Procurement Plan General 1. Project Information a. Country: Eastern and Southern Africa b. Project Name: Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) c. Project ID: P179804 2. Project Implementing Agency: African Union Commission (AUC) 3. Date of the Procurement Plan: August 2024 4. Period Covered by this Procurement Plan: August 2024 – December 2025 Preamble In accordance with paragraph 5.9 of the “World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” (July 2016) (“Procurement Regulations”) the Bank’s Systematic Tracking and Exchanges in Procurement (STEP) system will be used to prepare, clear and update Procurement Plans and conduct all procurement transactions for the Project. This textual part along with the Procurement Plan tables in STEP constitute the Procurement Plan for the Project. The following conditions apply to all procurement activities in the Procurement Plan. The other elements of the Procurement Plan as required under paragraph 4.4 of the Procurement Regulations are set forth in STEP. The Bank’s Standard Procurement Documents: The Bank’s Standard Procurement Documents shall be used for all contracts subject to international competitive procurement and those contracts as specified in the Procurement Plan tables in STEP. National Procurement Arrangements: In accordance with paragraph 5.3 of the Procurement Regulations, when approaching the national and Regional market (as specified in the Procurement Plan tables in STEP), the African Union’s (AU’s) own procurement procedures may be used. When the Borrower uses its own open competitive procurement arrangements as set forth in African Union Procurement Manual, such arrangements shall be subject to paragraph 5.3 and 5.4 of the Procurement Regulations and the following conditions: o There shall be no mandatory joint ventures with Partner States’ suppliers for goods and services in any contract financed under the Project; o There shall be no any preferences applied, allowing only local/Regional suppliers to compete; o There shall be no Margin of Preference that applies to suppliers within Partner States; o Where the Bank’s Procurement Regulations allow National procurement procedures, AU shall advertise procurement procedures in the Partner States as described in the manual and agreed with the Bank. o The procurement is open to all eligible firms from any country; o The Procurement Documents include sufficient provisions, as agreed with the Bank, to adequately mitigate against environmental and social (including SEA/SH) risks and impacts; 1 o Contracts with an appropriate allocation of rights and obligations, risks and liabilities, informed by an analysis of which party is best placed to manage the risks, bearing in mind the costs and incentives of risk allocation; o Publication of contract award information; o Rights for the Bank to review procurement documentation and activities; o An effective complaints mechanism; and o Maintenance of records of the Procurement Process. When other national procurement arrangements other than national/Regional open competitive procurement arrangements are applied by the Borrower, such arrangements shall be subject to paragraph 5.5 of the Procurement Regulations. In accordance with paragraph 5.4(c) and 5.5 of the Procurement Regulations, the request for bids/request for proposals/request for quotations document shall require that Bidders/Proposers submitting Bids/Proposals/quotations present a signed acceptance at the time of bidding, to be incorporated in any resulting contracts, confirming application of, and compliance with, the Bank’s Anti-Corruption Guidelines, including without limitation the Bank’s right to sanction and the Bank’s inspection and audit rights. The form of the Letter of Acceptance is attached in Appendix 1. Leased Assets as specified under paragraph 5.10 of the Procurement Regulations: Leasing may be used for those contracts identified in the Procurement Plan tables. Not Applicable Prequalification: Not Applicable Procurement of Second-Hand Goods as specified under paragraph 5.11 of the Procurement Regulations: Not Applicable Domestic preference as specified under paragraph 5.51 of the Procurement Regulations (Goods and Works). Not Applicable Hands-on Expanded Implementation Support (HEIS) as specified under paragraphs 3.10 and 3.11 of the Procurement Regulations is Applicable. Not Applicable Proposed Procedures for CDD Components: Not Applicable Other Relevant Procurement Information: None 2 I. Threshold for Prior Review, Procurement Approaches and Methods – Good, Works and Non-Consulting Services1 Procurement Approaches and Methods (US$ millions) Prior Review Category Open Open Request for (US$ millions) International National Quotation (RFQ) Works ≥ 10.0 ≥ 15.0 < 15.0 and > ≤ 0.2 2.0 Goods, IT, and non- < 2.0 and > consulting services ≥ 2.0 ≥ 2.0 ≤ 0.1 0.2 Post Review: All contracts not subject to prior review shall be subject to post review. II. Thresholds for Prior Review, Selection Approaches and Methods – Consulting Services1 Category Prior Review Short List of National Consultants (US$ Consulting Services Engineering and millions) Construction Supervision Consulting Services (Firms) ≥ 1.0 < 0.3 ≤ 0.3 Individual Consultants ≥ 0.3 NA NA Note: Consultancy services estimated to cost equivalent to US $ 300,000 and above per contract shall be advertised in the United Nations Development Business (UNDB) online in addition to advertising in national newspaper(s) of wide circulation and/or regional newspaper. 1The thresholds for procurement approaches and methods specified in this document are aligned with those applicable for Ethiopia, considering that the African Union Commission (AUC), the implementing agency for the Project, is based there. For procurement activities pertaining to the project components to be implemented by Think Tanks, which will be identified later during the project implementation, the relevant thresholds of the countries where the respective Think Tanks are located will be applied. 3 4 Appendix 1 Letter of Acceptance of the World Bank’s Anti-Corruption Guidelines and Sanctions Framework Date: Invitation of Bids/Proposals No.__________ To: ___________________________________________________________________________ We, along with our sub-contractors, sub-consultants, service providers, suppliers, agents (whether declared or not) consultants and personnel, acknowledge and agree to abide by the World Bank’s policy regarding Fraud and Corruption (corrupt, fraudulent, collusive, coercive, and obstructive practices), as set out and defined in the World Bank’s Anti-Corruption Guidelines2 in connection with the procurement and execution of the contract (in case of award), including any amendments thereto. We declare and warrant that we, along our sub-contractors, sub-consultants, service providers, suppliers, agents (whether declared or not), consultants and personnel, , are not subject to, and are not controlled by any entity or individual that is subject to, a temporary suspension, early temporary suspension, or debarment imposed by a member of the World Bank Group, including, inter alia, a cross-debarment imposed by the World Bank Group as agreed with other international financial institutions (including multilateral development banks), or through the application of a World Bank Group finding of non-responsibility on the basis of Fraud and Corruption in connection with World Bank Group corporate procurement. Further, we are not ineligible under the laws or official regulations of [Insert name of Employer as per bidding document] or pursuant to a decision of the United Nations Security Council. We confirm our understanding of the consequences of not complying with the World Bank’s Anti-Corruption Guidelines, which may include the following: a. rejection of our Proposal/Bid for award of contract; b. in the case of award, termination of the contract, without prejudice to any other remedy for breach of contract; and c. sanctions, pursuant to the Bank’s Anti-corruption Guidelines and in accordance with its prevailing sanctions policies and procedures as set forth in the Bank’s Sanctions Framework. This may include a public declaration of ineligibility, either indefinitely or for a stated period of time, (i) to be awarded or otherwise benefit from a Bank-financed contract, financially or in any other manner;3 (ii) to be a nominated4 sub-contractor, consultant, manufacturer or supplier, or service provider of an otherwise 2Guidelines on Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption in Projects Financed by International Bank for Reconstruction and Development Loans and the International Development Agency Credits and Grants, dated October 15, 2006, and revised in January 2011 and July 2016, as they may be revised from time to time. 3 For the avoidance of doubt, a sanctioned party’s ineligibility to be awarded a contract shall include, without limitation, (i) applying for pre-qualification, expressing interest in a consultancy, and bidding, either directly or as a nominated sub-contractor, nominated consultant, nominated manufacturer or supplier, or nominated service provider, in respect of such contract, and (ii) entering into an addendum or amendment introducing a material modification to any existing contract. 4 A nominated sub-contractor, nominated consultant, nominated manufacturer or supplier, or nominated service provider (different names are used depending on the particular bidding document) is one which has been: (i) included by the bidder in its pre-qualification application or bid because it brings specific and critical experience and know-how that allow the bidder to meet the qualification requirements for the particular bid; or (ii) appointed by the Borrower. 5 eligible firm being awarded a Bank-financed contract; and (iii) to receive the proceeds of any loan made by the Bank or otherwise to participate further in the preparation or implementation of any Bank-financed project. We understand that we may be declared ineligible as set out above upon: a. completion of World Bank Group sanctions proceedings according to its prevailing sanctions procedures; b. cross-debarment as agreed with other international financial institutions (including multilateral development banks); c. the application of a World Bank Group finding of non-responsibility on the basis of Fraud and Corruption in connection with World Bank Group corporate procurement; or d. temporary suspension or early temporary suspension in connection with an ongoing World Bank Group sanctions proceeding. For avoidance of doubt, the foregoing effects of ineligibility do not extend to a sanctioned firm’s or individual’s execution of its ongoing Bank-financed contracts (or its ongoing sub-agreements under such contracts) that are not the subject of a material modification, as determined by the Bank. We shall permit, and shall cause our sub-contractors, sub-consultants, agents (whether declared or not), personnel, consultants, service providers or suppliers, to permit the Bank to inspect5 all accounts, records, and other documents relating to the procurement process and/or contract execution (in the case of award), and to have them audited by auditors appointed by the Bank. We agree to preserve all accounts, records, and other documents (whether in hard copy or electronic format) related to the procurement and execution of the contract. Name of the Bidder/Consultant: Name of the person duly authorized to sign the Bid/Proposal on behalf of the Bidder/Consultant: Title of the person signing the Letter: 5 Inspections in this context are usually investigative (i.e., forensic) in nature: they involve fact-finding activities undertaken by the Bank or persons appointed by the Bank to address specific matters related to investigations/audits, such as evaluating the veracity of an allegation of possible Fraud and Corruption, through the appropriate mechanisms. Such activity includes but is not limited to accessing and examining a firm's or individual's financial records and information, and making copies thereof as relevant; accessing and examining any other documents, data, and information (whether in hard copy or electronic format) deemed relevant for the investigation/audit, and making copies thereof as relevant; interviewing staff and other relevant individuals; performing physical inspections and site visits; and obtaining third-party verification of information. 6 PROCUREMENT Eastern and Southern Africa : Africa Think Tank Platform Project PLAN General Information Country: Eastern and Southern Africa 2024-10-04 Bank’s Approval Date of the Original Procurement Plan: 2025-02-06 Revised Plan Date(s): (comma delineated, leave blank if none) Project ID: P179804 GPN Date: Project Name: Africa Think Tank Platform Project Loan / Credit No: IDA / E2460 Africa Union Commission Executing Agency(ies): WORKS Activity Reference No. / Estimated Actual Am Bid Evaluation Report Loan / Credit N Market Approac Procurement Pro Prequalification High SEA/SH R Procurement D Process St Draft Pre-qualification Prequalification Evalu Draft Bidding Docum Specific Procurement Bidding Documents a Proposal Submission / Contract Complet Description Component Review Type Method Amount (U ount (US$ and Recommendation Signed Contract o. h cess (Y/N) isk ocument Type atus Documents ation Report ent / Justification Notice / Invitation s Issued Opening / Minutes ion S$) ) for Award Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned GOODS Activity Reference No. / Bid Evaluation Report Loan / Credit N Market Approac Procurement Pro Prequalification Estimated Am Actual Amount Process St Draft Pre-qualification Prequalification Evalu Draft Bidding Docum Specific Procurement Bidding Documents a Proposal Submission / Description Component Review Type Method and Recommendation Signed Contract Contract Completion o. h cess (Y/N) ount (US$) (US$) atus Documents ation Report ent / Justification Notice / Invitation s Issued Opening / Minutes for Award Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual NON CONSULTING SERVICES Activity Reference No. / Bid Evaluation Report Loan / Credit N Market Approac Procurement Pro Prequalification Estimated Am Actual Amount Process St Draft Pre-qualification Prequalification Evalu Draft Bidding Docum Specific Procurement Bidding Documents a Proposal Submission / Description Component Review Type Method and Recommendation Signed Contract Contract Completion o. h cess (Y/N) ount (US$) (US$) atus Documents ation Report ent / Justification Notice / Invitation s Issued Opening / Minutes for Award Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual CONSULTING FIRMS Activity Reference No. / Combined Evaluation Loan / Credit N Market Approac Contract Type Estimated Amo Actual Amount Expression of Interest Short List and Draft R Request for Proposals Opening of Technical Evaluation of Technic Description Component Review Type Method Process Status Terms of Reference Report and Draft Neg Signed Contract Contract Completion o. h unt (US$) (US$) Notice equest for Proposals as Issued Proposals / Minutes al Proposal otiated Contract Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS Activity Reference No. / Loan / Credit N Market Approac Contract Type Estimated Amo Actual Amount Invitation to Identifie Draft Negotiated Cont Description Component Review Type Method Process Status Terms of Reference Signed Contract Contract Completion o. h unt (US$) (US$) d/Selected Consultant ract Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual ET-AUC-445178-CS-INDV / In Establish capacity to operat Individual Consult Under Implement dividual Consultant as Techni IDA / E2460 e a sustainable policy makin Post Open - National 27,000.00 0.00 2024-08-25 2024-10-29 2024-10-13 2024-11-03 2024-12-08 2025-03-07 ant Selection ation cal Project Advisor g platform ET-AUC-445503-CS-INDV / In Establish capacity to operat Individual Consult Under Implement dividual Consultant as Comm IDA / E2460 e a sustainable policy makin Post Open - National 21,000.00 0.00 2024-10-10 2024-10-29 2024-11-28 2024-12-19 2025-01-23 2025-07-22 ant Selection ation unication Specialist g platform ET-AUC-445506-CS-INDV / In Establish capacity to operat Individual Consult dividual Consultant Project a IDA / E2460 e a sustainable policy makin Post Direct - National 18,000.00 0.00 Canceled 2024-10-20 2024-11-04 2024-10-30 2024-11-07 2024-11-06 2024-12-01 2025-03-03 ant Selection nd M&E officer g platform ET-AUC-445502-CS-INDV / In Establish capacity to operat Individual Consult Under Implement dividual Consultant as Projec IDA / E2460 e a sustainable policy makin Post Limited - National 24,000.00 0.00 2024-10-20 2024-11-04 2024-10-25 2024-12-11 2024-11-15 2024-12-06 2025-03-07 ant Selection ation t Coordinator g platform ET-AUC-469497-CS-INDV / S Establish capacity to operat Individual Consult election of Individual consult IDA / E2460 e a sustainable policy makin Post Open - National 72,000.00 0.00 Under Review 2025-01-30 2025-01-22 2025-03-04 2025-03-18 2025-04-11 2026-04-11 ant Selection ant as ATTP Project Secretari g platform at/M&E officer ET-AUC-470598-CS-INDV / S Establish capacity to operat Individual Consult election of Individual Consult IDA / E2460 e a sustainable policy makin Post Open - National 72,000.00 0.00 Under Review 2025-01-22 2025-01-22 2025-02-25 2025-03-18 2025-04-04 2026-04-04 ant Selection ant as ATTP Financial Manag g platform ement Specialist ET-AUC-470604-CS-INDV / S Establish capacity to operat Individual Consult election of Individual Consult IDA / E2460 e a sustainable policy makin Post Direct - National 48,000.00 0.00 Under Review 2025-01-21 2025-01-22 2025-01-31 2025-02-21 2025-03-17 2026-03-17 ant Selection ant as ATTP Project Assistant g platform ET-AUC-469498-CS-CQS / Se Establish capacity to operat Individual Consult Pending Impleme lection of Procurement consu IDA / E2460 e a sustainable policy makin Post Limited - National 72,000.00 0.00 2025-01-27 2025-02-04 2025-02-14 2025-02-28 2026-02-28 ant Selection ntation ltant (individual Consultant) f g platform or ATTP Project ET-AUC-473621-CS-INDV / In Strengthen the quality, relev dependent Committee of Exp Individual Consult Pending Impleme IDA / E2460 ance and uptake of policy re Post Open - National 6,000.00 0.00 2025-02-06 2025-03-12 2025-04-02 2025-04-30 2025-08-28 erts' Member , Economic , Tr ant Selection ntation search on priority issues ansformation ,Trade and Gov ernance Expert ET-AUC-473632-CS-INDV / In Strengthen the quality, relev Individual Consult Pending Impleme dependent Committee of Exp IDA / E2460 ance and uptake of policy re Post Open - National 6,000.00 0.00 2025-02-06 2025-03-12 2025-04-02 2025-04-30 2025-08-28 ant Selection ntation erts' Member, Climate Chang search on priority issues e Expert ET-AUC-473638-CS-INDV / In Strengthen the quality, relev Individual Consult Pending Impleme dependent Committee of Exp IDA / E2460 ance and uptake of policy re Post Open - National 6,000.00 0.00 2025-02-06 2025-03-12 2025-04-02 2025-04-30 2025-08-28 ant Selection ntation erts' Member, Food Security search on priority issues Expert ET-AUC-473640-CS-INDV / In Strengthen the quality, relev dependent Committee of Exp Individual Consult Pending Impleme IDA / E2460 ance and uptake of policy re Post Open - National 6,000.00 0.00 2025-02-06 2025-03-12 2025-04-02 2025-04-30 2025-08-28 erts' Member, Human Capital ant Selection ntation search on priority issues Development Expert ET-AUC-473641-CS-INDV / In Strengthen the quality, relev dependent Committee of Exp Individual Consult Pending Impleme IDA / E2460 ance and uptake of policy re Post Open - National 6,000.00 0.00 2025-02-06 2025-03-12 2025-04-02 2025-04-30 2025-08-28 erts' Member, Digitalization a ant Selection ntation search on priority issues nd ICT Policy Expert ET-AUC-473644-CS-INDV / In Strengthen the quality, relev dependent Committee of Exp Individual Consult Pending Impleme IDA / E2460 ance and uptake of policy re Post Open - National 6,000.00 0.00 2025-02-06 2025-03-12 2025-04-02 2025-04-30 2025-08-28 erts' Member, Think Thank In ant Selection ntation search on priority issues stitutional Expert Page 1