Announcements
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)
14.12.2015
Country: REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
Project: EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Loan No.: 8342-AM; Credit No.: 5387-AM
Project ID: P130182
Assignment Title: CONDUCTING NEEDS ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR REVIEWING GENERAL EDUCATION STATE STANDARDS, CURRICULUM AND SYLLABI
The Republic of Armenia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Education Improvement Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The consulting services (“the Services”) include design and implementation of the need assessment study examining the existing challenges and needs for the revision of general education curriculum and standards. It is expected to hire a consulting firm in carrying out the study. Interested firms may consider partnership with a local counterpart for assistance in its activities. The following activities are to be carried out by the selected consulting firm:
Detailed study of the existing National Curriculum, state and subject standards and related documents;
Incorporating lessons from the international experience in the implementation of curriculum reform; get familiar with the European project for Key Competences and how it could be reflected in improving curriculum for general education in Armenia;
Getting acquainted with studies related to education content carried out in Armenia during the last years;
Studying the results of national assessments and tests conducted in Armenia during the recent years and results of international assessments where the Armenian students have participated and compare the assessment results with subject syllabi and standards;
Developing methodology of the study using both quantitative and qualitative assessment methodologies;
Developing samples reflecting the full range of type of schools (basic schools, high schools, etc.) also their location, size of the schools, etc., developing specific research questions to be addressed by the study;
Developing research instruments required for the study (questionnaires for students, principals and teachers, focus groups and interview guidelines, etc.);
Conducting the field study;
Organizing at least two workshops for key stakeholders (Ministry of Education and Science officials, National Institute of Education, Marz Education Departments, school directors, teachers, pre-service institutions, etc.) to be held before and after the study;
Developing analytical report providing a comprehensive summary of key findings and recommendations.
The Contract signing is anticipated in July 2015, and the completion date is October/November 2015.
The Center for Education Projects PIU now invites eligible consulting firms(“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The selection criteria are:
At least five year experience in research using both qualitative and quantitative methodology especially experience with conducting studies in education sector;
Strong research team comprising specialists (core team )with at least five years experience and having significant background in conducting studies;
Specialists with background in education area;
Experience in conducting public discussions.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers [January 2011] (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on the Consultants’ Qualification method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 11:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00 Monday-Friday except of national holidays.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by May 27, 2015.
“Center for Education Projects” PIU
73 Vratsyan Street, Yerevan, 0070, Armenia
Tel.: (+374-10) 57-56-90 ext. 27
E-mail: cfep@arminco.com
Mr. Vardan Poghosyan, Procurement Officer
For additional information, please contact by the E-mail above.