Invitation for Bids – Legal Consultant

The Noonu Atoll Administration is pleased to announce the opportunity for the “Reimagine Noonu Binaaveshi” Project. This project seeks to develop a comprehensive Atoll Land Use Plan (LUP) aimed at fostering sustainable development, optimising land resources, and addressing the evolving needs of Noonu Atoll communities in the face of climate change and governance. To achieve this vision, we invite bids for the position of Legal Consultant, who will play a team player role in driving this initiative forward.

Project Overview

As a legal consultant for the “Reimagine Noonu Binaaveshi” Project, for Noonu Atoll Administration, responsibilities will encompass a wide range of critical tasks aimed at guiding the development of a sustainable and legally compliant land use plan. Consultant will be instrumental in addressing legal complexities related to both residential islands and uninhabited islands, including associated reefs and lagoons. This will involve offering expert advice to ensure the equitable management of these resources while aligning with local governance principles.

A key component of your role will involve taking on and resolving legal cases tied to the leasing of uninhabited islands, ensuring adherence to the Decentralisation Act and addressing potential conflicts arising from central governmental decisions. Consultants' efforts will contribute to safeguarding the rights and autonomy of local communities while enabling thoughtful and sustainable development across Noonu Atoll. By providing sound legal counsel, you will help pave the way for a land use plan that respects local values, encourages decentralisation, and promotes long-term prosperity for the atoll's residents.

The selected consultant will collaborate with the Noonu Atoll Administration alongside a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Together, the team will deliver the following key outputs:

1. Conducting a thorough Community Needs Assessment.

2. Developing a Resilient Islands and Atoll Framework.

3. Producing the official Atoll Land Use Plan (LUP).

To ensure comprehensive planning, the consultancy team will also include specialists in the following domains:

• Urban Planning

• Economy & Social Sciences

• Transport & Logistics

• Surveying

These experts will contribute critical insights and analysis, ensuring that the LUP is robust, inclusive, and tailored to the Atoll's diverse needs.

Scope of Work and Deliverables

The detailed deliverables and responsibilities for each consultancy role are outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) document. Interested consultants are required to review the TOR carefully before submitting their proposals.

All necessary travel, accommodation, and meals during visits to Noonu Atoll, as determined by the methodology and approved by the Noonu Council or LAC, will be covered by the Noonu Atoll Council/Noonu LAC and therefore must not be included in the proposed fees. Consultants are expected to submit their fees for the following deliverables:

The deliverables for the project are as follows, along with their respective proposed fees in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR):

1. Finalise Project Methodology

2. Community Needs Assessment

3. Acknowledgement of Guiding Principles

4. Development of Resilient Islands and Atoll Framework

5. Existing Resource and Land Use Evaluation

6. Administrative Framework Development

7. Development of the Atoll Land Use Plan

8. Integrated Atoll Development Forum

9. Taking on legal cases tied to the leasing of uninhabited islands

Note: Consultants applying for specific roles should propose fees only for deliverables relevant to their expertise.

Bidding Process

Key Dates and Times

1. Registration – 18th to 30th December 2024, 13:00

2. Bid Information Session – 31st December 2024, 13:00

3. Bid Clarifications – 1st to 4th January 2025, 13:00

4. Bid Submission Deadline – 8th January 2025, 13:00

Interested parties can register for the bid by submitting the form. The Bid Information Session will be conducted online. Upon registration, a confirmation email with the meeting link will be sent.

A detailed terms of reference document will be provided to all registered bidders ahead of the scheduled bid information session. This document will outline the specific objectives, scope, deliverables, and expectations for the project, ensuring that bidders have a clear understanding of the requirements.

Bid Opening Process

Bids will be opened on 8th January 2025 at 13:00 in the presence of bidders. The process will take place at the Noonu Atoll Council Secretariat, Noonu Manadhoo, Republic of Maldives. Bids submitted electronically will not be accepted. All documentation must be submitted together in a single envelope labelled with the organisation’s or individual’s name and the tender reference number.

Reasons for Bid Rejection

1. Non-registered bidders will not be eligible to participate in the bid opening.

2. Attendance at the Bid Information Session is mandatory. Absentees will not qualify.

3. Late submissions, after the deadline, will be disqualified.

4. Missing any required documents specified in the submission requirements will result in rejection.

Submission Requirements

Interested consultants or firms must submit the following as part of their proposal:

1. Technical Proposal

• Detailed methodology and approach for all deliverables applied for.

• Comprehensive work plan and timeline.

• Composition of the consulting team (if applicable).

2. Financial Proposal

• Completed Deliverables Table for Fee Proposal, including proposed fees for all relevant deliverables.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• CVs of key personnel.

• Portfolio of similar projects successfully completed.

• References from prior clients.

4. Legal and Administrative Documents

• Organisation’s registration documents (if applicable).

• Valid GST Registration Certificate (if applicable).

• Tax Clearance Report with six months’ validity (if applicable).

• Contact information (name, role, phone, email).

• Tax compliance certificate (if applicable).

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated according to the following:

1. Technical Proposal (40%)

• Comprehension of project objectives and outlined scope of work.

• Quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology and work plan.

2. Qualifications and Experience (30%)

• Experience with similar projects.

• Expertise of proposed individuals or teams.

3. Financial Proposal (20%)

• Cost-effectiveness and value for money.

4. References and Past Performance (10%)

• Feedback from previous clients.

• Submission of a portfolio of similar work.

We look forward to receiving your bids and collaborating with talented professionals to realise the “Reimagine Noonu Binaaveshi” Project and drive sustainable growth across the Noonu Atoll.