Multi-consultant Framework Agreement for detailed design services for energy efficiency measures, structural strengthening and seismic assessment of public buildings under CEBU Project.

**Project:** Clean Energy for Buildings in Uzbekistan

Procurement Method: Quality-Based Selection (QBS)
Contract Type: Multi-Consultant Framework Agreement with Call-Off Contracts
Framework Term: 1 (one) year, extendable by up to 2 additional years
Number of FA Consultants: Minimum 3 – Maximum 15 (all firms scoring above 75 points)
Estimated Scope: Approximately 66 public buildings across Uzbekistan
Submission Deadline: 21 July 2026 at 16:00 (Tashkent time)
Reference No.: CEBU/CS/FA-ALL

1.  Background and Context

The Republic of Uzbekistan has received financing in the amount of USD 143 million from the World Bank toward the cost of the Clean Energy for Buildings in Uzbekistan (CEBU) Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services for detailed design of energy efficiency measures in public buildings.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include detailed design services for energy efficiency retrofits, structural strengthening where required, and related ancillary measures for selected public buildings across Uzbekistan under a multi-consultant framework agreement with call-off contracts.

The public buildings covered by the CEBU Project include schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and clinics across the regions of Uzbekistan. Many of these buildings are characterized by high energy consumption for space heating, aging structures with varying levels of physical deterioration, and seismic vulnerability due to historical construction practices and evolving seismic standards.

Under the CEBU Project, buildings have been or will be subjected to Walk-Through Energy Audits (WTEA) and Preliminary Assessment Reports (PAR). Based on these results, the Government of Uzbekistan intends to proceed with detailed design activities for approximately 66 public buildings across the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Given the number of buildings, their regional distribution, and the phased nature of implementation, the PIU intends to establish a Framework Agreement with multiple qualified consulting firms to ensure efficient and consistent delivery of design services.

2.  Nature and Purpose of the Framework Agreement

A Framework Agreement (FA), established in accordance with Section 6.5 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016, revised September 2025), allows the Procuring Agency to commission individual assignments through Call-Off Contracts without repeating the full selection process each time.

3  Assignment

The Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, through the Project Implementation Unit for the Clean Energy for Buildings in Uzbekistan (CEBU) Project, invites eligible consulting firms to express interest in a multi-consultant framework agreement for detailed design services for public buildings listed in Annex A.

Services under Call-Off Contracts may include, but are not limited to:

• Review of Walk-Through Energy Audit (WTEA) reports and Preliminary Assessment Reports (PAR) provided by the Client;
• Detailed Energy Audits (DEA) in accordance with ISO 50002 and international best practice, including baseline analysis, identification and quantification of Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs), economic analysis (NPV, IRR, payback), and M&V planning;
• Structural and Seismic Assessment (SSA) for buildings requiring full assessment (SSA-Included sites), including instrumental investigation, structural and seismic analysis, and preparation of the Final SSA Technical Report;
• Preparation of detailed design documentation (architectural, structural, MEP, electrical, fire safety, civil works) for approved EE and non-EE measures;
• Preparation of technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and detailed cost estimates suitable for tendering;
• Preparation and submission of all documentation required for State Expertise review, including obtaining the positive State Expertise conclusion and the permit to commence works;
• Preparation of site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) or E&S Checklists in compliance with World Bank EHS Guidelines;
• Author supervision during construction implementation;
• One cycle of Measurement and Verification (M&V) in accordance with the IPMVP methodology.

Selection will be carried out in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. The Client intends to establish a Framework Agreement with multiple qualified design consulting firms. Inclusion in the framework agreement does not guarantee the award of any call-off contract.

The following shortlisting criteria will apply:

• The Consultant shall have been in the consulting business for at least seven (7) years prior to the deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest;
• The Consultant shall have at least 5 years of relevant experience in detailed engineering design of building energy efficiency retrofits, structural assessment and/or seismic strengthening of public buildings as its core business;
• The Consultant shall have successfully completed at least two (2) similar design contracts, each with a value of not less than USD 200,000 equivalent, or at least one (1) similar design contract with a value of not less than USD 300,000 equivalent, within the last five (5) years;
• The Consultant shall demonstrate experience in building energy auditing, energy efficiency design, or preparation of energy efficiency investment measures using recognized national or international methodologies;
• The Consultant shall demonstrate experience in structural assessment and/or seismic strengthening design of buildings in accordance with applicable national or international standards;
• The Consultant shall demonstrate sufficient financial stability, including a minimum average annual turnover of at least USD 300,000 equivalent in design consulting services over the last three completed financial years (2023–2025). In the case of a Joint Venture (JV), the turnover of all JV members combined shall be considered, provided that the Lead Partner demonstrates at least 50% of the required turnover.

The Consultant's principal business activity shall be design consulting services. In the case of a Joint Venture (JV), the Lead Partner shall be a design company.

 

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. CVs are not required at this stage.

The following regional list of building size, area, and volume is provided for illustrative purposes only to indicate the anticipated scope of services under the Framework Agreement. It is based on preliminary WTEA reports and preliminary seismic assessment results available at the time of this REOI and may be revised. The final confirmed list of buildings will be provided to shortlisted firms in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

Andijan Region: 10 buildings, total heated area 33,527 m², total building volume 107,288 m³.
Ferghana Region: 10 buildings, total heated area 18,962 m², total building volume 60,678 m³.
Surkhandarya Region: 11 buildings, total heated area 29,417 m², total building volume 97,075 m³.
Kashkadarya Region: 10 buildings, total heated area 52,140 m², total building volume 172,061 m³.
Republic of Karakalpakstan: 12 buildings, total heated area 49,899 m², total building volume 164,667 m³.
Khorezm Region: 13 buildings, total heated area 25,051 m², total building volume 82,669 m³.
Total: 66 buildings, total heated area 209,895 m², total building volume 684,149 m³.

The full set of documents related to this REOI, including the detailed building list, standard Terms of Reference (TOR), and application form for submission of the Expression of Interest, will be provided electronically to interested Consultants upon request via the e-mail address below or may be obtained from the address indicated below.

Further Information and Deadline

Further information may be obtained from the address below during office hours.

Expressions of Interest must be delivered by 21 July 2026 at 16:00 (Tashkent time) in the form stated in this notice.

Project Implementation Unit (PIU)
Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Attention: Mr. Talat Nurillayev, PIU Director
Address: 1, Niyozbek Yuli Street, Tashkent 100000, Republic of Uzbekistan
Telephone: +998 (77) 971-17-27
E-mail: procurement@cebu.uz
Website: www.cebu.uz