Digitisation of Cadastral Maps, Albania

New clarification added: Scanning RequirementsQ1. Are the maps already indexed with barcodes/QR codes, or must the Contractor supply barcode/QR labelling equipment?Answer: Maps are not indexed with barcodes. The Contractor shall assure the use of barcode/QR labelling equipment. See Section 4.2.2 and 6.3.2 of the ToRQ2. From RFP document, it is clear that CZ are divided into 23 Directorates; please confirm that scanning activity will be undertaken at 23 office locations to scan 33,000 map sheets?Answer: The total number of Local Directorates is 23. In Tirana there are 8 Local Directorates. Please see Annex 1Q3. Coordinate System Assumptions for 33,000 Map SheetsWith reference to the ToR requirements for georeferencing and digitisation of approximately 33,000 cadastral map sheets, the Consultant seeks confirmation on the following assumptions to ensure technical compliance:- The Consultant assumes that all 33,000 map sheets contain printed coordinates, and that no map sheet lacks coordinate grid information, as this is essential for accurate georeferencing. Kindly confirm whether this assumption is correct.Answer: All the maps have printed coordinate grids (some might be damaged). First Registration vector data will be used for georeferencing, as well.- Uniform Coordinate Reference System (CRS). It is assumed that all map sheets were originally produced in the same coordinate system, specifically Albanian 1987 Gauss–Kruger. Please confirm whether all sheets follow a uniform CRS.Answer: We confirm that all the maps follow the same CRS.- Provision of Transformation Parameters. The Consultant assumes that SCA will provide the necessary transformation parameters for Albanian 1987 Gauss–Kruger, including datum definitions, projection parameters, and any geodetic corrections required for conversion into current national standards. Please confirm whether these parameters will be provided.Answer: Confirmed.- Multiple Coordinate Systems (If Applicable). In the event that some map sheets were prepared in different historical coordinate systems, the Consultant assumes that SCA will provide complete transformation parameters for each CRS to ensure harmonization into a single uniform projection system for the national database. Please clarify whether multiple CRSs exist and whether SCA will provide the required transformation datasets.Answer: There are no maps printed in different CSR. But, during the time, were used: Gauss Kryger, UTM and KRGJSH. If necessary the SCA will provide parameters of each and the transformation parameters.Q4. Required Accuracy Level for GeoreferencingThe ToR does not specify the requirement for using field-observed Ground Control Points (GCPs) or external high-accuracy base imagery for absolute positional accuracy. Based on this, the Consultant makes the following interpretation:Accuracy Based on Printed Coordinates OnlyThe Consultant understands that the accuracy of georeferencing is expected to rely solely on the printed coordinate values available on the original cadastral map sheets, and not on field-surveyed GCPs or external geodetic benchmarks. - Answer: Confirmed.No Requirement for Absolute Positional Accuracy - Answer: Confirmed. No GCP's and/or any external-accuracy imagery sources data for georeferencing will be applicable, except the vector data from the First Registration that will be made available to the Contractor.Since the ToR does not mention:use of GCPs,UAV/aerial/satellite imagery for positional correction, orany requirement to match the vectorized data with ground-truth reference layers,it is assumed that absolute positional accuracy is not required. - Answer: Confirmed.Relative Accuracy / Inter-Map ConsistencyTherefore, the Consultant interprets that the primary objective is relative accuracy—i.e., achieving inter-map consistency and seamless integration of adjoining sheets, rather than ensuring absolute real-world coordinate accuracy. - Answer: ConfirmedQ5. From shared Pre-bid minutes of meeting, it is evident that Georeferencing will be done using the existing vector layers of first registration of index plan. Is it so?Answer: ConfirmedQ6. What are the necessary licenses, authorizations, and professional certifications recognized in Albania to ensure the legal validity and official acceptance of the produced digital cadastral data?Answer: Please refer to the RPF, Section Section II: Evaluation Criteria, paragraph 3 of Qualification Criteria. Bidders are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable national laws, including any requirements related to professional certificationsQ7. Required ASPRS Accuracy Class / RMSE ThresholdThe ToR states that the “ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data shall be applied for defining and measuring horizontal accuracy using RMSE.”However, the ASPRS Standard (2014) defines multiple horizontal accuracy classes (e.g., Class X, A, B, C, D, E, F), each associated with different RMSE thresholds.To ensure that the Consultant aligns the georeferencing and digitisation workflow with the Client’s expectations, we kindly request clarification on the following:Please specify which ASPRS horizontal accuracy class (e.g., Class B, Class C, Class D, etc.) and the corresponding RMSEr threshold SCA requires for the final georeferenced and digitised cadastral datasets.Answer: Section 4.2.1. of ToR recommends only to achieve the best possible ASPRS accuracy and not defines any specific classes and thresholds for each map scale, This due fact that the physical and production quality of the to be digitized maps vary significantly and this makes impossible to define any fixed ASPRS accuracies. As mentioned, the “as-is”approach determines it.Q8. Are there any restrictions on using AI-assisted vectorisation tools, considering the ToR mentions AI as an optional method?Timeline, Mapping Volumes & WorkloadAnswer: There are no restrictionsQ9. Can UNOPS/SCA provide an approximate estimate of: What is the total area of all Cadastral Zones and Percentage stored in each local office?Answer: All information on the number of maps, cadastral zones for each Local Directorate is provided in Annex 1 of the Terms of References (Annex 1: Background and Status of Cadastral Maps).Q10. Are there seasonal or access-related constraints that may affect on-site work (public holidays, local events, office closures)?Answer: The working hours of the Local Directorates are 08:00–16:30, Monday to Thursday, and 08:00–14:00 on Fridays. SCA offices will remain closed during the weekends and public holidays. List of public holidays is published at the website of Albanian National Bank. Advance notice and security clearance will be needed and authorised by SCA - 5 working days in advance for a number of people with their IDs and names should be provided.

New clarification added: Does this project have an delivery data standart or, metadata of data that need to deliver? It is not clear what are deliveries.Answer: Yes, the project will have / has the delivery data standard. The data output shall be in a recognized both CAD/CAM or GIS format in KRGJSH and Gauss Kryger coordinate system, subject to agreement during the Inception Phase. See Section 6.5 of the ToR.

New amendment added #2: This amendment concerns in:- the uploading of the pre-bid meeting minutes from the online session held on 25 November, from 09:00 to 10:30 (Albanian time).- a video demonstration showing the actual condition of the maps will also be uploaded.Both documents can be found under "Documents" tab.

New clarification added: A. PROJECT SCOPE & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (6 questions)1. Can UNOPS/SCA provide sample maps from 5-10 representative Cadastral Zones for pre-bid analysis, representing different map scales (1:2500, 1:1000, 1:500) and damage categories?3. Can bidders access sample DWG files from existing digital cadastral maps generated during the First Registration process to assess feature density and complexity?Answer: Please find in this link additional information for question 1 and answer for question 3. 

New clarification added: H. TEAM QUALIFICATIONS & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION 27. We understand that along with “Joint Venture (JV)/ Consortium/ Association” Sub Consultancy is also allowed for this RFP.Answer: Please refer to Form G: Technical Proposal Form.I. General28. Could you please confirm whether this is an open tender or closed tender? If closed, kindly provide the names of the shortlisted firms.Answer: Open International Tender.29. We understand that detailed resumes of experts are to be submitted under “Form I: Format for Resume of Proposed Key Personnel,” and only pen portraits are required under “Section 3: Key Personnel Proposed.” Please confirm.Answer: Confirmed.30. We understand that Detailed CVs, as per “Form I: Format for Resume of Proposed Key Personnel,” are required only for the Key Personnel listed in “Section 3: Key Personnel Proposed,” and that Detailed CVs for non-key experts are not required. Please confirm.Answer: Confirmed.31. We understand that only one CV needs to be submitted for each position (e.g. one CV each for GIS Experts, Cartographers, and Quality Control (QC) Experts). Please confirm.Answer: Confirmed.32. Could you please inform us whether any taxes will be deducted while making payments to international firms?Answer: All Proposals shall be submitted net of any direct taxes  (customs duties and indirect taxes, such as sales taxes, VAT, taxes on commodities such as fuel).33. How many workshops / meetings are expected with the stakeholders?Answer: Up to the bidders to propose. 34. Could you let us know what is the anticipated duration and number of participants in post-implementation training and extension exercises? Where this training needs to be conducted physically at one location (such as Tirana) OR we can provide training through virtual methods like Skype, WebEx from our home location? In case of onsite training, we understand that consultants will only provide the trainer. The venue, refreshments and stationary will be provided by Client.Answer: Up to bidders to propose. Please note that there are no requirments for the specific training of SCA staff in the ToR. However, it will be an advantage if proposal includes training, including for to the Online Tool to support QC processes at SCA Local Directorates and Live Dashboard. 

New clarification added: D. DATA SECURITY, CONFIDENTIALITY & PROCESSING LOCATION 16. Section V confirms that offshore processing requires "prior written authorisation from UNOPS and the SCA." Can this authorization be pre-negotiated during the contract inception phase and granted upfront for the project duration, or must it be requested separately for each batch of deliverables?Answer: It can be granted upfront for the project duration. However we encourage  the bidders to consult their legal advisors for further interpretative advice17. What specific security protocols or certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2) would satisfy the requirements for UNOPS/SCA to authorize temporary offshore data processing for geo-referencing, vectorization, and internal QC?Answer: ISO standards, apart from ISO 9001:2015, are not mandatory but will be considered as an advantage. In that regard, ISO 27001, SOC 2 will be considered as an advantage. Please note, that the Special Conditions of the Contract (please see Section V) to be signed with the successful bidder include binding clauses related to Confidentiality Obligations and Data Security and Management, which all Contractors must fully comply with regardless of certification status.18. Section V requires contractors to "permanently delete all copies from its systems" post-contract. What form of verification does UNOPS require (e.g., signed certification, third-party IT audit, system deletion logs)?Answer: Signed Certification of Data Delition from the Contractor.19. Section V states contractors indemnify UNOPS for claims arising from SCA source material errors "provided such claims are related to the Contractor's performance, processing, or handling." How does UNOPS differentiate between contractor-introduced errors vs. pre-existing SCA data errors when determining indemnification responsibility?Answer: As stated in the clause, the responsibility will depend on the facts of the situation/claim, i.e. whether the relevant claim arose from the the contractor’s performance, processing, or handling of the SCA data, which is differentiated from the content, accuracy, or legal implications of the SCA data, for which both parties shall not bear any legal liability.However we encourage  the bidders to consult their legal advisors for further interpretative advice.E. DAY FORWARD REGIME & CONTINGENCY PROCESSES 20. If a Cadastral Zone freeze exceeds 21 working days and the Day Forward Regime must be implemented, what are the specific technical requirements for the digital transaction capture mechanism? Is this considered within the original scope or a contract variation requiring additional compensation?Answer: Refer to the Section 9.2. Communication and Deliverable Acceptance Protocol subsection:Temporary Blocking (“Freezing”) of Cadastral Zones in ToR. It`s considered as part of the original scope. 21. Does the Day Forward Regime system need to integrate directly with SCA's Multifunctional Cadastral System, or can it operate as a standalone temporary solution with subsequent data migration?Answer: Standalone temporary solution for Map categories 3 and 4, while Categories 1 and 2 should go directly to Multifunktional.F. LOGISTICS & SITE ACCESS 22. What office space, if any, is available at SCA's 23 local directorates for contractor scanning teams? If dedicated space is unavailable, may contractors set up temporary workstations within SCA premises?Answer: Dedicated space for the scanning teams will be made available to the Contractor within the Local Directorates.23. Are there restrictions on contractor access to SCA local offices (e.g., specific working hours, security clearance requirements, advance notice periods)?Answer: The working hours of the Local Directorates are 08:00–16:30, Monday to Thursday, and 08:00–14:00 on Fridays. Weekends are non-working days. Advance notice and security clearance will be needed and authorised by SCA - 5 working days in advance for number of people with their IDs and names should be provided. G. REFERENCE DATA & TECHNICAL SUPPORT 24. Does SCA have existing digital reference data (orthophotos, GPS control points, survey coordinates) that can be provided to support geo-referencing activities? If yes, what is the geographic coverage percentage?Answer: Not needed. Vector maps of the First Registration and map grids will be used for reference.  25. Will SCA provide access to the active parcel number list from the Multifunctional System during the inception phase to enable completeness verification during internal quality control?Answer: SCA will provide information / list of active parcels during the assignment implementation but not in the Inception phase as the list might very in the course of the assignment. 26. For the optional AI-assisted vectorization pilot mentioned in Section III, what scale or scope would UNOPS consider appropriate for testing? Answer: Up to contractor, based on their esperience in using AI and innovative technologies, to propose. 

New clarification added: A. PROJECT SCOPE & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (6 questions)1. Can UNOPS/SCA provide sample maps from 5-10 representative Cadastral Zones for pre-bid analysis, representing different map scales (1:2500, 1:1000, 1:500) and damage categories?Answer: Please refer to this video. Additional documents will follow in next days.2. Does the State Cadastre Agency have aggregate statistics on average parcel counts and building counts per Cadastral Zone from the Multifunctional System that can be shared with bidders?Answer: Approximately, the average number of parcels per Cadastral Zone in rural areas is around 2,000 parcels (typically between 1,000 and 3,000 parcels) and about 150 buildings. In urban areas, parcel counts typically range from 5,000 to 10,000 parcels and buildings. Most urban areas have already been digitised.Please note that payments will be made per Cadastral Zone, not per the number of parcels or buildings contained within each zone.3. Can bidders access sample DWG files from existing digital cadastral maps generated during the First Registration process to assess feature density and complexity?Answer: Will follow in next days.4. Can UNOPS provide statistics on Cadastral Zone size distribution (e.g., percentage of CZs containing 1-5 maps, 6-12 maps, 13-20 maps, 20+ maps)?Answer: Please refer to the information in this link.5. Can SCA provide a breakdown showing the distribution of damaged maps (Categories 3-4) by Local Directorate or geographic region?Answer: Approximately 10% of the maps are damaged, however the final number will be determined by the Contractor during the inventory process, This task is within the scope of this contract.6. For urban zones with multiple versions of the same map (3-4 duplicates mentioned in Section III), what is the protocol for determining which copy is the primary source for digitization, and how should contradictory information across duplicates be resolved?Answer: We expect bidders to describe this in their proposed methodology (e.g., active parcels). The expectation from the Contractor is that no parcels will be overlaping.B. PAYMENT & COMMERCIAL TERMS (4 questions)7. The Financial Proposal Form references milestone-based payments (e.g., M1, M5). For payment triggers, is a "batch" defined as: (a) individual Cadastral Zones, (b) groups of CZs (if so, how many), or (c) monthly accepted volumes? How does this align with the 21-working-day CZ freeze requirement?Answer: The answer is a) individual Cadastral Zone. The second part of the question related to 21-calendar days CZ freez requirment is not relevant to the payment. Regarding the freeze period please refer to the Section 9.2. Communication and Deliverable Acceptance Protocol subsection:Temporary Blocking (“Freezing”) of Cadastral Zones in the ToR.8. The ITT states UNOPS reserves the right to vary volume by ±20% without changes to unit prices. Does this variation apply to: (a) total map count only, (b) Cadastral Zone count, or (c) both? If the CZ count varies, does the 21-working-day freeze requirement still apply?Answer: It applies to total map count. The number of CZ will not vary. 21 Calendar Days freezing applies to all CZ. 9. What is the amount and currency denomination required for the Performance Security bank guarantee referenced in Section V?Answer: Please refer to Particulars section in esoucing_Performance Security details which states: Performance security shall be required from the awarded Offeror in the amount of 10% of the total Contract amount, which is in USD.10. What insurance coverage is required (professional indemnity, equipment, data breach, etc.) and at what coverage limits? This is not specified in the General Conditions reference.Answer: Please refer to article 6:Insurance and liability, of the General Conditions of contract, under Section V-1. C. QUALITY CONTROL & COORDINATION 11. Can UNOPS provide a draft Communication & Deliverable Acceptance Protocol, or reference examples from similar projects, to help bidders understand coordination requirements between the digitization contractor and the external QC contractor?Answer: There is no template for the Communication and Deliverable Acceptance Protocol as it will be project-specific and is expected that the bidder, together with the stakeholders, will prepare it during the Inception Phase. (please refer to the Section 9.2. Communication and Deliverable Acceptance Protocol in the ToR). 12. What is the contractually binding turnaround time for SCA to provide cadastral materials following a formal contractor request? Section III mentions 2-3 working days—is this guaranteed?Answer: Yes, it will be provided as per ToR.13. If the external QC contractor rejects a Cadastral Zone late in the 21-working-day freeze period (e.g., on day 18-19), what is the expected resolution process? Can the freeze period be extended for resubmission, or must the Day Forward Regime be implemented immediately?Answer: Please refer to the Section 9.2. Communication and Deliverable Acceptance Protocol and subsection: Deliverable Acceptance Sequence.14. Section III states that a technical error rate exceeding 5% triggers full Cadastral Zone resubmission. How is the 5% threshold calculated—as a percentage of total parcels, total features, or total map sheets within the CZ?Answer: The 5% treshold is calculated as a percentige of contolled parcels within CZ.15. For edge-matching requirements between adjacent map sheets, what geometric tolerance is acceptable given that many source maps may be damaged, distorted, or lack coordinate grids?Answer: Reference will be the vector parcel of the First Registration. If there are still some edge matching issues this has to be flagged to SCA. 

New clarification added: Is there any requirement for the bidder to be registered in Albania or have a office there?Answer: There is no specific requirement for bidders to be registered in Albania or to maintain an office in the country.These obligations depend on the legal form under which the company is registered in its home country and on how the company intends to operate in Albania (e.g., through local representation, subcontractors, or temporary presence). Bidders are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable national laws, including any requirements related to taxation, registration, or temporary business operations.

New amendment added #1: This amendment concerns the rescheduling of the pre-bid meeting due to the National Holiday in Albania on 24 November, as well as the inclusion of the Google Meet link for the meeting.