CMS2 (Modernised CMS)

CMS2 is the Asian Development Bank's modernised Consultant Management System, a planned upgrade of the legacy CMS platform that underpins how consulting firms and individual experts register with ADB, respond to Expressions of Interest, and receive assignment notifications. The modernisation moves from ADB's custom-built system to a commercial SaaS e-procurement platform, with the goal of improving usability, API access, and process efficiency.

What is CMS2 (Modernised CMS)?

The original CMS at cms.adb.org is unique among multilateral development banks: no other MDB operates a dedicated consultant registration and matching portal of this kind. Firms that register in CMS list their sector expertise, geographic experience, and key personnel, and the system matches them to consulting assignments for which ADB invites Expressions of Interest (eoi). CMS registration is required before a firm can enter into a consulting contract with ADB, though it is not required to participate in the initial competitive selection process.

CMS2 is the next iteration of this infrastructure. By migrating to a commercial SaaS platform, ADB aims to improve the registration experience, add richer search and matching capabilities, and potentially expose API access that would allow third-party tools to integrate with the consultant pipeline. The modernisation is significant for consulting firms because CMS is the primary gateway for the qcbs and QBS assignments that make up the bulk of ADB's consulting procurement across its Asia-Pacific portfolio, which covers 69 member countries and annual own-resource commitments of $29.3 billion.

Why CMS2 (Modernised CMS) matters for bidders

Consulting firms targeting ADB assignments should register in the current CMS promptly and monitor the CMS2 migration timeline, because the transition to a new platform typically involves a re-registration or data migration step that can temporarily disrupt a firm's visibility in the system. Firms that delay registration until after CMS2 launches may miss assignment notifications during the transition period. The prospect of API access in CMS2 is particularly relevant for firms that want to build automated monitoring of new ADB consulting opportunities, since the current CMS does not offer a public data feed. Keeping your CMS profile current, with accurate tor-relevant sector codes and recent project experience, is the single most direct way to ensure ADB evaluators encounter your firm when shortlisting for relevant assignments.

FAQ

Is CMS2 live yet?

As of mid-2025, the CMS2 modernisation was in progress. ADB had announced the migration to a commercial SaaS platform but had not yet set a public launch date. Firms should monitor ADB's procurement portal and CMS announcements for updates.

Do I need to register in CMS2 to bid on ADB consulting assignments?

Registration in the consultant management system is required before signing a contract with ADB, but firms can participate in the Expression of Interest and proposal stages before completing full registration. The CMS2 modernisation is not expected to change this sequencing.

Will CMS2 replace the ADB procurement portal for tender notices?

No. CMS2 is specific to consulting assignments and consultant registration. General procurement notices for goods, works, and non-consulting services will continue to be published on the main ADB procurement portal at adb.org/projects/tenders.