2025), and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the Procurement Regulations. Interested consultants should note the provisions on Conflict of Interest as set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. Submission of Expressions of Interest Interested Individual Consultants should submit an Expression of Interest comprising: A cover letter expressing interest in the assignment; A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience; and Any other supporting documentation relevant to the assignment. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (local time) by email or in hard copy to the address below. Attention: Ms. Carolla Belle Deputy General Manager Dominica Air & Sea Ports Authority Woodbridge Bay, Fond Cole, P.O. Box 243, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica Telephone: 767-255-9110 | 767-266-3158 Email: deputygm@daspa.dm with a copy to crlcprocurement@gmail.com Website: https://www.domports.daspa.dm Late submissions may not be considered. Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted. GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA MINISTRY OF TOURISM TERMS OF REFERENCE Project ID: P182034 Project Name: Caribbean Connectivity and Logistics Regional Program – Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) Procurement Category: Consultancy Services Selection Type: Individual Consultant (IC) Assignment Title: Analytical Study to Support the Preparation of the Connectivity and Logistics Program for the Commonwealth of Dominica. Duration of Assignment: Six (6) Months Estimated Start Date: September 01, 2026 1. Background and Context The Commonwealth of Dominica is a small island developing state (SIDS) in the Eastern Caribbean, with a population of approximately 72,000 and an economy heavily dependent on tourism, agriculture, and remittances. Like many OECS member states, Dominica faces structural connectivity challenges that constrain trade competitiveness, private sector growth, and economic resilience. Its main trade gateway — the Port of Roseau — suffers from infrastructure limitations, including a cargo pier design that restricts operational efficiency due to warehouses occupying a significant portion of the terminal, and the absence of ship-to-shore equipment. The Port of Portsmouth serves as a dedicated cargo terminal but is also constrained in capacity. Road connectivity, particularly to rural and agricultural areas, remains inadequate and highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Dominica is also highly exposed to climate-related shocks. Hurricane Maria (2017) caused damages estimated at over 220 percent of GDP, severely disrupting transport infrastructure, supply chains, and livelihoods. This experience has underscored the urgent need to build not only more efficient but fundamentally more resilient connectivity infrastructure and logistics systems. The Caribbean Reconnect Multi-Phase Programmatic Approach (MPA) is a joint World Bank Group initiative — involving the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA — designed to strengthen connectivity, logistics, and infrastructure across the Caribbean. The program is structured around the following three components: Component 1 (Reforms), which establishes enabling regulatory foundations at national and regional levels with a focus on Private Sector Participation (PSP), trade facilitation, and supply chain security; Component 2 (Enabling Infrastructure), which identifies and prepares high-impact national infrastructure investments including port modernization, resilient connectivity, digitalization, and decarbonization; and Component 3 (Mobilization), which develops a regional financing scheme to aggregate projects and unlock private capital at scale. Phase 1 of the program is expected by FY2028, with the Eastern Caribbean Corridor as the first movers. This Terms of Reference (ToR) concerns the preparation of the Dominica country program under the Caribbean Reconnect MPA. The Consultant's primary task is to produce the analytical and strategic foundation needed to design a coherent Dominica program across all three MPA components, calibrated to Dominica's market status and grounded in the government's own priorities. A critical and distinctive feature of this assignment is that the Government of Dominica, through DASPA, has already developed a substantive project concept — the DASPA Digitalization Project Conceptualization Proposal — covering a structured six-component digital transformation roadmap for DASPA's port operations. The Government-owned concept represents a significant investment of institutional knowledge and strategic thinking, and must be treated as the primary analytical foundation for the digitalization and infrastructure dimensions of the program. The technical review and validation of this concept will be carried out in parallel by World Bank STCs with specialized port technology expertise. The Consultant under this ToR will ensure that the findings of that review are fully integrated into the Dominica program design. 2. Objectives of the Assignment The consultancy has two (2) overarching objectives: Objective 1 — Connectivity and Logistics Diagnostic: To produce a focused, evidence-based diagnostic of Dominica's connectivity and logistics landscape — covering maritime port infrastructure, road connectivity and hinterland access, inter-island maritime services, trade facilitation, private sector participation readiness, and green logistics opportunities — identifying the key constraints and opportunities that the Reconnect MPA country program should address. The diagnostic must be structured to generate findings that directly inform the design of all three MPA components (Reforms, Enabling Infrastructure, Mobilization). Objective 2 — Dominica MPA Country Program Design: To produce a structured, financeable Dominica Country Program Document, aligned with the three-component architecture of the Caribbean Reconnect MPA, that integrates: (a) the findings of the World Bank STC technical review of the DASPA Digitalization Concept; (b) the broader connectivity and logistics diagnostic; and (c) an assessment of private sector participation opportunities and the joint WBG engagement strategy (World Bank, IFC, MIGA). The Country Program Document must be sufficiently developed to serve as the basis for a World Bank lending operation under the Reconnect MPA, with a target of FY2028 for Phase 1. 3. Scope of Work 3.1 Component 1: Focused Connectivity and Logistics Diagnostic To complement the government's digitalization concept with the broader analytical framing required by the Caribbean Reconnect Program, the Consultant will conduct a targeted — not exhaustive — diagnostic of Dominica's connectivity and logistics landscape. Given the budget and duration of this assignment, the diagnostic should be focused and evidence-based, drawing heavily on existing data and studies rather than generating new primary research from scratch. The diagnostic will cover the following dimensions: Port infrastructure and operations: A focused assessment of the Port of Roseau (Woodbridge Bay) and the Port of Portsmouth (Longhouse), covering physical infrastructure, equipment gaps, cargo dwell times, throughput trends, operational bottlenecks, the cruise-cargo interface challenge at Roseau, and resilience to natural hazards, with a view to identify a priority investment program, in particular for Woodbridge Bay, to improve and rationalize operations in the short-term. Where relevant, the assessment should also consider the implications of Dominica's planned new cargo port for the future configuration of port operations. To this end, the diagnosis shall include comprehensive Terms of Reference for the drafting of a National Port Development Master Plan. Road connectivity and hinterland access: An assessment of the road network linking ports to key productive zones (particularly agricultural areas and agro-processing facilities), population centers, and inter-island ferry terminals. The analysis should focus on: identifying the most critical road links for logistics efficiency; assessing vulnerability to natural disasters and climate events; and estimating the logistics cost implications of road quality and reliability constraints. This analysis should draw on existing road assessments and post-Maria reconstruction data rather than generating new surveys. Inter-island maritime connectivity: A review of current maritime services connecting Dominica to its neighbors (particularly Guadeloupe, Martinique, and other OECS islands), covering frequency, reliability, cargo capacity, and freight rates. The assessment should identify specific constraints — such as port infrastructure limitations, regulatory barriers, or limited-service competition — that restrict Dominica's ability to trade efficiently within the region, and assess opportunities for improving inter-island maritime services as part of the rEconnect program. Trade facilitation and customs: A review of existing customs procedures, border management systems, and compliance status with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, identifying key regulatory and procedural barriers affecting importers, exporters, and logistics service providers. Trade flows and private sector landscape: A concise review of Dominica's import/export patterns, trade costs, and key private sector logistics actors (freight forwarders, shipping agents, trucking companies, warehouse operators), drawing on available data from Customs, DASPA, and regional sources. The analysis should assess how logistics costs and connectivity constraints affect the competitiveness of Dominica's key productive sectors, particularly agriculture and agro-processing. Institutional and regulatory framework: An assessment of the mandates, capacity, and coordination mechanisms of DASPA, Customs and Excise Division, the Ministry of Public Works (for roads), the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant agencies. This should identify key institutional gaps, overlaps, and coordination failures that the program should address, as well as the regulatory framework governing maritime services and road transport. Beyond the above dimensions, the diagnostic must also address two cross-cutting themes that are central to the Reconnect MPA: Private Sector Participation (PSP) Readiness: An assessment of the current state and potential for private sector participation in Dominica's port and logistics sector. This should cover: existing concession or PPP arrangements (if any); the regulatory and institutional framework governing PSP; private sector interest and capacity; and the specific barriers — legal, institutional, financial, reputational — that constrain private sector engagement. Given Dominica's classification as a less-mature market, the assessment should identify the foundational reforms and institutional strengthening measures needed to create conditions for PSP over the medium term, as well as any near-term opportunities that IFC or MIGA could support. Green Logistics and Decarbonization: A high-level baseline assessment of the carbon footprint and energy intensity of Dominica's port and logistics operations, and an identification of priority opportunities for decarbonization — such as shore power, solar energy for port facilities, fuel-efficient vessels for inter-island services, or green logistics zone design. This should inform the inclusion of decarbonization investments in the infrastructure component of the program. The diagnostic should yield a concise, structured synthesis of findings organized around the three MPA components — Reforms, Enabling Infrastructure, and Mobilization — clearly identifying what the Dominica program should address under each component. 3.2 Component 2: Dominica MPA Country Program Document Drawing on the Connectivity and Logistics Diagnostic (Component 1) and the World Bank STC technical review of the DASPA Digitalization Concept, the Consultant will produce a Dominica MPA Country Program Document. This is the primary output of the assignment. It must be structured explicitly around the three components of the Caribbean Reconnect MPA, and must be sufficiently detailed to serve as the basis for a World Bank lending operation targeting FY2028. The document will cover: MPA Component 1 — Reforms (National and Regional Level): Based on the institutional and regulatory diagnostic, the Consultant will design a reform agenda for Dominica covering: (a) the regulatory and governance framework for port operations and maritime services, including any changes needed to enable PSP; (b) trade facilitation and supply chain security reforms, including progress toward WTO TFA compliance and integration with regional single-window and harmonization initiatives; and (c) any regional-level regulatory commitments (e.g., OECS harmonization) that Dominica should advance as part of the MPA. For each reform area, the document should specify the reform action, the responsible agency, the expected timeline, and the technical assistance or capacity building support needed from the program. MPA Component 2 — Enabling Infrastructure (National Level): Based on the diagnostic and the DASPA Digitalization Concept (as defined by the World Bank STC review), the Consultant will design an infrastructure investment program for Dominica covering: (a) port digitalization, structured around the government's six-component DASPA concept as technically validated by the STC review, with its own investment envelope, procurement modality, and results indicators; (b) complementary port physical infrastructure investments (where gaps are identified beyond what the digitalization program addresses), this shall include in particular priority short-term investments in Woodbridge Bay, complemented with the ToRs for a National Port Development Master Plan; (c) priority road connectivity investments linking ports to productive zones and inter-island ferry terminals; (d) inter-island maritime infrastructure (jetties, terminals, safety systems) where warranted; and (e) decarbonization investments in port and logistics operations. For each investment, the document should include an order-of-magnitude cost estimate, a proposed financing modality, and a readiness assessment. MPA Component 3 — Mobilization: Based on the PSP readiness assessment, the Consultant will outline Dominica's positioning within the regional mobilization strategy of the Reconnect MPA. This section should: identify the foundational steps needed before private capital can be attracted at scale; propose a sequenced PSP roadmap for the medium term; identify any specific near-term opportunities for IFC engagement (e.g., advisory support for a port concession framework) or MIGA political risk coverage; and assess how Dominica's program can be aggregated with other Eastern Caribbean countries to form a viable regional investment corridor. Cross-cutting Elements: In addition to the three component-specific sections, the document will: Define the program's overall development objective, theory of change, results framework, and key performance indicators — structured to reflect outcomes across all three MPA components. Propose a financing strategy that combines World Bank IDA resources, climate finance instruments (given Dominica's vulnerability and the decarbonization agenda), and potential IFC/MIGA engagement, taking into account Dominica's fiscal constraints and debt situation. Provide a project preparation roadmap covering: environmental and social assessment requirements; procurement planning; institutional implementation arrangements (including the role of the CSU/PIU); and the sequencing of steps needed to reach project appraisal by the FY2028 target. Incorporate lessons from comparable Caribbean and SIDS programs. Aviation-related comparators are not required. Validation Workshop: Before finalizing the Country Program Document, the Consultant will organize and facilitate a validation workshop with relevant government decision-makers and key stakeholders. The workshop will present the proposed program scope, investment priorities, reform agenda, and implementation roadmap across all three MPA components, and will seek formal endorsement of the program direction from senior government counterparts. The workshop should be held in Dominica and timed to take place after the submission of the Draft Country Program Document (D3) and before the final version (D4), so that validation feedback can be incorporated into the final document. A brief workshop report summarizing discussions, decisions, and any agreed amendments to the program scope should be submitted alongside D4. The World Bank Task Team will co-facilitate the workshop alongside the Consultant. 4. Key Deliverables and Timeline The total duration of the consultancy is six (6) months from the date of contract signing. The following deliverables are expected: # Deliverable Due Payment Milestone D1 Inception Report Acceptance: Refined methodology, stakeholder engagement plan, work plan, and inventory of existing documents and data (including DASPA Digitalization Proposal, As-Is Analysis outputs, and World Bank STC review schedule) Week 3 10% D2 Connectivity and Logistics Diagnostic Note Acceptance: Focused diagnostic covering Component 1 findings, organized around the three MPA components (Reforms, Enabling Infrastructure, Mobilization), including PSP readiness assessment and green logistics baseline. Month 3 30% D3 Draft Dominica MPA Country Program Document Acceptance: Full three-component program design integrating the DASPA digitalization agenda (with STC review findings), connectivity and logistics investments, reform agenda, PSP and WBG joint engagement strategy, results framework, financing strategy, and project preparation roadmap Month 5 40% D4 Final Dominica MPA Country Program Document Acceptance: Incorporating all consolidated feedback from the World Bank and Government of Dominica. Month 6 20% 5. Methodology and Approach Given the budget and duration of this assignment, the Consultant is expected to adopt a focused, evidence-based methodology that maximizes the use of existing analytical work — particularly the DASPA Digitalization Conceptualization Proposal and the As-Is Business Process Analysis — rather than duplicating prior efforts. Key methodological requirements include: Government Concept as the Anchor: The DASPA Digitalization Project Conceptualization Proposal must be the starting point and primary reference document for the entire assignment. The Consultant is expected to engage closely with DASPA from the outset to understand the government's vision and ensure the work is fully aligned with it. While the technical review of the digitalization concept is handled by World Bank STCs, the Consultant must engage with that parallel process, track its outputs, and ensure they are seamlessly integrated into the Program Framework Document. Desk Review: Comprehensive review of the DASPA Digitalization Conceptualization Proposal, the As-Is Business Process Analysis outputs (as they become available), national development plans, World Bank analytical work on Dominica and the Caribbean, and relevant regional studies. Stakeholder Consultations: Structured interviews with key government agencies (DASPA, Customs and Excise Division, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade) and selected private sector actors. The Consultant is expected to participate in at least one multi-stakeholder validation workshop in Dominica. In-Country Mission: At least one in-country mission (minimum ten working days) covering on-site visits to the Port of Roseau and Port of Portsmouth, assessment of key road corridors linking ports to productive zones, meetings with inter-island maritime service operators, and meetings with all key government and private sector counterparts. Aviation facilities and authorities are not part of the in-country mission scope. Climate and Disaster Resilience Lens: All design and diagnostic work must integrate climate and disaster risk considerations, consistent with World Bank climate screening requirements. Regional Coherence: Findings and recommendations must be consistent with the Caribbean Reconnect Program framework and compatible with regional digital and logistics standards being developed across participating countries. 6. Required Qualifications and Experience The assignment will be undertaken by an Individual Consultant with demonstrated expertise in transport economics, logistics, and connectivity planning. The Consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience: Senior Transport and Logistics Economist / Connectivity Specialist Minimum Qualifications and Experience A postgraduate degree in transport economics, economics, logistics, infrastructure planning, engineering, public policy, or a related discipline. At least 12 years of professional experience in transport sector development, logistics, trade facilitation, and/or connectivity, with a strong track record in analytical and program preparation assignments. Demonstrated experience preparing World Bank lending operations or equivalent multilateral programs, including familiarity with results frameworks, theory of change, investment program design, financing strategies, and project preparation roadmaps. Solid understanding of the broader transport and logistics sector — encompassing maritime port operations, road connectivity, inter-island shipping, and trade facilitation — sufficient to produce a credible multimodal connectivity diagnostic and to integrate the outputs of the World Bank STC review of the DASPA Digitalization Concept into a coherent program. Aviation expertise is not required. Familiarity with private sector participation frameworks in the port and logistics sector, including PPP structuring, concession frameworks, and the roles of IFC and MIGA in supporting private investment in infrastructure. Familiarity with green logistics and decarbonization concepts in the port and transport sector, sufficient to identify investment opportunities and integrate them into a program design. Previous experience working in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or the Caribbean region is strongly preferred. Knowledge of the OECS institutional and regulatory environment is an advantage. Familiarity with climate-resilient infrastructure design and disaster risk management in the transport sector. Excellent written and spoken English; strong analytical writing and communication skills. 7.0 Level of Effort The estimated level of effort of the assignment is approximately 90–100 working days over a six-month period. The Consultant may propose to engage a local Dominica-based facilitator for in-country stakeholder consultations, within the overall budget envelope. 8.0 Reporting and Governance The Consultant will report to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, who will serve as the primary government counterpart. The Consultant will work in close collaboration with the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA). The World Bank Task Team will provide technical oversight and review all deliverables. 9.0 Budget, Timing, Duration, and Logistics The estimated budget available for this assignment is up to USD 110,000, inclusive of all professional fees, travel, accommodation, subsistence, withholding tax in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and any other costs required to complete the assignment. The contract will be negotiated with the selected Individual Consultant and will be implemented on a lump sum basis, with payments made against the satisfactory completion and acceptance of the agreed deliverables. The consultancy is expected to commence in September 2026 and will be completed over a period of six (6) months . The estimated level of effort required from the Individual Consultant is approximately 90–100 working days . This estimate is provided for planning purposes only and does not constitute a basis for payment, which will be made against accepted deliverables. The Consultant will be responsible for arranging and financing all travel, accommodation, and logistics required for in-country missions within the agreed lump sum amount. The Government of Dominica, through DASPA, the Ministry responsible for Ports, the Ministry responsible for Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Finance, will facilitate access to relevant government counterparts, available data and studies (including the DASPA Digitalization Conceptualization Proposal), and relevant stakeholder networks required for successful completion of the assignment. 9.0 Confidentiality and Ownership of Information All data, analysis, and reports produced under this assignment are the property of the Government of Dominica. The Consultant shall treat all information obtained during the assignment as strictly confidential and shall not disclose it to any third party without the prior written consent of the Government. The Consultant shall declare any conflict of interest prior to commencement and throughout the assignment. 10. Confidentiality and Ownership of Information All data, analysis, and reports produced under this assignment are the property of the Government of Dominica. The Consultant shall treat all information obtained during the assignment as strictly confidential and shall not disclose it to any third party without the prior written consent of the Government. The Consultant shall declare any conflict of interest prior to commencement and throughout the assignment.