Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Seyhan and Ceyhan Integrated Basin Rehabilitation Project (S & CIBRP) Preparation of Feasibility Report Consultancy Service

Country: Türkiye
Project Name: Seyhan and Ceyhan Integrated Basin Rehabilitation Project
Loan/Grant No: CTR1120 02 B / CTR1120 04 D
Project name: Seyhan and Ceyhan Integrated Basin Rehabilitation Project (Project), Feasibility Report Preparation Consultancy Services Procurement
Location of the work: The project area includes 43 districts in the provinces of Niğde, Kayseri, Adana, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş, and Sivas, covering the Seyhan and Ceyhan basins. The size of the project area is approximately 4,150,000 hectares.
Reference No. (Project No.): 2024A05-234134
Place and date of publication of the expression of interest:
OGM Web/AFD dgMarket, 21.10.2024
Closure date and time:
11.11.2024 17:00 pm. (UTC+3 İstanbul Time)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye, the General Directorate of Forestry (“OGM”), and the French Development Agency (“AFD”-Agence Française De Developpement) have agreed to implement the Project in order to support the rehabilitation of the Seyhan and Ceyhan River Basins with the aim of preventing the degradation of natural resources, reducing the risks associated with natural disasters, including floods, landslides, avalanches and forest fires, improving the livelihood of the people living in the upper part of the micro-basins and increasing their income sources.
The Project will contribute to strenghtening the local economy, improving rural income, reducing risks associated with natural disasters, climate change adaptation and sustainable agricultural practices, preventing degradation of natural resources, and protecting biodiversity in the targeted areas in Seyhan and Ceyhan basins.
The project will be based on inclusive regional planning for integrated catchment management in the context of post-earthquake reconstruction.
The indicative budget for the project is estimated between EUR 150,000,000 and EUR 250,000,000 in total. The detailed amount of the project will be determined by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance and AFD based on the results of this feasibility.
The ‘Grant Agreement’ signed between the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Treasury and Finance and AFD on 16.07.2024 for the grant support to be used in the preparation of ‘project feasibility report’ entered into force after being published in the Official Gazette dated 10.08.2024 and numbered 32628.
The consultancy service procurement will consist of the conduct of the feasibility study and the final preparation of the Project Feasibility Report to support OGM and AFD in the preparation of the Project.
Project:
1) Emphasis will be placed on preventing the degradation of natural resources, protecting soil fertility, and combating erosion through afforestation, forest rehabilitation, soil conservation and pasture improvement practices.
2) It places a strong emphasis on adaptation to climate change through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and techniques, expansion of production of drought-resistant crops, small-scale irrigation, effective/efficient water management and land conservation techniques.
3) It will also be an important focal point with initiatives aimed at conserving biodiversity, rehabilitating degraded habitats, creating protected areas and promoting land use practices that support wildlife.
4) The program for the development and support of forest villagers (ORKÖY) aims to improve the income levels of rural households.
5) Following the significant impact of the February 2023 earthquakes on the agriculture and forestry sectors in the Seyhan and Ceyhan Basin, it aims to restore damaged infrastructure, to provide the necessary support to local people who had to leave the area and revitalise the adversely affected areas. It is supported by a commitment to comprehensive regional planning, taking into account the needs of the local population during post-earthquake reconstruction.
6) By promoting the dissemination of renewable energy sources and eco-tourism, it aims to improve the quality of life of local people and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the region.
Indicative scope of Work
The consultancy firm will;
1) Conduct a detailed analysis of the ecosystems and hydro-agricultural infrastructures in the Seyhan and Ceyhan Basins. This will include conducting a comprehensive field study to assess the current situation, identify priority micro-basins and identify key indicators of need for the review. It will conduct a preliminary needs assessment to pave the way for the identification of activities and investments resulting in the preparation of a comprehensive pre-feasibility report.
2) Based on the thoroughly prepared pre-feasibility report, it will establish the Project's intervention logic together with the budget and logical framework, carefully sequencing activities and investments to ensure efficient and effective allocation of resources.
3) Provide guidance on effective project management and governance.
4) Prepare a comprehensive financial analysis report to assess the financial viability of activities and provide a sound basis for decision-making.
5) Prepare an environmental and social risk assessment report of the Project in compliance with World Bank environmental/social standards and national regulations.
6) Prepare a comprehensive gender equality action plan and ensure that gender considerations are incorporated into the Project.
7) Conduct a climate change vulnerability and risks assessment of basins/micro-basins, mainstreaim climate adaptation in project activities as well as conduct a carbon footprint estimation of the project in line with the AFD methodology (to be provided to the contractor).
8) Establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of Project progress.
9) It will compile all findings and analyses in a comprehensive feasibility report and ensure that stakeholders have a clear understanding of the Project's potential and relevant considerations.
10) The detailed table regarding the scope of work is presented in Annex-1. All project deliverables will be delivered to OGM and AFD in Turkish and English.
The General Directorate of Forestry hereby invites Applicants to show their interest in delivering the Services described above.
This Request for Expressions of Interest is open to Consulting Firms.
Eligibility criteria to AFD financing are specified in sub-clause 1.3 of the "Procurement Guidelines for AFD Financed Contracts in Foreign Countries", available online on AFD’s website: http://www.afd.fr.
Submission Requirements
The applicant shall submit only one application on its own behalf or as a member of a joint venture (JV). If an Applicant (including any JV member) submits or participates in more than one application, those applications shall be all rejected.
If the applicant is a joint venture, the declaration of intent shall include the following:
 A copy of the joint venture agreement signed by all members or,
 Letter of intent to sign the joint venture agreement signed by all members and a copy of the agreement proposal,
In the absence of these documents, other members will be accepted as sub-consultants.
The experience and qualifications of sub-consultants are not taken into account in the assessment of applications.
Applicants must provide information proving that they are qualified and experienced to perform the services in question. For this purpose, documented evidence of recent and similar services shall be submitted.
The language of the submission is in English and Turkish. In addressing any potential disputes between the applicant and OGM concerning all activities and processes associated with AFD (including application documents, contracts, preliminary assessment reports, feasibility reports, and other relevant documentation), English documents will be regarded as the primary reference point.

Qualification Requirements and Evaluation of Applications:
1) The applicant should have experience in the design, implementation and/or supervision of basin management/rehabilitation projects with a focus on afforestation/forest rehabilitation, erosion control, water management, disaster/climate resilience (flood, fire, earthquake, etc.) and/or rural development (agriculture, value chain development, small-scale irrigation) in Türkiye or in neighboring countries. Experience in Türkiye would be a clear advantage.
2) The applicant must have at least 5 (five) years of consultancy experience in at least two of themes defined in Article 1.
3) The applicant must have at least 2 (two) references on themes mentioned in Article 1 in the past 10 (ten) years, each with a geographical coverage for the project or study of at least 2,000 (two thousand) hectares. References containing only monetary amounts without relevant technical details will not be taken into consideration.
4) The indicative list of key experts in the below-mentioned areas will be necessary, but not limited to, for the fulfilment of the services, the following; one project leader (Forest Engineer), GIS specialist(s)/map engineer(s), livestock and animal health specialist(s)/veterinarian(s) or zootechnician(s), construction specialist(s)/civil engineer(s) (irrigation and rural infrastructures), agriculture specialist(s)/agricultural engineer(s). Plus, stakeholder engagement specialists, environmental and social impact assessment experts . For the last two categories of experts, at least 2 references in the past 5 years based on World Bank standards will be required.

OGM will shortlist a maximum of 6 (six) applicants from the applications from which it will receive a proposal to carry out the service.
Application evaluation results will be sent to the e-mail addresses of all shortlisted/unshortlisted applicants.
Applications for the expression of interest shall be submitted by hand or by mail (For applications sent by mail, the date and time of delivery of the application document to OGM by the postal administration shall be taken as basis.) until 17:00 (UTC+3 İstanbul Time) on 11.11.2024 date, together with the cover letter summarising the comprehensive company profile of the willing consultant and containing the necessary qualification documents; name, address, telephone and e-mail address information, stamped and signed in a sealed envelope to the address below. A record of receipt (2-two copies) will be issued. Applications sent by e-mail will not be evaluated.
 
Application Address:
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Forestry,
Department of Afforestation
Beştepe Mahallesi, Söğütözü Caddesi No:8/1 06560 Yenimahalle / ANKARA
Authorised Person Information to whom the Application Document will be delivered:
Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,
General Directorate of Forestry, Department of Afforestation
Muhammet Ali ÖZDERYA, Forest Engineer
Beştepe Mahallesi Söğütözü Caddesi No:8/1 06560 Yenimahalle / ANKARA
Telephone: + 90 312 296 4336
Email: muhammetaliozderya@ogm.gov.tr

Notice: Applicants may direct their questions regarding the call for declaration of intent to the following addresses via e-mail until 2 (two) days before the deadline.
 Muhammet Ali ÖZDERYA – muhammetaliozderya@ogm.gov.tr

We look forward to your participation in this important project.


ANNEXES:
Annex-1: Indicative list of activities
Annex-2: Statement of Integrity to be inserted for any Contract financed with an AFD Financing Agreement
 
ANNEX-1: Indicative list of activities
Indicative list of activities
1) Kick-off Meeting (1st Main Meeting)
1.1. Presenting the draft agenda
(Draft Agenda, methodology, work plan and team composition)
1.2. Record
(Matrix for prioritisation of activities)
2) Determination of Methodology and Work Plan
2.1. Development of the intervention logic and logical framework
(Logical framework, general and specific objectives of the financing programme)
2.2. Recommendations on project management structure and governance
(Detailed fieldwork preparation plan)
2.3. Index of activities
(Prioritisation of proposed interventions)
2.4. Half-day 1st Meeting
3) Conducting Field Studies
3.1. Current situation analysis
( General characteristics of the basin, current status of natural resources, analyses of similar projects implemented and being implemented, project authenticity report, socio-economic structure, population movements, earthquake impacts, etc.)
3.2. Determination of indicators to be analysed at basin and micro-basin scale ( Field study preparation plan)
3.3. Preliminary needs assessment and identification of activities
(Preliminary analysis of needs, ecotourism potential summary report, etc.)
3.4. 2nd half-day meeting (60th day)
4) Preparation of Pre-Feasibility Report
4.1. 3rd half-day meeting
5) Finalisation of the Feasibility Report *
5.1. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) based on World Bank standards
(Environmental and Social Commitment Plan, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment)
5.2. Environmental and social risk analysis
5.3. Determining the monitoring and evaluation framework
5.4. Financial Analysis
(Detailed cost tables, First annual work plan and budget, Eighteen-month procurement plan)
5.5. Gender Equality Action Plan
5.6. Assessment of the impact of climatic factors on Project activities
(Climate Analysis Report)
5.7. Preparation of Project Implementation Manual
5.8. Stakeholder engagement plan
5.9. 4th half-day meeting (Day 150)
5.10. Closing Meeting (Day 180)
* The ‘Feasibility Study Format’ specified in the Presidency of the Presidency SBB 2025-2027 period investment programme preparation guide will be used.


ANNEX 2 - Statement of Integrity, Eligibility and Environmental and Social Responsibility


Reference name of the Bid/Proposal/Contract signed (the “Contract”)
To: (the “Contracting Authority”)

1. We recognize and accept that Agence Française de Développement (“AFD”) only finances the projects of the Contracting Authority subject to its own conditions, as set out in the Financing Agreement that directly or indirectly binds it to the Contracting Authority. The Contracting Authority retains exclusive responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the procurement process and performance of the Contract. Consequently, no legal exists between AFD and our company, our joint venture, and our subcontractors. The Contracting Authority may also mean the Client, Employer or Purchaser, as the case may be, for the procurement of works, goods, plants, equipment, consulting services , or non-consulting services.
2. We hereby certify that neither we, nor any person acting on our behalf, nor any of the members of our joint venture, nor any of our subcontractors, are in any of the following situations:
2.1 Being bankrupt, wound up or ceasing our activities, having our activities administered by the courts, having entered into receivership, or being in any analogous situation arising from any similar procedure;
2.2 Having been, within the past five years, subject to a final administrative sanction, a final conviction issued by a competent authority, or any other non-court resolution having notably an extinctive effect on public action, either (i) in the country where we are constituted, (ii) in the country of performance of the Contract, (iii) in the context of the procurement or performance of an AFD-financed Contract, (iv) pronounced by a European Union institution, or (v) pronounced by a competent authority in France, for:
a) Prohibited Practices, as defined in Article 6.1 below, or for any other offence committed in the context of the procurement or performance of a Contract (in the event of such sanction, conviction or non-court resolution, we may attach additional information to this Statement of Integrity, such as a compliance program, showing that we (or the person acting on our behalf, the member of our joint venture, or our subcontractor) consider that this sanction, judgement or non-court resolution is not relevant in the context of the Contract, where applicable);
b) Participation in a criminal organization, terrorist offences or offences related to terrorist activities, child labor, or other offences related to human trafficking;
c) Having created an entity in a different jurisdiction (i) with the the intention of avoiding tax or social obligations, or any other legal obligation applicable in the jurisdiction of its registered office, central administration or principal place of business, or (ii) for being an entity created with the intention of avoiding such obligations;
2.3 Having been subject within the past five years to a Contract termination fully settled against us for significant or persistent breach of our contractual obligations during the performance of the Contract, unless this termination was challenged and dispute resolution is still pending or has not confirmed a full settlement against us;
2.4 Having been declared ineligible by one of the multilateral development banks signatories to the Mutual Recognition Agreement of 9 April 2010 (in the event of such ineligibility, we may attach additional information to this Statement of Integrity showing that we consider that such ineligibility is not relevant in the context of the Contract, where applicable);
2.5 Not having fulfilled our fiscal obligations relating to the payments of our taxes or social contributions in accordance with the legal provisions of our country of incorporation or of the country of the Contracting Authority;
2.6 Having created falsified documents or committed misrepresentation when providing the information requested by the Contracting Authority in the context of the procurement and award process for this Contract.
3. We hereby certify that neither we, nor any party acting on our behalf , nor any members of our joint venture, , , nor any of our subcontractors, nor any of our direct or indirect shareholders, nor any of our subsidiaries acting with our knowledge or consent:
a. Are directly or indirectly subject to, controlled by a person or an entity subject to, or acting in the name or on behalf of a person or entity subject to individual sanctions measures adopted by the United Nations, the European Union and/or France;
b. Are directly or indirectly subject to, controlled by a person or an entity subject to, or acting in the name or on behalf of a person or entity subject to sectoral sanctions measures adopted by the United Nations, the European Union and/or France;
c. Are ineligible for the implementation of the Project owing to any other international sanctions measures pronounced by the United Nations, the European Union or France.
4. We hereby certify that neither we, nor any party acting on our behalf,2 nor any of the members of our joint venture, nor any of our subcontractors, are [nor have been (in the case of refinancing for a Contract already awarded)] in any of the following situations of conflict of interest:
4.1 Being a shareholder controlling the Contracting Authority or a subsidiary controlled by the Contracting Authority, unless the resulting conflict of interest has been brought to the attention of AFD and resolved to its satisfaction.
4.2 Having business or family relations with a member of the Contracting Authority’s services involved in the procurement process or the supervision of the resulting Contract, unless the resulting conflict of interest has been brought to the attention of AFD and resolved to its satisfaction;
4.3 Controlling or being controlled by another applicant, bidder or consultant, or being under common with another applicant, bidder or consultant, receiving subsidies from another applicant, bidder or consultant, or granting subsidies to another applicant, bidder or consultant, directly or indirectly, having the same legal representative as another applicant, bidder or consultant, maintaining direct or indirect contacts with another applicant, bidder or consultant allowing us to (i) have given and/or give access to information contained in our respective applications, bids or proposals likely to distort competition (ii) influence them, or (iii) influence the decisions of the Contracting Authority;
4.4 Being engaged for a consulting services mission which, by its nature, is or may be in conflict with the mission envisaged for the Contracting Authority;
4.5 Having prepared ourselves, being or having been associated with a natural or legal person who has prepared, specifications, terms of reference or other documents that have been used for the procurement process in question, and that contain provisions likely to favor an application, bid or proposal;
4.6 Having or having had access to, having prepared ourselves, being or having been associated with a natural or legal person who has or has had access to or prepared, specifications, plans, calculations, studies, or other documents that have not been communicated to all the applicants, bidders or consultants in the context of the present procurement procedure, and which thereby confer us an unfair competitive advantage;
4.7 In the case of a procurement procedure for works, plants, equipment or goods, having been selected ourselves or proposed to be selected (or any of our subsidiary companies having been or being proposed to be selected) to carry out supervision or inspection of the services in the context of this Contract.
5. If we are a state-owned entity or a public enterprise, to participate in a competitive procurement process, we certify that we have legal and financial autonomy and that we operate under commercial laws and regulations.
6. In the context of the procurement and performance of the Contract:
6.1 Neither we, nor any party acting on our behalf,2 nor any members of our joint venture, nor any of our subcontractors, have committed or shall commit a Prohibited Practice as defined in the document entitled “AFD Group’s Policy to Prevent and Combat Prohibited Practices” available on AFD’s Website.
6.2 Neither we, nor or any party acting on our behalf,2 nor any members of our joint venture, nor any of our subcontractors, shall acquire or provide [have acquired or provided (in the case of refinancing for a Contract already awarded)] in sectors subject to an embargo by the United Nations, the European Union or France.
7. We hereby undertake to, and we undertake to ensure that any party acting on our behalf,2 any members of our joint venture, and any of our subcontractors undertake to:
7.1 Comply with the environmental standards recognized by the international community, including the international conventions for the protection of the environment and, in particular, take all reasonable steps to avoid or limit negative effects on vegetation, biodiversity, soils, groundwater and surface water, and on persons and property resulting from pollution, noise, vibration, traffic and other effects resulting from our activities, in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the country of performance of the Contract.
7.2 Implement measures to mitigate environmental and social risks when they are indicated in the environmental and social management plan provided by the Contracting Authority, and ensure that the emissions, surface discharge and effluents produced by our activities respect the limits, specifications or requirements applicable to the Contract.
7.3 Respect the rights of workers related to wages, working hours, rest periods and vacations, overtime, minimum age, regular payments, compensation and benefits, in accordance with the standards recognized by the international community, including the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the country of performance of the Contract; indicate these elements in a document annexed to the employment contracts of our employees and made available to the Contracting Authority; and respect and facilitate the rights of workers to organize themselves and set up a complaints management mechanism for direct or indirect workers.
7.4 Implement practices for non-discrimination and equal opportunities, and ensure the prohibition of child labor and forced labor.
7.5 Keep a record for each member of the local staff recording the hours worked by each person, the type of work, the wages paid and the training undertaken, and ensure that these records are available at all times to be inspected by the Contracting Authority and the authorized representatives of the government, in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable to the protection of personal data in the country of performance of the Contract.
8. We, any party acting on our behalf,2 the members of our joint venture, our subcontractors, our direct or indirect shareholders, and our subsidiaries, authorize AFD to conduct investigations and, in particular, inspect the documents and accounting records relating to the procurement and performance of the Contract, including, but not limited to, our internal processes and rules related to the respect of international sanctions pronounced by the United Nations, the European Union and/or France, and to have them verified auditors appointed by AFD.
9. We declare that we have paid, or that we shall pay, the commissions, benefits, fees, gratuities or charges relating to the procurement procedure or the performance of the Contract to the following third party/parties (for example, an intermediary/agent)(*):
Name of beneficiary Contact details Purpose Amount (indicate the currency)
_________________ _________________ _________________ ________________
_________________ _________________ _________________ ________________
_________________ _________________ _________________ ________________
(*): If no amount has been paid or is to be paid, indicate “None”.
10. We undertake to promptly inform the Contracting Authority, which shall inform AFD, of any change of circumstance regarding the sections above, including in case of any sanctions or embargo measures adopted by the United Nations, the European Union and/or France, after we have signed the present Statement.


Name: In the capacity of:
Duly empowered to sign in the name and on behalf of:
Signature:
Dated: