Invitation to the Early Market Engagement
on the Potential Use of Framework Agreements for Consulting Services under the Ukraine Government Project Preparation Facility (UG PPF), implemented under the World Bank-financed “Preparation of Resilient Projects to Advance Recovery of Ukraine” (PREPARE Ukraine) Project (P180849)
The State Organization “AGENCY ON SUPPORT PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP” (the “PPP Agency”), under the general supervision of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, is responsible for implementing the Ukraine Government Project Preparation Facility (UG PPF), supported through the World Bank-financed project P180849 “Preparation of Resilient Projects to Advance Recovery of Ukraine” (PREPARE Ukraine). This project is financed by grant contributions provided by donors to the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF), including the United States, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), and other URTF donor partners. Further information on the PREPARE Ukraine Project is available at:
The UG PPF supports Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction by financing technical assistance for the preparation of Government-selected priority infrastructure investments, with the objective of ensuring their readiness for implementation and financing.
All procurement under the Project is carried out in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, Fifth Edition, September 2023.
Given the expected pipeline of project preparation assignments under the UG PPF, the PPP Agency is exploring procurement approaches that could support timely, flexible, competitive, and high-quality mobilization of consulting services. In this context, the PPP Agency is considering whether the establishment of a Framework Agreement procurement approach for consulting services could be appropriate for certain sectors and types of preparatory studies assignments under the UG PPF.
The UG PPF currently has an indicative pipeline of approximately 60 (sixty) project preparation assignments across 8 sectors over the planned period of 2026–2030. Individual assignment values are expected to range from approximately USD 75,000 to USD 2,000,000, depending on the sector, complexity, and scope of the required studies. The aggregate estimated value of consulting services to be procured under potential Framework Agreement(s) over their full duration is estimated at approximately USD 180 million, of which USD 36 million is funded. These figures are indicative only and may change based on the evolution of the Government’s priority investment pipeline. The PPP Agency will provide a more detailed overview of the expected pipeline during the EME event.
The PPP Agency therefore invites potential consultants (management consulting firms, engineering and design firms, financial, legal, environmental and social advisory firms, and other relevant expert organizations) to participate in an Early Market Engagement dedicated to the possible structuring and use of Framework Agreements for consulting services. Interested parties, including industry associations and representative bodies, are also welcome to participate.
Purpose of the Early Market Engagement
The purpose of this Early Market Engagement is to obtain market feedback on the feasibility, advantages, risks, and possible structuring of Framework Agreements under the UG PPF.
The PPP Agency is particularly interested in receiving views on whether Framework Agreements should be structured by sector, by type of services, or through a mixed approach, taking into account the expected nature of assignments, the security environment and related operational constraints in Ukraine, the availability of local expertise, and the need to ensure effective competition.
The PPP Agency recognizes that the security environment in Ukraine presents specific operational challenges, including restrictions on travel to certain regions, the need for remote working arrangements, and unpredictability in assignment scheduling. Market participants are encouraged to share their experience and recommendations on how these constraints can be effectively managed within a Framework Agreement structure.
Indicative Scope of Services under Preparatory Studies
The Framework Agreement(s), if pursued, may potentially cover consulting services related to the following public investment project preparatory studies:
(a) Design and structuring: Detailed planning for preparation and structuring of Government Selected Investments, including the development of a standardized model for infrastructure business case development (e.g., Ukraine’s adaptation of the 5 Case model).
(b) Pre-feasibility analysis and concept definition: Preliminary market, technical, environmental, social, land and climate-related issues; legal, regulatory, and security assessment; reforms required to enable successful projects; cost-benefit analysis; preliminary design and appraisal; recommended choice of procurement; and community and civil society consultations.
(c) Environmental and Social (E&S) studies (including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, ESIAs): Assessment of E&S risks and impacts of each project, consistent with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). E&S studies may be integrated into feasibility studies or may be stand-alone and preliminary in nature.
(d) Detailed feasibility and design studies: Demand analysis, technical feasibility, engineering cost estimates, concept designs, financial and economic assessments, de-risking assessment, geotechnical or resource assessments, and detailed designs for construction projects in line with EU requirements and the requirements of the State Expertise of Ukraine.
(e) Business case for investment proposals: Analysis of the financial and economic case to inform Government decisions on financing, including financial viability assessment, fiscal impact analysis, and economic appraisal.
(f) Financial structuring to attract private funds and/or share risks with the private sector: Assessment of proposed financing mechanisms (e.g., PPP/concession structures), preparation of risk allocation matrices, and initial market sounding with potential investors.
While the full range of services listed above may be required, the primary focus of the expected assignments is on pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies, and — in certain cases — the preparation of design documentation. Environmental and social studies are likely to be integrated components of these assignments rather than stand-alone engagements in most cases.
Potential Sector Coverage
The expected Framework Agreement(s) may cover assignments in the following sectors, listed in approximate order of anticipated demand:
- Transport (roads, bridges, rail, urban mobility)
- Energy (power generation, transmission, distribution, energy efficiency)
- Healthcare (hospitals, health infrastructure)
- Solid waste management
- Municipal infrastructure and services
- Housing
- Environment (water, sanitation, environmental remediation)
- Education and research
- Other sectors as may emerge from the Government’s priority investment pipeline
The relative weighting across sectors is indicative and subject to change based on Government priorities and donor funding availability. Market participants are invited to share their views on how sector groupings should be structured within the Framework Agreement.
Key Issues for Market Discussion
The PPP Agency intends to discuss the following issues with market participants:
1. Framework Agreement structure: Should the FA(s) be structured by sector (with separate lots for, e.g., transport, energy, health), by type of service (e.g., pre-feasibility, feasibility, design), or through a mixed/cross-cutting approach? What are the advantages and risks of each structuring option?
2. Number of Framework Agreement holders: What is the optimal number of firms or consortia to be selected under each lot or the overall FA to ensure genuine competition at the call-off stage while maintaining quality?
3. Duration of the Framework Agreement: What contract duration (e.g., 3 years, 4 years, with or without extension options) would be commercially attractive and operationally practical given the nature of the assignments and the security context?
4. Call-off procedures: What call-off mechanism (mini-competition, direct call-off, or a hybrid) would work best for assignments of varying complexity and urgency? What evaluation criteria and weighting should be applied at the call-off stage?
5. Qualification and capacity requirements: What minimum qualifications, technical capacity, and financial thresholds should be set for initial FA selection to attract the right market segment, including both international and local firms?
6. Local expertise and joint ventures/subconsultancy: How should the FA structure accommodate local Ukrainian firms and experts, given the importance of local knowledge, language, and the availability of local professionals?
7. Lessons learned and risks: What are the key risks associated with Framework Agreements for consulting services in conflict-affected environments, and how can these be mitigated? Please share practical recommendations from your organizational experience.
8. Making the procedure commercially attractive: What contractual, financial, and procedural terms would make participation in this Framework Agreement attractive to high-quality international and local consulting firms?
Indicative Call-off Approach
If Framework Agreements are established, individual assignments will be implemented through separate call-off procedures. The PPP Agency is currently considering a mini-competition approach as the primary call-off mechanism, whereby all FA holders in the relevant lot or category would be invited to submit technical and financial proposals for each assignment based on specific Terms of Reference. This approach is intended to ensure continued competition and best value at the call-off stage.
The evaluation of call-off proposals is expected to place significant weight on quality criteria, including: (i) proposed methodology and work plan; (ii) team composition and qualifications; (iii) availability and mobilization timeline of key experts; (iv) local delivery arrangements and engagement of local expertise; and (v) price/cost. The PPP Agency is seeking market feedback on the appropriate weighting of these criteria.
Individual assignment values and durations will vary depending on the sector and complexity of the required studies. Assignment values are expected to range from approximately USD 75,000 to USD 2,000,000, with durations ranging from approximately 4 to 24 months.
The PPP Agency also wishes to explore with the market whether certain routine or lower-value assignments could be awarded through a direct call-off to a single FA holder (e.g., on a rotational or specialization basis), and under what conditions this would be appropriate.
Written Feedback
In addition to the virtual meeting, the PPP Agency invites market participants to submit written responses to the questions outlined in the Key Issues for Market Discussion section above. Respondents are encouraged to address any or all of the questions and to include any additional comments or recommendations they consider relevant.
Written responses should be submitted to [email protected] by June 18, 2026, using the subject line: “EME Response — Framework Agreements for Consulting Services — UG PPF.”
All written responses will be treated as confidential. The PPP Agency will not attribute any specific response to an individual organization without prior consent.
Important Notice
This Early Market Engagement is for information-gathering and market-consultation purposes only. Participation does not constitute prequalification, shortlisting, or selection and does not create any right to be awarded a contract.
All market participants will be treated equally and on a non-discriminatory basis. The PPP Agency is committed to managing this engagement in a manner that avoids any perceived or actual conflict of interest in any subsequent procurement process. Participation in this Early Market Engagement will neither advantage nor disadvantage any organization in any future competitive process.
Commercial and proprietary information shared by market participants in the course of this engagement will be treated as confidential by the PPP Agency.
Indicative Next Steps and Procurement Timeline
The PPP Agency provides the following indicative timeline for information purposes. This timeline is subject to change depending on market feedback received, internal approvals, and World Bank review processes.
| Milestone | Indicative Date |
| Early Market Engagement event | June 11, 2026 |
| Deadline for written feedback | June 18, 2026 |
| Publication of Expression of Interest (EOI) / Request for Proposals (RFP) | 3 Quarter/2026 |
| Expected award of Framework Agreement(s) | 1 Quarter/2027 |
| Expected start of first call-offs | 2 Quarter/2027 |
The PPP Agency will communicate any material changes in the procurement timeline to registered participants.
Event Details
Proposed Agenda:
- Introduction of the UG PPF and overview of the project budget and pipeline
- Overview of the expected project preparation pipeline
- Presentation of the possible Framework Agreement concept
- Market feedback and Q&A session
- Next steps
Date and Time: June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Kyiv time
Format: Virtual Meeting. The meeting link and connection details will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.
Working Language: English
Deadline for Registration: June 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Kyiv time
Contact
Kyrylo Nishenko, Procurement Specialist PPP Agency — State Organization “Agency on Support Public-Private Partnership”
Email: [email protected]
For any questions regarding this Early Market Engagement, please contact the above no later than June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Kyiv time prior to the event.