RDA to pre-qualify contractors for West End ferry terminal

The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has moved to pre-qualify contractors for a second time in recent months for the construction of the new West End (WE) Ferry Terminal after the first attempt proved unsuccessful.

The agency said it is expected that invitations for bids will be issued sometime in September, 2023.

Previously, nine construction firms responded to the first pre-qualification opportunity for the project, however, officials said it was determined that none of the submissions fully met the requirements of the pre-qualification notice nor submitted fully responsive pre-qualification documents. 

Some of the areas cited as non-conforming include the absence of required balance sheets for all specified years, failure to provide essential registration documents like trade licenses, incomplete forms with missing information, and the inclusion of joint ventures with firms not registered in eligible member countries. 

Furthermore, deficiencies were noted in the qualifications and experience of joint venture members, and some firms failed to meet the stipulated cash flow requirements. 

Revised requirements

After a thorough assessment, the RDA revised the requirements, with Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)’s approval, to ensure a successful procurement process that safeguards the integrity of the technical requirements and to ensure construction works are not compromised.

The new pre-qualification process aims to identify and shortlist contractors who meet specific eligibility criteria. Contractors must be based in eligible countries, as defined by CDB, and must demonstrate substantial financial capabilities, relevant experience, and compliance with specific procurement guidelines.

The pre-qualification requirements include a track record of an average annual turnover of at least US$10,000,000 over the last five years, a demonstrable cash flow equivalent to US$2,000,000, and experience as the prime contractor for at least two assignments comparable in nature and complexity to the West End Ferry Terminal construction project.

Interested parties can obtain pre-qualification documents and further information from the RDA’s offices during business hours and the submission deadline for pre-qualification documents is August 31st, 2023.

Project funding

The project, backed by financing from the CDB as part of the hurricane Irma recovery efforts, has stringent criteria in place to ensure compliance and aims to restore and enhance the transportation infrastructure in the territory.

The BVI government received over $65 million from the CDB toward the rehabilitation and reconstruction loan for the Hurricane Irma Project and a portion of these funds will be allocated to eligible payments under the construction project. 

The RDA cautioned however, that the disbursement of these funds is contingent upon approval by both the government and CDB, and will adhere to the terms stipulated in the loan agreement.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley previously said there is approximately $12 million available through the CDB to fund the project.

Late last year, the RDA announced that the ‘Classic Modern’ look was decided as the winning design for the project after putting three options to a vote previously. The RDA said at the time that it took into consideration the efficacy of the three designs and the resiliency of the building and the availability of materials in making its decision.