Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Date of Issue: 14th March 2025

Country: Republic of Sierra Leone

Name of Project:  Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Consulting Services: Recruitment of a Consulting Firm for the Institutional Gap Assessment for National Communication Authority (NatCA).

Reference No: SL-MoF-475155-CS-QCBS

1. 1. Introduction

The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) has committed to transforming its economy based on a more inclusive and human-centric digital growth and development approach. A high-level vision for the digital economy is articulated in the new National Digital Development Policy (NDDP), which was approved by the Cabinet in December 2021 setting the GoSL’s vision to transform Sierra Leone into an inclusive digital economy and society and to leverage digital technology to support the GoSL to deliver on its national development plan effectively and efficiently. The Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP) aims to expand access to broadband internet, increase digital skills and improve government capacity to deliver public services digitally. The project will support the development of a strong enabling environment for the nation’s digital transformation and digital development agenda as articulated in the National Digital Development Strategy.

1. 1. Objectives

The objectives will be divided into two focus areas to enable the consulting firm (“Consultant”) to deliver on the SLDT project's general and specific objectives, as below:

1. General Objectives

• To conduct a comprehensive institutional gap assessment for the National Communications Authority (NatCA) to enhance its overall capacity and effectiveness in regulating the communications and telecommunications sector within Sierra Leone.
• To ensure that NatCA is well-positioned to support and align with the digital transformation goals of Sierra Leone.

1. Specific Objectives

                        The Specific objectives of this activity include:

• Identify and assess gaps in the organizational structure and governance of NatCA, focusing on areas that require adjustments to better meet strategic objectives.
• Evaluate the current human resource capacity within NatCA, including qualifications, skills, and expertise, and recommend strategies for recruitment, training, and skills development including reskilling and upskilling.
• Analyze the financial resources and budget allocation of NatCA to identify gaps and propose sustainable funding strategies for effective operation.
• Examine the technical infrastructure, equipment, and technology within NatCA, identifying gaps and recommending upgrades or enhancements.
• Assess the technical skill sets and expertise of NatCA's workforce and propose specific training and skill development initiatives.
• Develop a comprehensive capacity-building plan with clear objectives, recommended training programs, and timelines to strengthen NatCA's performance in regulating the communications sector.
• Proffer recommended management and functional institutional framework to enhance the organizational structure and governance at NatCA.
• Present the findings and recommendations of the institutional gap assessment to NatCA and relevant stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making and action

The Project Coordination Unit of the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project 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 shortlisting criteria are: core business and years in business, relevant experience, technical and managerial capability of the firm. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 Revised November 2017, August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023, Procurement Regulations setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Base Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information and detailed Terms of Reference can be obtained at the link below: https://mocti.gov.sl/recruitment-of-a-consulting-firm-for-the-institutional-gap-assessment-for-national-communication-authority-natca/

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by e-mail on or before Friday 31st March 2025 at 12:00 GMT.

Project Coordination Unit

Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Attn: The Project Coordinator

8th Floor,

Youyi Building

E-mail: coordinator@sldtp.mocti.gov.sl   CC: procurement@sldtp.moic.gov.sl

Please indicate clearly the Name of the Assignment in the email subject heading and attachment as only electronic submission will be accepted.