Integrated Aquatic and Terrestrial Biodiversity Study at Naryn River (Kambarata-1 HPP)

Integrated Aquatic and Terrestrial Biodiversity Study on Naryn River (Kambarata-1 HPP)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.: IDA Credit 7601-KG / Grant TF-C4773-KG
Assignment Title: Integrated Aquatic and Terrestrial Biodiversity Study on Naryn River (Kambarata-1 HPP)
Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): KG/KA1/CS/2026/QCBS-04

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Technical Assistance for Kambarata 1 Hydropower Plant Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The consulting services (“the Services”) include Integrated Aquatic and Terrestrial Biodiversity Study on Naryn River (Kambarata-1 HPP).
The objectives of this assignment are to:

1. Detailed biodiversity surveys/assessments for the construction of the diversion tunnel, expected to start in summer 2027. This includes research on:

(i) Baseline biodiversity studies of terrestrial ecosystems through systematic surveys of flora and fauna in activity impact zones (tunnel entrances, access roads, waste disposal sites, construction sites);

(ii) Development of measures to compensate and reimburse damage to biodiversity in the event of significant negative impacts being identified in the bypass tunnel section;

(iii) Identification and mapping of critical habitats and priority biodiversity sites within the bypass tunnel area.

(iv) Analysis of construction activities and their impact on biodiversity.

2. Closing biodiversity gaps identified in the ESIA. This includes research on:

(i) Aquatic Biodiversity (eDNA). Environmental DNA study is designed to establish a comprehensive biodiversity baseline using state-of-the-art environmental DNA (eDNA) methods and observational methods for aquatic ecosystems and traditional survey methods for terrestrial ecosystems, explicitly linked to: construction impact pathways and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) sub-plans for the construction of these diversion tunnels and the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for the project, supplementing the draft ESIA already prepared by the Kyrgyz Republic and disclosed on their website and that of the World Bank;

(ii) Terrestrial Biodiversity (Terrestrial Fauna and Flora). This study shall be carried out on the basis of the comments of the Ministry of Natural Resources No. 12-4/7302 of August 27, 2025 to address gaps in the ESIA and ESMP.

(iii) Impact Pathways. This study shall be carried out on the basis of the comments of the Ministry of Natural Resources No. 12-4/7302 of August 27, 2025 to address gaps in the ESIA and ESMP.

(iv)Critical Habitat. This study shall be carried out on the basis of the comments of the Ministry of Natural Resources No. 12-4/7302 of August 27, 2025 to address gaps in the ESIA and ESMP.

(v) Integration of study results into the ESIA and ESMP and other subplans.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest and can be found at the following link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YkEdvo1gU7lkYJxVGYGDNX-2eQGmlwHA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106640225351494746259&rtpof=true&sd=true

The PMO under the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”), which may form a consortium of associated firms, 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 as follows:

• Strong knowledge and experience in implementing the World Bank ESF, the World Bank Group's Environment, Health, and Safety (EHSG) General Guidelines, and/or other international financial institutions, as well as international industry best practices.
• Experience with biodiversity offsets. Experience with transboundary environmental impacts and cumulative impact assessments.
• At least seven years of experience in application of rigorous quality assurance/quality control protocols (QA/QC protocols) for field sampling, laboratory work, and data analysis.
• Experience developing ESIA and ESMP projects.
• Experience of work in similar ecosystems or in similar regions with knowledge of local fish species. Experience in Central Asia will be an advantage.
• Proven experience in eDNA sampling, laboratory analysis, and bioinformatics for aquatic environments.
• Experience of work with genetic databases (e.g., NCBI, BOLD) and tools for primer design and validation (e.g., ecoPCR).

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.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications (type of association shall be clearly indicated in the proposal). The Consultants may submit their Expressions of Interest as individual firms or associate in the form of joint venture or sub-consultancy. However, the qualification of the sub-consultant will not be evaluated when forming the shortlist. In case of joint venture, all the members of the joint venture should individually meet shortlisting criteria and shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire assignment, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality-And-Cost Based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 09:00 to 18:00.

Expressions of interest must be prepared in English and be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 16:00 of Bishkek local time on September 24, 2026.
Attn: Mr. Emil Mukhambetov
Director
Project Management Office (PMO)
Under the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic
326 Jibek-Jolu str., 720040, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Tel.: +996 (312) 67 05 01
E-mail: pmo.kgz@gmail.com