RFP Consultancy Services for Provincial Energy Strategies and Investment Frameworks for Industrial Parks in Vietnam

New clarification added: Dear Bidder, Please find below clarifications request and responses from UNOPS as following: Question 1: Our firm would like to express our interest in submitting a proposal for this tender. However, with the upcoming extended national holiday in Vietnam, we kindly request whether it would be possible to extend the submission deadline. This extension would allow us sufficient time to prepare a comprehensive and well-structured proposal.Answer 1: Thank you for your request. After receiving requests from the other bidders, the deadline has been extended to 5 September 2025.Given the urgency of the project, the proposal submission deadline cannot be extended beyond 5 September 2025. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your submission.

New clarification added: Dear Bidder, Please find below clarifications request and responses from UNOPS as following: Question 1) We would like to seek clarification regarding the scoring criteria under Section 1.1 of the RFP (Section III – Returnable Bidding Forms Technical Envelope), specifically the provision that awards 3 points for: "Understanding of local context, and partnering up with a Vietnamese entity to provide for the strategic consultation, translations; as well as the communications expertise.". (i) As a consulting firm based in Vietnam with demonstrated experience in strategic consultation, translation, and communications within the local context, could you please confirm whether this criterion can be satisfied without forming a partnership with another Vietnamese entity?(ii) Additionally, if a partnership is required, could you clarify whether this must be formalized as a Joint Venture (JV), or if other forms of collaboration (e.g., subcontracting or MoU) would be acceptable for evaluation purposes?Response No.1: The Scoring Criteria under Section 1.1 of the RFP (Section III – Returnable Bidding Forms Technical Envelope), specifically the provision that awards 3 points for: "Understanding of local context, and partnering up with a Vietnamese entity to provide for the strategic consultation, translations; as well as the communications expertise".(i) Yes, this criterion can be satisfied WITHOUT forming partnership with Vietnamese company if the main bidder can fulfill the requirement of understanding local context.(ii) Refer to Returnable Form A Joint Venture (JV), JV could be in the form of JV partner, Consortium/ Association who jointly and serverally liable to UNOPS under the contract. The bidder also allow for other form of partnering such as subcontractoring, however, under such forms, the Lead controtor will solely liable for the contract.Question 2) We would like to seek clarification regarding the requirement stated in the RFP and Form F:“Offeror must provide a minimum of two (2) customer references from which similar services have been successfully provided, within any of the last 5 years.”Could you kindly confirm the following(i) Does “customer references” require direct feedback or confirmation from the client (e.g., signed testimonials, completed feedback forms, or letters)?(ii) If so, is there a specific section in Form F where such signed confirmations should be included?(iii) Alternatively, would it be sufficient to list the details of past projects (e.g., client name, project scope, dates, contact information) without requiring formal client confirmation?Response No.2: Reference to Form F: Offeror must provide a minimum of two (2) customer references from which similar services have been successfully provided, within any of the last 5 years. Kindly find UNOPS responses as below:(i) Direct feedback or confirmation is not required in the submission, however, UNOPS reserves the right to check and verify with your previous client if any.(ii) Since the direct feedback is not required, there is no specific template for the bidder to fill in.(iii) As stated in our response (i), we do not required direct feedback from our previous client. Kindly refer all information required by UNOPS as per Form F. 

New clarification added: Dear Bidder, Please find below clarifications request and responses from UNOPS as following: Question 1: We acknowledge that milestone 5 requires Level 2 energy audit of the IP and sample tenant facilities. Since we do not have data on the tenant spaces and the equipment being used in the operation, it is not feasible to accurately estimate the cost of energy audit. We request UNOPS to allow us include the 'energy audit' cost per site (categorised as small, medium and large) under 'other non-personnel costs (reimbursable payment)' and that this can be finalised once the data sharing agreement is established with individual IPs. Answer 1: Please factor in all costs in your financial proposal, including those related to Level 2 energy audits, as modifications away from the original proposal (e.g., adding extra costs for components already required in the current TOR) will not be possible during the implementation phase and the consultant will have to absorb the costs. Please find the relevant information in the TOR:"III. Project Deliverables17. Regarding paragraph 15c, Table 3 below provides a preliminary list of data required for the work, organised by category and indicating whether each data type is shareable. The consultant is expected to further explain how each data type will support their analysis and assess whether additional data collection is necessary. The government beneficiary has confirmed their support in facilitating connections with relevant stakeholders. Table 3 lists some examples of data types, indicating whether they will be provided by the beneficiary or need to be gathered through fieldwork. However, the consultant should identify and include any additional data requirements beyond those shown. All costs related to field activities must be accounted for in the consultant’s financial proposal.Table 3: Preliminary list of data required for the projectAssumptions: Detailed data is required for three provinces. The consultant is required to budget for field surveys/ energy audits to cover all IPs in 3 provinces and to collect all necessary data. “Conditionally sharable” implies the consultant needs to verify given data with field surveys and will be required to sign an NDA."Question 2: We are writing to kindly request a two-week extension for the opportunity titled:“RFP Consultancy Services for Provincial Energy Strategies and Investment Frameworks for Industrial Parks in Vietnam”Reference: RFP/2025/58875. We would propose the new deadline to be 15/09/2025.Answer 2: Thank you for your request. Based on the previous requests and consultation with the beneficiary, an extension until 5 September has been provided.Given the urgency of the project, the proposal submission deadline cannot be extended beyond 5 September. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your submission.

New clarification added: Dear Respective Bidders,Please kindly find the request for clarification and responses from UNOPS as following: Q1: Given the depth of technical work required in the proposal, would UNOPS/ETP consider granting an extension of two weeks (Sept 15) to the proposal submission deadline to allow bidders to prepare high-quality, responsive submissions?A1: Thank you for your request. Given the urgency of the project, the proposal submission deadline cannot be extended beyond 5 September. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your submission.Q2: The Provinces (Tay Ninh, Da Nang, and Son La) are mentioned in the TOR for budgeting purposes, but it is our understanding that the Consultant can select appropriate provinces (Milestone 2). Should bidders plan fieldwork budgets strictly for these three provinces mentioned for budgeting, or leave room for substitution costs?A2: The consultant should propose the budget specifically for the 3 provinces (Tay Ninh, Da Nang and Son La) for the proposal submission purpose. However, these targeted provinces may be vary based on the outcome during implementation between the selected consultant and UNOPS under milestone 2.Q3: For conditionally shareable or “not available” data (e.g., substation details, IP load data, energy audits), will MOF/ETP facilitate permissions for access, including confidentiality agreements?A3: ETP and the governmental beneficiary can facilitate introductions to necessary partners. However, it is the consultant’s responsibility to organise field surveys, establish effective stakeholder engagement, and secure the necessary data. A clear and detailed plan for data collection and demonstration of sufficient capacity will be required to demonstrate the consultant’s ability to manage this task. NDA will be facilitated by ETP UNOPS and the beneficiary.Q4: IP owners are not always open to sharing all of the information about their tenants (which drive the IP energy use) and as such full technical audits of all IPs in the three selected provinces may not be feasible in the time frame of the project. As such, if necessary, can representative sampling be proposed?A4: It is a requirement to cover all selected IPs. While full access to tenant-level data may not always be possible, representative sampling within each IP may be acceptable where justified. The consultant must demonstrate adequate capacity, including strong stakeholder engagement strategies, to obtain and manage the necessary data.Q5: Will ETP and GVN counterparts be able to work with EVN and provincial authorities provide official data on RE capacity and grid connection? A5: ETP and the governmental beneficiary can facilitate introductions to EVN and provincial authorities. However, it is the consultant’s responsibility to organise field surveys, establish effective stakeholder engagement, and secure the necessary data. A clear and detailed plan for data collection and demonstration of sufficient capacity will be required to demonstrate the consultant’s ability to manage this task.Q6: The TOR requires a minimum of 75 participants per workshop (60 in-person). Will MOF/ETP assist with invitations and mobilization, or is this entirely the consultant’s responsibility?A6: The consultant is responsible for ensuring that the minimum participation requirements are met. While ETP/UNOPS will support by inviting additional partners, the consultant must have the capacity to mobilise and manage the required number of participants independently.Q7: All reports must be in English and Vietnamese. Should consultants budget for professional translation and bilingual design/formatting?A7: All reports must comply with the requirements set out in the TOR, specifically: (i) availability in both English and Vietnamese; and (ii) professional presentation in terms of layout and design. Consultants should budget accordingly for professional translation and bilingual formatting. For reference, examples of acceptable standards can be found in reports published on the ETP website.Q8: The TOR requires consultants to cover travel for five government stakeholders (assumed Hanoi-based). Does this also apply to the two workshops in Hanoi and HCMC, or only for the provincial workshops?A8: As per ToRs and financial returnable bidding form C, the consultant required to cover travel for five government stakeholders in HCMC and provincial workshops only, excluding Hanoi as we assume stakeholders are Hanoi-based.Q9: The TOR notes reimbursable international/local travel but also requires inclusion in the financial proposal. Should bidders include estimated costs in the proposal or list them separately as reimbursables?A9: The proposed reimbursable payment amount from the bidder will be set as the maximum ceiling for the contract while payment will be paid based on actual amount spent accompany by third parties invoice/ receipt as evidence to proof the occurance of the transaction.Q10: The TOR requires an in-country presence (organization or consortium member). Would a local subcontractor qualify, or must the lead bidder/JV member have legal registration in Vietnam?A10: There is no restriction for the Lead JV to present in Vietnam, any of the JV members either lead JV or Sub JV present in Vietnam meet the eligibility criteria's requirement. 

New amendment added #2: Amendment has been done to extend the bid submission deadline from 01 to 05 Sept 2025

New clarification added: .

New clarification added: Dear Bidder, Please find below clarifications request and responses from UNOPS as following:Question no.1: We note that the current team leader position emphasises experience in stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy. Reviewing the TOR we note the importance of the investment and financing component of the study to the overall success of project implementation and to the relationship with key stakeholders like MoF. Would ETP accept changes to the team composition that include elevating the Investment and Financing specialist to the role of Team Leader supported by a separate stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy specialist?Response no.1:  We acknowledge the critical role of the investment and financing component in ensuring project success and strong relationships with key stakeholders. The TOR stipulates that there is only one Team Leader, and this individual must fully meet all TOR requirements. Nonetheless, ETP is open to suitable adjustments to the team composition and you can propose additional team members (non-key experts) to support the realisation of the project.Please find below relevant information from the TOR:Section VII. Consultant’s Required Qualifications and Evaluation CriteriaA. Consultant’s Required Qualifications60. The following are the minimum positions that should be included in the team. Bidders should make an assessment if additional positions are needed to deliver the project, in which case providing relevant justifications:- Team Lead (1 member)- Industrial Park and Economic Zone Specialist (maximum 2 member)- Energy Specialist (Industry) (maximum 2 member)- Investment Specialist (maximum 2 member)- Policy and Regulatory Specialist (maximum 2 member)Question no.2:  We are very interested in submitting a proposal for the RFP on Provincial Energy Planning and Investment Frameworks for Industrial Parks in Vietnam. However, as the first week of September includes two public holidays in Vietnam, we anticipate that this will limit the time available for us to coordinate with our partners and prepare a strong submission. We would therefore like to kindly request an extension of the submission deadline by two weeks. This additional time would allow us to prepare a high-quality proposal that fully meets the objectives and expectations of the assignment.Responses no.2: Following the consultation internally, UNOPS will be able to extended the bid submission deadline from 01 Sept 2025 to 05 Sept 2025.  

New clarification added: Question: In order to deliver the broad scope of the project including extensive field work, partnerships with fitting international and national firms are required. Enrering into partnerships is a time consuming process. Furthermore, developing a comprehensive proposal requires sufficient time as well. Considering the broad scope which the project entails, we request you to grant an extension of 2 week on the proposal submission deadline.Response: UNOPS will take into consideration the deadline extension request and discuss with the beneficiary. A confirmation will be shared via esourcing.

New clarification added: Dear Bidder, Please find below clarifications request and responses from UNOPS as following: Question 1: Will MOF facilitate the NDA process with the IPs and provincial governments? Also, kindly confirm if MOF has existing relationship with the IPs?Response no.1: The Ministry of Finance is the governmental authority responsible for overseeing industrial parks and economic zones in Vietnam and therefore maintains established relationships with these entities. While MOF can provide high-level facilitation as needed, it is required that the consultant, or at least one member of the consortium, possesses prior experience working with IPs and EZs in Vietnam and is able to mobilise the necessary resources to support data collection, coordination, and engagement with IPs and relevant provincial authorities as required. NDA process will be facilitated by both MOF and UNOPS.Question 2: Can we confirm if the expectation is to study 1 IP in each province (reference to figure 1)?Response no.2: Figure 1 is for demonstration purposes only. Please note that, as of 12 June 2025, Vietnam has adopted a new provincial structure, reducing the number of provinces and cities from 63 to 34, resulting in larger geographical boundaries for each province. Accordingly, the consultant is required to select one province from each region of Vietnam (North, South, and Centre), providing a clear rationale for the selection. The study must cover all industrial parks within the three selected provinces.Question 3: The scope of energy audit (milestone 5) is unclear (whether level 1 or level 2). Further, the audit will also need to conducted at sample industries operating within the IP. Has this been discussed with the IP management and is there any agreement signed by MOF? We are asking this due to anticipated data quality issues should individual industries be unwilling to disclose information. Response no.3: The audit under Milestone 5 will follow a Level 2 scope, covering all IPs in the three selected provinces, with sampling of representative industries within each IP to validate findings. Sample selection will be coordinated with IP management to ensure sectoral coverage and data access. The MOF will facilitate introductions to IPs and provincial authorities and support NDA arrangements as required.However, it is required that the consultant, or at least one member of the consortium, possesses prior experience working with IPs and EZs in Vietnam and is able to mobilise the necessary resources to support data collection, coordination, and engagement with IPs and relevant provincial authorities as required.Question 4: Will the final report be published externally? What measures will ETP take to ensure sensitive information is not disclosed?Response no.4:  Yes, the final report will be published externally. Only key, non-sensitive findings will be included, and all content will be reviewed and confirmed with the beneficiary prior to publication to ensure that no confidential or commercially sensitive information is disclosed.

New amendment added #1: Amendment has been done to upload the minutes of pre-bid meeting and presentation slides for all bidders.