Development of a practical and implementable Public Service Obligation contract framework for passenger rail transport, including contractual structures, subsidy calculation methodologies, analytical tools, and implementation arrangements.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION) REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN CONNECTIVITY AND TRANSPORT SECTOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Project ID: P509487 Assignment Title: Development of a Standard Framework for Public Service Obligation (PSO) Contracts for Passenger Rail Transport in Uzbekistan Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): UZ-CTSIP-1004-CS-QCBS-UTY-PM-02 The Republic of Uzbekistan has applied for financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) of the World Bank Group toward the cost of the Connectivity and Transport Sector Improvement Project (CTSIP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services ("the Services") include the development of a practical and implementable Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract framework for passenger rail transport in Uzbekistan, comprising analytical assessment of PSO applicability; development of service quality standards (SLA/KPI); preparation of a standard PSO contract structure and templates; development of a subsidy calculation methodology and analytical calculator; establishment of monitoring and reporting arrangements; definition of institutional interaction mechanisms; preparation of regulatory proposals; and development of a phased implementation roadmap. The expected duration of the assignment is 9 (nine) months from contract signature. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest. JSC “O‘zbekiston temir yo‘llari” (the “Client”) now invites eligible 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. The shortlisting criteria are: Experience in Tariff and Regulatory Analysis in the Transport Sector: The Consultant shall demonstrate a proven track record of having succes