Invitation for Bids Date:

17 February 2016

Loan No. and Title:

G0166-LAO Strengthening Higher Education Project

Contract No. and Title:

ICB/SHEP/TB/01 Provision and distribution of 14 titles of printed textbooks to Champasack University, National University of Laos, Savannakhet University and Souphanouvong University

Deadline for Submission of Bids:

06 April 2016, 09:00 A.M.

1.

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has received a Grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) toward the cost of the Strengthening Higher Education Project (SHEP), and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the contract for Provision and distribution of 14 titles of printed textbooks to Champasack University, National University of Laos, Savannakhet University and Souphanouvong University. Bidding is open to Bidders from eligible source countries of the ADB.

2.

The Ministry of Education and Sports now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for supply of: Lot 1: Provision and distribution of 14 titles of printed textbooks to Champasack University, National University of Laos, Savannakhet University and Souphanouvong University. Details and Specifications are provided in the Bidding documents.

3.

International Competitive Bidding (ICB) will be conducted in accordance with ADB's Single-Stage: One-Envelope bidding procedure and is open to all Bidders from eligible source countries as described in the Bidding Document.

4.

Only eligible bidders with the following key qualifications should participate in this bidding: Size of Operation: Minimum average annual supply turnover of US$ 1,400,000 (one million four hundred thousand US Dollars), calculated as total certified payments received for contracts in progress or completed, within the last 3 (three) years. Contractual Experience: Participation as supplier in at least 3 (three) contracts within the last 5 (five) years, each with a value of at least US$ 560,000 (five hundred and sixty thousand US Dollars) that have been successfully or are substantially completed and that are similar to the proposed supply. Financial Position: Soundness of the Bidder’s financial position showing long-term profitability demonstrated through audited annual financial statements (balance sheet, income statement) for the last two years.

Experience in: (i) Camera and/or digital pre-press; (ii) Platemaking; (iii) Sheet-fed or web-fed offset printing in multiple colors; (iv) Packing, Warehousing and distribution. 5.

Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from Strengthening Higher Education Project (SHEP) and inspect the Bidding Document at the address given below, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the period from February 15th to March 15th, 2016, except Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: Project Administrator, Strengthening Higher Education Project (SHEP) Department of Higher Education (DHE), Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: +856 - (0)21 243 540 Fax: +856 - (0)21 243 540 E mail: [email protected], [email protected]

6.

The Bidding Document (hard and soft copy) in the English language may be purchased by interested Bidders on the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of US$ 30.00 (Thirty US Dollars). The method of payment will be by cash or bankers order or bank draft or international money order or by check to A/c No. 010.6.11.01.19415 at BCEL. The bidding documents will be sent by courier service or equivalent if necessary. No liability will be accepted for loss or late delivery. An additional non-refundable charge of USD $120 will be made for international courier service or US$ 20 for national courier service.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 09.00 on 6th April, 2016. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security as described in the Bidding Document. Late bids shall be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders' representative’s who choose to attend at the address below at 09.15 hours on 6th April, 2016: Department of Higher Education (DHE): Attention Dr. Phonephet Boupha, DirectorGeneral Strengthening Higher Education Project (SHEP) 4th Floor, New Building, Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane, Lao PDR

8.

The Ministry of Education and Sports will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by Bidders in connection with the preparation or delivery of Bids.

9.

In the comparison of Bids, ADB's Domestic Preference will not applied.