REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY

HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM PROJECT

CONSULTING SERVICES
for Developing Higher Education Library Programmes 
to Support Study and Research in Higher Education

Loan No. 4287-HU

Expressions of Interest

This request for expression of interest follows the General Procurement Notice for the Hungarian Higher Education Reform Project that appeared in Development Business No. 508 of 16 April 1999. The primary aim of the project is to develop a system of higher education that responds to the nation’s changed and changing social and economic needs.

The Government of the Republic of Hungary has received a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the contract for consulting services to assist in the design and implementation of a Governmental Higher Education Policy, Integration and Communication Programme. The programme is intended to enhance governmental higher education policy planning and implementation at national level and in higher education institutions (HEIs) in form of pilot projects.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) of the Republic of Hungary now invites eligible consultant organisations to indicate their interest in  providing expert services in designing and implementing the above programmes. The Consultant will support the MoE in developing a strategy for a new learning resource centre that can serve the increasing number of students in an effective way and provide electronic information services at a national level. Furthermore the Consultant will manage the purchasing and licensing process of electronic resources, set up criteria of selection, prepare negotiations with publishers and suppliers of electronic information, manage the tender procedure, conduct licence agreements in the most cost effective way and draw up single/national licence agreements for the higher education and research community in Hungary. The Consultant will assist in designing the necessary hardware and network environment, both for the learning resource centre and for the electronic information services, will give recommendations for using European standards and norms and will carry out monitoring activities during the preparation phase and recommend controlling and assessment methods for implementation and operation.

Interested organisations must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the above services (brochures, description of similar previous assignments, references, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, e.g. short professional CVs of key personnel). Priority will be given to experts in licensing, in financial, legal, technical and content matters of electronic information. Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.

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

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Development Unit (see address below) from 0800 to 1400.

Expression of interest must be delivered to the address below not later than 5 June 2000.

Ministry of Education
Ms. Agnes Teglasi, library co-ordinator
Szalay str. 10-14. room No. 630.
H-1055 Budapest, Hungary
Tel:  (36 1) 302-0600/ext. 1136
Fax: (36 1) 311-5878
E-mail: agnes. teglasi@om.gov.hu