Expression of Interest For Bhutan: Technical And Policy Assessment For Building Digital Resilience

Expression of Interest for Bhutan: Technical and Policy Assessment for Building Digital Resilience Description: Background and contextBhutan is accelerating digital transformation to improve service delivery, facilitate trade, and create economic opportunities for youth. However, Bhutans digital connectivity and data infrastructure remain vulnerable to natural disasters, which undermines Bhutans digital aspirations.Bhutans internet connectivity is impacted by its landlocked nature and constrained connectivity through India to access undersea cables. The two international gateways in Phuentsholing and Gelephu are both connected through Indias narrow chicken neck Siliguri corridor, and the entire country can become disconnected when there are critical service interruptions in this corridor which is also vulnerable to climate risks. A third link to connect to Bangladesh (through India) is under preparation which is expected to add redundancy. However, further work is needed to assess technical and policy options to improve resilience and reliability of Bhutans internet connectivity, in both cross-border and domestic networks. In addition to internet and telecommunication systems, it is also crucial to strengthen the resilience of Bhutans data infrastructure to ensure minimal service interruptions and data loss in the event of natural disasters and other exogenous shocks.The RGoB is interested in assessing technical options to better connect Bhutan with international connectivity (not limited to the current links through India) and adoption of technological solutions such as, but not limited to, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite for remote areas and for disaster recovery. For data infrastructure, while the ACCESS program plans to strengthen disaster recovery capabilities of the government data center (GDC), the RGoB is interested in innovative solutions to strengthen resilience, including options to utilize data centers and commercial cloud computing or virtual resources outside of Bhutan for geographic separation and reducing discovery recovery time. The RGoB is also exploring a hybrid cloud strategy to store non-sensitive data in public cloud operated by the private sector, which would entail a more complex cloud disaster recovery and business continuity plan. The RGoB has requested the Banks support to improve resilience and recovery options for cross-border and domestic connectivity and data infrastructure in Bhutan. With the support of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)[1], the World Banks digital team is providing technical assistance to the Royal Government of Bhutan on the following: (i) High-level climate risk assessment and diagnostic of its telecommunications and data infrastructure, with a focus on international links and national backbone; (ii) strengthen guidelines for emergency telecommunications and decision support systems with an enhanced focus on incorporating digital resilience measures across the government; and (iii) assess technical and policy options to improve Bhutans digital connectivity and data infrastructure resilience, access technical expertise, and learn from international good practices.II Objectives of this Consultancy The objective of this Consultancy is to contribute, as part of the World Bank team, to the deliverable: 3. assess technical and policy options to improve Bhutans digital connectivity and data infrastructure resilience. This assignment builds upon existing analytical work and World Bank financing to the Royal Government of Bhutan to improve digital connectivity, use, and resilience in Bhutan under the Accelerating Trade and Transport Connectivity in Eastern South Asia (ACCESS) project. The primary counterpart for this activity is the Government Technology Agency of Bhutan (GovTech), but will include engagements with various ministries, agencies, and private sector that relate to building digital resilience. Terms of Contracts and Reporting The period of implementation of the contract is expected to be 5 months from the commencement date. The consultant will report to Junko Narimatsu (Senior Digital Specialist, jnarimatsu@worldbank.org) based in Washington DC; and any members of the Digital South Asia team (DSADU) as required. The World Bank Team will: Facilitate connection of the Consultants with World Bank TTLs, GFDRR partners, and RGoB. Provide reference documents and necessary inputs regarding relevant World Bank Group operations. Provide technical advisory oversight, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Facilitate the synthesis and publication of the deliverables, including through written feedback and facilitated workshops Tender Link : https://wbgeprocure-rfxnow.worldbank.org/rfxnow/public/advertisement/5437/view.html

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