Request for expression of interest for individual consulting services for Telecommunications
Advisory Services/Project Management to the Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of
Palau
FSM-Palau Telecommunications and ICT Technical Assistance Project
PRIF Grant No. TF015459.
1. Introduction:
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of Palau (ROP) have received a
grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for technical assistance to
strengthen the Recipient’s legal, regulatory and institutional environment to provide a foundation
for improved access and affordability of telecommunications services, and increased private sector
investment in the telecommunications sector.
FSM and ROP plan to develop submarine fiber optic cable connectivity linking FSM and ROP to
the global Internet with the assistance of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank
under the proposed Palau-FSM Connectivity Project (WB)/North Pacific Connectivity Project
(ADB) currently under preparation. This project will be managed jointly by the Micro-Pal Fiber
Optic Joint Committee, an entity made up of representatives of FSM and ROP. It is anticipated
that the management of this project may move to cable corporations in both countries that will
eventually take over the ownership and management of the cable once it has been landed.
The technical assistance grant complements this activity. FSM and ROP have established the
above referenced Joint Committee to manage on behalf of the two countries activities and
functions which need to be undertaken collaboratively in order to deliver the cable project. The
ROP-FSM stakeholders are now seeking a Project Director to assist the Joint Committee in
developing the collaborative aspects of project design and implementation. The Project Director
will be instructed by and will report to the Chairman of the Joint Committee.
2. The Scope of Work:

Working through the Joint Committee, assist each government in undertaking the actions
that need to be delivered at the national level, including the negotiation of the joint
venture arrangements that will establish the ownership, governance, and operational
arrangements for the collaborative aspects of the cable system.

Lead the selection of the optimal cable route for the Palau-Yap-Guam system and landing
points.

Prepare a detailed financial analysis for the routes under consideration—drawing on
analytical work already undertaken in preparation for this project.
Lead the finalization of the financing plan for the project and obtaining stakeholder
approval for its investment.


Prepare a detailed business plan for the project that includes the commercial and
operational arrangements for the joint aspects of the cable system.

Work with the Joint Committee to develop and prioritize a work plan to deliver the cable
system.

On behalf of the Joint Committee, coordinate with other advisors, as may be necessary,
who may be advisors that will be retained in support of the project.

Participate, as required, in discussions with development partners.

Actively contribute to the selection of an institutional structure for the cable system.

Provide assistance, as needed, to the environmental and social safeguards consultants &
ensure timely completion of the environmental and social safeguards documentation
required for Project approval.

Assist stakeholders with information for public consultations.

Assist the Joint Committee in undertaking negotiations for any necessary land usage
agreement for beach-manhole sites and cable backhaul.

Assist the Joint Committee with licensing and regulatory matters in relation to the Guam
landing and as required with Governments in ROP, FSM, and Guam, to secure any
necessary license(s) that meet both regulatory and funding parties requirements.

Assist the Joint Committee in completing the necessary landing party agreements (LPAs).

Review and endorse technical design and bidding documents for all aspects of the cable,
landing stations, terminating equipment and all associated works.

Lead the tendering process and the placement of supply contracts for the route survey and
supply and installation of all components of the cable system.

Manage the selected system supplier to ensure that the system is implemented to
specifications and on time.

In liaison with the Joint Committeeby maintaining a regular and clear reporting system for
communicating project progress to the Joint Committee and stakeholders.
3. Short-listing criteria:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant experience managing major international
multi-country submarine cable projects that includes telecommunications engineering expertise
and commercial experience. The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate:

Start-up business experience at a senior managerial level, e.g., COO or CEO, in
telecommunications.

Sound knowledge of the telecommunications industry and its likely trends with
demonstrated abilities in managing all aspects of a company together with financial
control and evidence of entrepreneurial drive.

Extensive and demonstrable experience managing a major international submarine cable
project involving multiple countries, preferably with experience landing a cable system in
the United States or a US territory.

Demonstrated ability to work successfully with stakeholders, including governments,
regulatory bodies, international funding agencies, investment banks, wholesale customers
and local communities is preferable.

Demonstrated leadership attributes with excellent interpersonal skills, with strong written
and verbal communication skills.

Previous experience with public sector managed infrastructure financing projects is an
advantage.

Knowledge of the Pacific region is an advantage.
4.
The experience and qualifications of individuals shall be utilized in the selection process.
Corporate experience will not be taken into account in the selection process. The Contract will
be signed on behalf of FSM and ROP governments with the proposed individual who is selected
to be appointed as the Project Director.
5.
The Project is contingent upon the ROP obtaining financing arrangements for the
procurement of the Fiber Optic Cable that is acceptable to the Minister of Finance and the
President of the Republic of Palau.
6.
The selected consultant, and their agents, personnel, sub-consultants, sub-contractors,
service providers, and suppliers, agree to allow the World Bank to inspect all accounts, records,
and other documents relating to the submission of proposals and contract performance, and to
have them audited by auditors appointed by the Bank.
7.
The consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the: “World
Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA
Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers” dated January 2011 (“Consultant Guidelines”),
based on the “Individual Consultant” method.
9.
The Micro-Pal Fiber Optic Joint Committee now invites eligible candidates to submit
their expressions of interest, together with the curriculum vitae and references, in the English
language.
10.
Interested consultants may obtain further information from Rhinehart Silas at
rsilas23@gmail.com, or Jolden Johnnyboy at transcom@mail.fm.
11.
Expressions of interest must be delivered to the addresses below by May 15, 2014.
Ministry of Finance
P.O. Box 100
Koror, PW 96940
Republic of Palau
Attn: Rhinehart Silas
Government of the Federated States of Micronesia
Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure
P.O Box PS-2
Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941
Tel: (691) 320 2381/2865
Fax: (691) 320 5853