Foreign economic-aid-related services

Tender description

DFID contracted Supplier to provide Technical Assistance (TA) and wider institutional capacity development in support to The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic revenue generation and macroeconomic management. This will be achieved through improved customs policy and administration (the core focus of the project) and by facilitating in-country missions by IMF-accredited experts, in support of the IMF Somalia Trust Fund for Capacity Development work-streams. As the major source of current domestic revenue, international trade and customs operations are the focus of this project. In particular, the supplier is expected to play a major role in strengthening the customs function in Somalia, by supporting the gradual implementation of a modern customs regime. The project will focus on strengthening customs operations and revenue collection in Somalia. — the supplier will support the gradual implementation of a modern customs regime throughout Somalia, — the supplier will work closely with authorities to improve customs procedures and operations, provide technical assistance to strengthen state capacity and where necessary invest in equipment. This Programme is part of the larger Public Resource Management in Somalia (PREMIS) programme. This programme will be funded by DFID, The EU and US Aid. This 10 200 000 GBP (4 750 000 GBP DFID contribution) procurement seeks to appoint a supplier to provide support to the Government of Somalia, specifically the recipients of this service are the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Central Bank of Somalia, The Mogadishu Port/Airport Authorities and potentially other port/airport authorities across Somalia will also be indirect beneficiaries of the project. Domestic revenue reforms are a priority of the FGS and a number of international partners are at different stages of Programme preparation, coordinated through an FGS/Development Partner revenue coordination group. Based on the current situation, and donor support known to be in place, the project is envisaged to make significant contributions to the achievement of the expert advisory and training services in the area of customs policy and administration (the core focus of the project). The project also foresees a capital spending component (e.g. to buy ICT equipment, taxation system). In-country missions by IMF-accredited experts will be funded with a ring-fenced value of 750 000 GBP. Project Outcome 1: Improved customs policy and administration, The TA and institutional development work will focus on supporting the Customs Department increase revenue collection in a cost-effective, transparent and sustainable manner. This requires a comprehensive approach to organizational development, including instituting more efficient and effective procedures and operations (aligned to World Customs Organisation standards) and associated capacity-building. The supplier will set out how it would go about building capability, to move towards a modern automated customs environment in the long term. Customs reform is a highly political and sensitive area, and as such, the project must be realistic in its approach. Outputs to be achieved: 1) Customs policy and legislative/regulatory framework aligned to international standards; 2) Improved customs administration and enforcement mechanisms at major ports/airports; 3) Strengthened organizational capability for more effective, efficient and accountable customs administration (including. enforcement of compliance). Project outcome 2: FGS Macroeconomic management, the activities under this output will be carried out in partnership with the IMF. — The Somalia Trust Fund for Capacity Development is working to strengthen the capacity of the FGS in a number of areas to do with macroeconomic policy and legislation in support of the IMF policy dialogue with the FGS, including on the Staff Monitored Programme: — The Trust Fund undertakes missions each month but because of travel policy restrictions cannot deploy IMF staff or experts into Somalia, — The Trust Fund is therefore not able to follow up its training activities (which take place in third countries) back in Mogadishu or carry out any Mogadishu based mentoring or implementation support for the policies and legislation it is supporting, — the Supplier should ensure that throughout the project government counterparts are placed in the lead of the reforms and that the project is demand driven, — the Supplier will need to manage any risks associated with this requirement. It will be vital to carry out thorough technical and political economy analysis and properly understand the Somali context. However, the project should focus as soon as possible on practical capacity building and hands-on implementation support to put.