The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has secured a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to finance the Primary Education Support Project (PESP), which will support the development and implementation of activities aimed at improving the delivery of primary level education in Jamaica. Part of the loan proceeds is to fund payments for the procurement of the services of a consulting firm to:

• Design a systematic instructional literacy program with materials for students and teachers to support instruction during the windows for literacy portion of the school day in grades 1-3
• Develop and design an associated training package to include supervision and assessment procedures and materials
• Develop full TORs for publishing packager(s) who will have responsibility for the production of instructional materials
• Design the pilot for the windows for literacy program within various school types in primary schools

The GOJ now invites eligible consulting firms or joint venture partnerships from the IDB=s member countries to express their interest in providing the services starting during the 2002 calendar year. Interested entities must submit information, in English, indicating their qualification to perform the services (brochure, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability to appropriate skills among staff, etc.).

Applications will be based on qualifications, key personnel, availability, relevant and applicable experience, and financial capability. Firms will be shortlisted in respect to their responsiveness to the requirements stated and in keeping with the IDB guidelines.

A shortlist of three to six firms will be prequalified. The prequalified firms will be invited to submit technical and financial proposals. The terms of reference will be made available to the shortlisted firms only.

Interested firms or joint ventures may obtain the prequalification questionnaires, clarification and further information from the Project Manager, Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture at the address below or by e-mail. Any firm or joint venture wishing to prequalify must complete the necessary questionnaire. In the case of joint ventures, each firm must submit a separate questionnaire. The original and four copies of the completed questionnaire, in English, clearly marked APrequalification for Consulting Services for EMIS Consultancy@, must be placed in a sealed envelope addressed to the Program Manager and delivered to the address below by 1500 hours (Jamaica time) on 16 July 2002. Late applications will not be considered in any circumstances.

Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture

Attn: Project Manager, PESP

2 National Heroes Circle. Bldg. 1, 5th Floor, Room 500.

Kingston 4, Jamaica.

Tel: (1-876) 922-1400 through 1409, 922-1971. Fax: (1-876) 967-4066.

E-mail: pcu@cwjamaica.com