Uzbekistan Financial Sector Reform Project (Узбекистан - Тендер #58437804)

This Technical Specification (hereinafter referred to as "TS") outlines the requirements for the selection of a consultant to assist the authorities of Uzbekistan in conducting a technical audit of the existing information system and in developing technical specifications for the procurement of server and network equipment.

The National Agency of Perspective Projects of the Republic of Uzbekistan (hereinafter referred to as "NAPP") was established pursuant to Presidential Decree No. PD-5120, dated July 24, 2017. NAPP serves as the authorized body responsible for the development of the insurance market and the formulation and implementation of a unified state policy in this sector.

In accordance with Presidential Decree No. PD-108, dated March 1, 2024, titled
“On Comprehensive Measures for the Further Development of the Insurance Services Market,” the existing information systems of the Insurance Payment Guarantee Fund have been transferred to NAPP. This decree also mandates the widespread adoption of modern information technologies to enhance the development of the insurance market and improve the penetration and quality of insurance services.

In light of the above, and as part of the “Financial Sector Reforms of Uzbekistan” program, NAPP requires the procurement of server and network equipment. Given the specific nature of this work, NAPP seeks to engage a consultant who will assist in conducting a technical audit of the current information system and in developing the necessary technical specifications for the procurement of server and network equipment.

The primary objective of this project is to conduct a comprehensive technical audit of the existing information system and to develop detailed technical specifications for the procurement of server and network equipment.

• CONSULTANT PROFILE

The National Agency of Perspective Projects of the Republic of Uzbekistan is seeking to engage a consultant who meets the following qualifications:

1. Educational Background: The consultant must hold a relevant higher education degree, at least at the Master’s level, or possess equivalent professional experience in fields related to the Information Technology (IT) sector.

2. Professional Experience: The consultant should have a minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the IT field, demonstrating current and advanced expertise in this area.

3. Auditing Experience: The consultant must have extensive experience in auditing IT infrastructure, particularly in the development of technical specifications for the procurement of server and network equipment. Experience within the insurance industry will be considered a significant advantage.

4. Interpersonal Skills: The consultant should possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.

5. Communication Skills: The consultant must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to convey complex issues to senior management and diverse audiences. Proficiency in the Uzbek or Russian languages will be considered an additional asset.

6. Technical Proficiency: The consultant should have a good level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.

Additional Requirements:

• The consultant must be a motivated, responsive, responsible, and proactive individual, demonstrating a diplomatic demeanor and a strong sense of teamwork. The ability to collaborate effectively with team members in both offline and online environments is essential.

• SCOPE OF WORK

The National Agency of Perspective Projects of the Republic of Uzbekistan is seeking to engage a qualified consultant to assist in conducting a comprehensive technical audit of our existing information system and to develop detailed technical specifications for the procurement of server and network equipment. The selected consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Analysis of Existing Hardware and Software: Conduct a thorough analysis of the current hardware and software components of the server to assess their functionality and performance.

2. Equipment Configuration Comparison: Compare the existing equipment configurations against the assigned tasks to ensure alignment with operational requirements.

3. Equipment Reliability Assessment: Evaluate the reliability of the current equipment to identify any potential risks or areas for improvement.

4. Server Software Relevance Check: Verify the relevance and currency of the server software to ensure it meets current operational standards and security protocols.

5. Assessment of Operating Services: Assess the state of operating services to determine their effectiveness and efficiency in supporting business operations.

6. Network Settings Analysis: Analyze the network settings on the server to identify any configuration issues or optimization opportunities.

7. Information Security Audit: Conduct an information security audit of the servers and network equipment as part of a broader security analysis of the entire IT infrastructure, ensuring compliance with best practices and regulatory requirements.

8. Evaluation of Fault Tolerance Indicators: Evaluate the fault tolerance indicators of the system to assess its resilience and ability to maintain operations during failures.

9. Performance Analysis: Perform a detailed performance analysis to identify bottlenecks and recommend enhancements to improve overall system efficiency.

The consultant must possess the necessary expertise and experience in conducting technical audits and developing specifications for IT infrastructure procurement.

The implementation of the project shall adhere to the following principles of the organization:

1. Timely and Budget-Conscious Execution: The project will be executed in strict accordance with the Project Program and established work plans, ensuring that all activities are completed on schedule and within the allocated budget.

2. Compliance with Regulatory Standards: The project will be managed and administered in accordance with the procedures set forth by the World Bank, as well as the applicable legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

3. Effective Collaboration: There will be a commitment to fostering effective interaction and collaboration among all project participants, promoting a cohesive working environment that enhances project outcomes.

4. Consultant Coordination with Government Authorities: In the execution of this Terms of Reference (TOR), the Consultant shall engage with relevant government authorities on all technical and coordination aspects, ensuring that all necessary approvals and guidance are obtained to facilitate the successful implementation of the project.

• MAIN DELIVERABLES AND LANGUAGE

The Consultant shall be expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

1. Weekly Progress Reporting: The Consultant is required to submit brief weekly reports detailing the progress of the project. These reports must be delivered no later than one week following the conclusion of the previous reporting period.

2. Final Project Report Development: Upon completion of the project, the Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive final project report. This report must outline the activities undertaken and the final results achieved, presented in a format acceptable to the relevant government authorities. The final report is to be submitted within one month after the project’s completion.

3. Language and Submission Requirements: All plans and reports must be prepared in the Russian language and submitted via email to the relevant government agencies. Proficiency in written Russian is highly advantageous for this process.

4. Regular Communication: The Consultant shall be available for regular discussions regarding project progress with government authorities. These discussions are to occur bi-weekly throughout the duration of the contract.

5. Performance Assessment Criteria: The Consultant"s activities will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

• Timeliness: Adherence to the deadlines for the preparation of plans and reports as stipulated in this Terms of Reference (TOR).
• Completeness: The thoroughness of the developed documents, proposals, and recommendations, ensuring alignment with international best standards and practices.

• PAYMENT, INDICATIVE TIMELINE AND OTHER DETAILS

The Consultant shall be engaged for a maximum of forty (40) working days under a contract with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The allocation of time will be evaluated as the project progresses, with the possibility of extending the contract duration if additional days are deemed necessary.

The Consultant is required to complete the assigned tasks in accordance with the technical specifications within one month following the completion of the project. The final deliverable must be submitted to the relevant Agency.

Payment for the Consultant"s services will be made upon the successful completion of the work. The Consultant is expected to spend a minimum of twenty (20) working days on-site during the assignment period and to conduct virtual meetings and consultations on the remaining days.

• RESOURCES PROVIDED BY (GOVERNMENT AGENCIES)

Responsibilities and Provisions for Consultant Engagement

1. Establishment of a Working Group: A Working Group comprising specialists from the National Agency for Project Preparation (NAPP) shall be formed to engage and collaborate with the Consultant in the execution of this Terms of Reference (TOR).

2. Facilitation of Communication: The NAPP shall ensure effective communication and interaction between the Consultant and relevant government agencies. This will be essential for assessing the current state of affairs and for the development of the project.

3. Provision of Resources: The NAPP will provide the necessary resources to facilitate discussions with specialists from government agencies as part of the implementation of this TOR. This includes the provision of technical equipment and suitable meeting spaces.

4. Translation Services: Translation services will be made available to support effective communication between the Consultant and stakeholders, as required.

5. Travel Costs: In instances where the Consultant is required to travel to specific sites or other locations as directed by the client, all associated travel costs will be covered in accordance with the established guidelines.