THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
ELECTRICITY SECTOR REFORM SUPPORT PROJECT
CONSULTING SERVICES
Loan No. 4181-RU
Expressions of Interest
LOT TAL073

Moscow. 17 January 2006. This request for expressions of interest follows the general procurement notice for this project that appeared in Development Business No. 464 of June 16, 1997, WB593-650/05 of February 16, 2005 and No. 4 of February 21, 2005.

The Russian Federation has received a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) toward the cost of the Electricity Sector Reform Support Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the contracts for the following Consultants’ services: "Investment and advisory assistance to RAO UESR in providing facilitation of preparation and support of investment project bidding to create new generating facilities under the Mechanisms envisaged by the Governmental Decree No. 738 dated 07 December, 2005 "On procedure to create sources of funds to cover costs of services on formation of technological reserve of power generating facilities to prevent power shortage" (hereinafter called Mechanism for Investment Guarantee, MIG)", Lot TAL073.

The scope of work includes, inter alia, the following main activities:

 - Assisting in preparation of the information memorandum describing the substance of the future bidding;

 - Providing support in preparation of an information campaign targeting broad investment community, with the ultimate objective to attract maximum participation of potential investors in the bidding;

 - Reviewing draft bidding documents and issuing recommendations on their development aiming to enhance investor’s confidence to the selection and bidding procedure, and consequently creating strong competition among the bidders;

 - Advising on the structure and legal aspects of the contracts to be concluded as a result of the bidding;

 - Assistance on issues related to further involvement of newly created generating facilities in electricity market;

 - Assisting in the bidding process including communication with the bidders, expert support of the evaluation of proposals, and of contract negotiations with investor(s) and, as the case may be, with their Financiers.

It is anticipated that the services will be provided during a year.

The Unified Energy System of Russia (RAO UESR) now invites eligible consultants possessing strong international experience, reputation, and skills in: (a) investment advisory in power sector; (b) legal advisory in relation with international investment activities with a mandatory excellent knowledge of the Russian relevant legislation; (c) advisory in the area of electricity market modeling; and (d) participation in projects for Independent Power Producers (IPP).

Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar projects, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. The consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, January 1997 (revised September 1997 and January 1999).

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by February 10, 2006.

Ms. A.V. Chebotova, Deputy Director, Directorate for Cooperation with International Financial and Economic Institutions, Unified Energy System of Russia (RAO UESR), office 1206, 101/3 Prospect Vernadskogo,
Moscow 117526
tel: 929-1328, 929-1309, fax: 929-1342
E-mail: piu@rao.elektra.ru