Expression of Interest (EoI) for the Operation and Management of the Babesa Wholesale Agricultural Market Facility
The Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, invites Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible and competent entities for the operation and management of the Babesa wholesale Agricultural Market Facility, located in Thimphu.
The purpose of this EoI is to identify a qualified partner who can efficiently manage, operate, and maintain the wholesale market facility in alignment with the national goals of improving agricultural marketing systems, enhancing farmer incomes, ensuring transparent price discovery, and reducing post-harvest losses.
The department encourages the interested proponents to visit the site before submitting the EOI. The department shall draw the MoU with the selected proponent and include provisions such as
Scope of Work
The selected operator will be responsible for, but not limited to:
- Daily management of the market facility including parking space and infrastructure maintenance.
- Ensuring cleanliness, safety, and waste management as per regulatory standards.
Eligibility Criteria
Interested parties must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a legally registered Bhutanese entity (cooperative, farmers’ group, private company, or other relevant organization).
- Hold a valid trade license, registration certificate and tax clearance certificate.
- Demonstrate financial capacity to manage the operations.
Site Visit and Operational Context (Important Information for Interested Operators)
All interested parties are required to visit the site at Babesa Wholesale Market before submitting their Expression of Interest (EoI). This will provide a clear understanding of the layout, facilities, and operational environment of the wholesale market for agricultural products.
Please note the following key details:
- The dedicated parking area for vehicles includes:
- 86 parking slots for Boleros (or similar small utility vehicles)
- 3 parking slots for Jumbo Trucks
- The toilet facilities
- Two unit of Female toilets
- One unit of Male toilet and four urinal
- The market experiences seasonal fluctuations:
- Peak Season: From June to August, corresponding to the summer harvest period. This is when the market is at its busiest.
- Lean Season: During the winter months, when the supply of agricultural produce significantly drops, and the wholesale area may remain partially or completely unused.
Given these operational dynamics, interested parties are strongly encouraged to review the Terms of Reference (ToR) carefully to fully understand the scope of responsibilities, expectations, and seasonal workload variations.
Failure to visit the site or understand the seasonal trends may result in operational challenges, for which the management will not be held responsible post-award.
Submission Requirements
Interested applicants must submit:
- Letter of Interest (including the amount quoted to be deposited to KaJa Throm Mgt. per month)
- Valid trade license/Group Certificate
- Profile of the individual/organization
- Detailed Operational Plan (including staffing, logistics, maintenance, fee collections, stakeholder engagement, and improvement)
Evaluation Criteria
The selection will be based on:
- Proposed/quoted revenue/lease term (meeting the minimum amount)
- Soundness of proposed management operational plan
- Technical capability & relevant experience
Submission Deadline
The complete EoI documents must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “EoI for Operation of Babesa Wholesale Agricultural Market Area” to the address below on or before 15th July, by 5:00 PM:
Director
Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
Thimphu
For further information kindly contact and submit the documents:
Phone: 77732132
Email: namgayw@moal.gov.bt
