Senior Transport Consultant - NR22 Lao PDR Tunnel Project
Beijing
- Organization: AIIB - Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
- Location: Beijing
- Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
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Occupational Groups:
- Logistics
- Infrastructure and Urban-Rural development
- Transport and Distribution
- Supply Chain
- Project and Programme Management
- Closing Date: 2025-02-24
Senior Transport Consultant - NR22 Lao PDR Tunnel Project SCOPE OF SERVICES
Senior Transport Consultant - NR22 Lao PDR Tunnel Project SCOPE OF SERVICES 1, The required consulting services are to be executed based on three main activities, described as follows: 1.1, Activity 1: Data collection 1.1.1. The consultant shall obtain from the DoR and other sources (1) detailed information on the network of National Roads and regional or local roads near NR22 (from XXX to XXX in provinces), including current and forecast traffic levels and traffic composition by vehicle type. (2) detailed cartographic, topographic, geological and environmental information, including GIS data (if available), to enable the consultant to identify the most promising tunnel alternatives for the section affected by geological hazards of NR22 in Lao PDR. The consultant shall seek and obtain information from both the GoL institutions and any other available national and international sources. The DoR will provide full support to the consultant for obtaining access to all relevant information that may be available from public and private institutions in Lao PDR. In particular, the DoR will appoint a project coordinator to assist the consultant in securing any necessary clearances/permissions to obtain and use such information. 1.1.2. Activity 1 of the assignment will require a visit to Lao PDR of about two to three weeks, to initiate discussions with the DoR, and to evaluate and collect available information from various sources within Lao PDR. The visit will commence once (i) the DoR has appointed the project coordinator to assist the consultant in obtaining locally available information, and (ii) the project coordinator has identified and contacted the various potential information sources within Lao PDR and prepared a list of specific data that might be obtained from those sources or other known sources outside Lao PDR. This initial visit should also involve the consultant spending several days along the NR22 road, with the objective of gathering information on local conditions that may influence a feasibility of a new road tunnel project along the road. 1.1.3. This information includes, as much as possible, geotechnical aspects such as the surface soil or rock properties, the likely groundwater regime, fault line presence, ground cover over the tunnel, underground utilities, and potential obstructions like boulders or buried objects (such as Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)), as well as sensitive surface facilities. The consultant shall be provided with the results of all geological/geotechnical studies previously conducted for the construction of nearby railway tunnels. However, it is clarified that the consultant is not expected to perform any physical subsurface soil investigations or drilling for material sampling. 1.1.4. During the first visit to Lao PDR, the consultant shall also make the arrangements for a three-day traffic count, including vehicle classification, to be conducted along the NR22 road near the likely location of the future tunnel. The consultant may subcontract this task to a third party at his/her own cost. The traffic count results shall complement other traffic data obtained from the MPWT or other sources, serving as essential input for the economic pre-feasibility assessment to be carried out under Phase 2 of the assignment. 1.1.5. The deliverable for Activity 1 will be a report which shall include (i) a list of all information/data which has been obtained by the consultant, directly or through the DoR, (ii) a description of the process of collecting information/data, including of any difficulties encountered and (iii) a listing and description of any useful and important information/data known to exist but not obtained, including the reasons for this and proposing ways and means to obtain such information/data. 1.2. Activity 2: Identification of candidate list of tunnel alternatives 1.2.1. The consultant shall first carry out a thorough desk analysis of the information and data obtained, with the objective of establishing a candidate list of road tunnel project alternatives along NR22 that appear to have a high potential to be economically and technically feasible. The alternatives should cover a range of different investment levels (from small to large) to enable the GoL (MPWT) to select an option based on the amount of funding available for the project. For each alternative on the candidate list, the consultant shall prepare a project description, based on a template to be developed by the consultant, which shall include: (1) The exact location and the physical characteristics of the project, including: a map showing the project location and its surrounding area. the length of the tunnel(s) and any necessary bridges/viaducts to complement the tunnel, if applicable. the geological and topographical characteristics of the project. the proposed cross-section for the main alignment and inside the tunnel(s). an explanation of how these factors influence the expected construction cost and complexity. (2) An initial economic evaluation of each alternative, including an estimate of costs and benefits and a description of the methodology used for their calculation. the estimate of project benefits based on the expected savings in vehicle operating costs over a certain time horizon (50 years or longer), including time savings for vehicle operators. the economic evaluation along with a sensitivity analysis with (i) different traffic growth rates and (ii) different construction cost estimates. (3) Any environmental and social considerations that should be considered for each candidate when deciding on the project. 1.2.2. The deliverable for Activity 2 will be a report presenting (1) [a name="_Hlk189220171"]the detailed description of each of the alternatives on the candidate list as specified above. (2) a ranking of the alternatives regarding their expected economic rate of return. 1.2.3. Activity 2 of the assignment will require a visit to Lao PDR of about two to three weeks. During the visit to Lao PDR, the consultant will (1) carry out an additional site survey to the proposed locations of the most promising alternatives to collect more information on the candidate project, if needed. (2) ensure the successful finalization of the three-day traffic counts. (3) present the results of the desk analysis and of the site visits to the DoR. 1.2.4. It is expected that following the presentation of the alternatives on the list and their ranking, the DoR, in collaboration with other GoL departments, shall take a decision regarding the selection of one specific alternative. The MPWT, through the DoR, will make a final decision on the project alternative to be pursued, and it will be communicated in writing to the consultant within two weeks after the consultant’s presentation of tunnel project alternatives. The consultant may then proceed with Activity 3, a pre-feasibility study on the selected tunnel project alternative. 1.3. Activity 3: Preparation of a pre-feasibility study report for the selected tunnel alternative Following the decision by the DoR on the tunnel alternative, the consultant shall carry out an assignment in Activity 3. The assignment will consist of three phases. 1.3.1. First phase. The consultant will carry out any additional field investigations deemed necessary to assess geological and geotechnical conditions at the project site. These activities aim to gather the required information and data for a more reliable project cost estimate. 1.3.2. Second phase. The consultant will carry out and present a pre-feasibility study for the selected tunnel alternative, including the components mentioned in 8.3. The consultant will also assist the DoR in preparing the Request for Proposal (RfP) to select a qualified engineering consulting firm for concept design, on the basis of a Standard RfP document issued by the agency or institution which will fund the study. The DoR will inform the consultant of the model (template) to be used. The consultant shall provide technical support to the DoR during the tendering process for the subsequent design phase. 1.3.3. Third phase. The consultant will conduct a total of 10 days of workshops/technical training to disseminate and discuss the study results with the DoR, AIIB, and other relevant stakeholders. These sessions will validate the fundings and incorporate any necessary adjustments. 1.3.4. Deliverable for Activity 3 will include (1) the pre-feasibility study report for the tunnel alternative selected by the DoR. (2) preparation of the RfP for the subsequent concept design assignment, including support during the tendering process for the subsequent design. (3) 10 days of technical support and training, ensuring the results of the study are effectively disseminated to DoR, AIIB, and relevant stakeholders.
Application close date
02/24/2025
1. Project Background
1. Regional connectivity. Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a landlocked country, bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Its central location among the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries, which are some of the world’s fastest growing economies, is a significant asset. Lao PDR has strong potential to increase trade with (and attract investment from) its neighboring countries, which could drive economic growth in Lao PDR and help to diversify its economy away from agriculture, mining, and hydropower generation. Regional connectivity is of critical importance, and it is therefore a key part of the Government of Lao PDR (GoL) strategy. The GoL has the vision to transform the country from landlocked to “land-linked” and has been investing not only in the expansion of the highway network along the regional economic corridors, but also in airport expansion, inland waterway transport upgrade, and railway development. The GoL’s Ninth Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-2025) highlights the upgrading of transport infrastructure to the standards of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), coupled with associated development of logistics industry, to be among its national strategic investment priorities, with the goal to achieve economic integration with neighboring countries. 2. Lao PDR Transport Network. Road transport is the most important means of transportation, both for connecting different parts of the country and for connecting the country with its neighbors. Road transport represents more than 90 percent of total passenger–kilometers travelled and 80 percent of freight–kilometers. The country’s only railway line consists of the new 414 km Lao-China Railway Corridor Line which started operating in December 2021. It runs from the Lao PDR’s capital of Vientiane to the town of Boten on the border with China, thereby connecting the country not only with China, but also with the entire Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) network through the city of Kunming (China). The Department of Roads (DoR) within the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) is responsible for the development and maintenance of the network of National Roads. 3. Topography and its negative impact of transport efficiency. The topography of Laos is largely mountainous, with the Annamite Range in the Northeast and East, and the Luang Prabang Range in the Northwest, and several other mountain ranges. There are 3,158 named mountains in Laos, many of which have an elevation between 2.000 and 2,819 meters. All mountain ranges are characterized by steep terrain and by rivers cutting through the ranges. River valleys are typically narrow and have low agricultural potential. This mountainous landscape extends across most of the north of the country, except for the plain of Vientiane and the Plain of Jars in the Xiangkhoang Plateau. The mountainous topography severely impacts the efficiency of road transport. Besides the fact that a large part of the national road network of about 7,846 km is low in capacity due to its design characteristics and poor maintenance (more than 60% of the total national roads are classified as in poor or bad condition), travel speeds and road capacity are lowered further by the steep and winding roads going up and down the mountain slopes. This results in long travel times and high fuel consumption for trucks and cars. 4. Tunnel construction in Lao PDR. Since 2016, there has been tunnel construction activity in Lao PDR on a grand scale, but only in the railway sector. The newly built China-Laos railway line includes 76 tunnels with a combined length of 198 km, which is 47 % of the total length of the railway line. (A further 15% of the length is set on rail viaducts, spread over 167 bridges.) This large achievement in tunnel construction in Lao PDR is however limited to this new railway line.
2. Objectives of the Assignment
8. AIIB needs the services of an experienced professional expert to achieve the following objectives: 8.1. Study the most critical section of NR22 affected by geological hazards, such as landslides, debris flow, focusing on the area which is most promising for an economically and technically viable tunnel project. 8.2. Present alternatives to the DoR, outlining the main technical and financial features of each option. 8.3. Support the DoR in selecting one alternative and conduct a pre-feasibility study for the chosen option. The pre-feasibility study will include the following components: 8.3.1. Project overview. 8.3.2. Status evaluation and development planning. 8.3.3. Justification for the tunnel alternative. 8.3.4. Implementation conditions for the tunnel project. 8.3.5. Technical standards. 8.3.6. Tunnel construction plan. 8.3.7. Cost estimates. 8.3.8. Economic evaluation. 8.3.9. Preliminary environmental and social impact assessment. 8.3.10. Tunnel project implementation recommendations. 8.3.11. Potential funding sources. 8.3.12. Study conclusions. 8.4. Assist the DoR in preparing a Request for Proposal to select a qualified engineering consulting firm for conceptual design. 8.5. Provide technical support to the DoR during the tendering process for the subsequent design phase. 8.6. Conduct a workshop / technical training to disseminate and discuss the results of the study with DoR, AIIB, and other relevant stakeholders to validate the findings and make adjustments as/if needed.
3. Scope of Services
The complete content of the scope of work can be found in the Description.
4. Consultancy Output / Deliverables
9.1.5. The deliverable for Activity 1 will be a report which shall include (i) a list of all information/data which has been obtained by the consultant, directly or through the DoR, (ii) a description of the process of collecting information/data, including of any difficulties encountered and (iii) a listing and description of any useful and important information/data known to exist but not obtained, including the reasons for this and proposing ways and means to obtain such information/data. 9.2.2. The deliverable for Activity 2 will be a report presenting 1) the detailed description of each of the alternatives on the candidate list as specified above. 2) a ranking of the alternatives regarding their expected economic rate of return. 9.2.3. Activity 2 of the assignment will require a visit to Lao PDR of about two to three weeks. During the visit to Lao PDR, the consultant will 1) carry out an additional site survey to the proposed locations of the most promising alternatives to collect more information on the candidate project, if needed. 2) ensure the successful finalization of the three-day traffic counts. 3) present the results of the desk analysis and of the site visits to the DoR. 9.2.4. It is expected that following the presentation of the alternatives on the list and their ranking, the DoR, in collaboration with other GoL departments, shall take a decision regarding the selection of one specific alternative. The MPWT, through the DoR, will make a final decision on the project alternative to be pursued, and it will be communicated in writing to the consultant within two weeks after the consultant’s presentation of tunnel project alternatives. The consultant may then proceed with Activity 3, a pre-feasibility study on the selected tunnel project alternative. 9.3.4. Deliverable for Activity 3 will include 1) the pre-feasibility study report for the tunnel alternative selected by the DoR. 2) preparation of the RfP for the subsequent concept design assignment, including support during the tendering process for the subsequent design. 3) 10 days of technical support and training, ensuring the results of the study are effectively disseminated to DoR, AIIB, and relevant stakeholders.
5. Implementation Arrangement
TIMEFRAME 11. The work should be completed within a period of 10 months. The assignment is expected to start in March or April 2025. • Activity 1 should be completed within 2.5 months after signing the contract. • Activity 2 should be completed within 6.5 months after signing the contract. • Activity 3 should be completed within 10 months after signing the contract (excluding technical support for tendering). Any potential delays in (i) obtaining information from government institutions in Lao PDR and/or (ii) obtaining a decision from the DoR concerning the tunnel alternative to be developed shall be incorporated into the overall timeframe, provided that such delays are beyond the consultant’s control, including cases of force majeure. CONTRACT TYPE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 12. The contract is a fixed lump sum-based individual consultant contract. The lump sum price includes all the consultant's costs (including local and international travel, hotel and per-diem) as well as any tax obligation that may be imposed on the consultant. The consultant may request an advance payment of up to 20% of the total contract amount. The payment schedule is as follows: Activity 1 Activity 1 report on data collection 20% Activity 2 Activity 2 report on the identification and ranking of tunnel alternatives 30% Activity 3 (i) the pre-feasibility study report for the tunnel alternative selected by the DoR (ii) the RfP for the subsequent design assignment (iii) a total of 10 days of technical support and training 50% TOTAL 100%
6. Support to the Consultant by the Bank
13. The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the DoR (the MPWT) and AIIB project team. The DoR and MPWT will assist the consultant by assigning a project coordinator to provide local knowledge and logistical support. The AIIB team will hold periodic meetings with the consultant and the DoR to monitor progress and ensure that the outcomes are delivered in a timely manner.
7. Knowledge Transfer and Training
The consultant will conduct a total of 10 days of workshops/technical training to disseminate and discuss the study results with the DoR, AIIB, and other relevant stakeholders. These sessions will validate the fundings and incorporate any necessary adjustments.
Qualification Requirement
10. The consultant should possess the following professional qualifications: • An MSc (master's degree) or higher from a recognized university, with a major in geology, geotechnical engineering, or civil engineering, or a closely related discipline. • At least 20 years of international experience in research, engineering and consultancy for major tunnel projects, preferably in Asian countries. • Extensive knowledge of the latest advancements and cutting-edge developments in international tunnelling technology and industry. • Familiar with typical contract conditions for tunnel construction projects. • Fluent English (writing, speaking, and reading). The consultant may delegate certain aspects of the assignment to other qualified professionals working under their direct supervision, particularly activities related to economic evaluation, traffic counts, and similar tasks. However, the consultant must not delegate any core technical activities and shall remain fully responsible for delivering the entire assignment.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.