Contractors are invited to submit their bids to prequalify for the West End Ferry Terminal Project by the new deadline of 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 26th May, 2023.
The Recovery and Development Agency, (RDA) under the direction of the Premier’s Office, will manage the design and construction of a new, expanded terminal, in partnership with key stakeholders to include the BVI Ports Authority, Immigration Department, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, H.M. Customs, the BVI Tourist Board, ferry operators and taxi drivers.
The redevelopment will create a modern, technologically driven entry port and a secure border point designed to process 200 passengers per hour, or 200,000 passengers per year. It will provide a fast and efficient service with separate handling for private yachts, charter yachts and water taxis from ferry passengers.
RDA’s Director of Procurement John Primo is encouraging local contractors to make the necessary arrangements early to form joint ventures in order to meet the qualification requirements if they determine that their firm alone cannot meet these requirements.
“Due to the estimated cost of this activity, the invitation for prequalification is required to be advertised locally and internationally to shortlist suitable and qualified firms to ensure that the project is completed as planned,” said Mr. Primo.
The invitation for bid is expected to be issued in July 2023 and will only be issued to firms which were successful in the pre-qualification process.
For the prequalification, consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms which are legally incorporated or have their principal place of business in an eligible country and is either more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country.
Consideration will also be given to firms owned or controlled by the government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006).
Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. The full invitation for pre-qualifications can be found on the RDA’s website at https://bvirecovery.vg/invitation-for-pre-qualification-of-contractors-west-end-ferry-terminal/.
The proposed 12,000 square foot facility will double the size of the previous facility, and have the capacity to process more passengers, provide berthing for multiple ferries and private yachts, and parking for vehicles. The facility will be built from sustainable materials and will incorporate technologies to offer greater efficiency for businesses and passengers.
The redevelopment of the West End Ferry Terminal will facilitate improvement to BVI’s tourism offerings and local commerce. It will also create jobs and a positive first impression for visitors.
The West End Ferry Terminal was the busiest seaport in the Virgin Islands prior to the 2017 hurricanes of which 40% of all arrivals into the Territory were processed through West End.
This project is funded by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the CDB Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan and falls under the RDA’s ‘Resilient Infrastructure’ Sector.
