Four submissions were successful in the prequalification process and have been shortlisted to bid for the construction of the new West End Ferry Terminal project.
The four submissions are comprised of two international tenders, a joint venture between two local firms, and a standalone local firm.
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer in an update during the fifth sitting of the first session of the fifth House of Assembly on 31 October said, “Of these nine applicants, four, including two local applicants comprised of one standalone submission and one joint-venture, were shortlisted in the prequalification process.”
The Works Minister was pleased that BVI construction firms were able to compete and be successful at this level.
“I am particularly pleased to highlight that three local firms (one standalone applicant and two firms within a joint-venture application) were successful in the second-round of the prequalification process. This underscores the ability of our local contractors to succeed in competitive bidding processes.”
The four successful short-listed applicants will be invited to bid in the full tender process which will commence in the coming weeks, following approval of the full design set and compilation of required tender documentation.
Outlining the economic benefit of the project, the Works Minister shared that the project will facilitate improvement to BVI’s tourism offerings and local commerce.
“The improved facility will create direct and indirect jobs within the tourism and broader services sectors and provide an enhanced traveling experience for residents and visitors to the Territory. The terminal will be built sustainably and resilient. It will also provide for simplified construction using local materials to maximise energy efficiency,” Honourable Kye Rymer said.
Previously, the RDA received nine submissions on 9th June for the prequalification of contractors for the construction phase of the terminal. However, none of the contractors met the requirements for prequalification. The prequalification process was since re-tendered, with the deadline set for August 31, 2023, of which nine firms once again submitted bids to participate in the pre-qualification process.
The West End Ferry Terminal was the busiest seaport in the Virgin Islands. Forty-one percent of sea arrivals and thirty-one percent of all arrivals into the Territory were processed through West End in 2016.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency, (RDA) is managing the design and construction of a new, expanded terminal, under the direction of the Ministry of Communications and Works and in support of the Premier’s Office. This work is being done in close partnership with key stakeholders including the BVI Ports Authority, the Immigration Department, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, His Majesty’s Customs, the BVI Tourist Board, ferry operators and taxi drivers.
The RDA is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
