The Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (GOG) has received a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to finance part of the cost of the Basic Education Access and Management Support Program (BEAMS). The goal of the BEAMS is to improve the equitable delivery of quality basic education throughout Guyana. The program objectives include:

• Strengthening MOE=s ability to sustain improved literacy and numeric attainment in students through the basic education cycle

C Support for Guyana=s push for universal secondary education

• Enhanced MOE capacity to manage sector-wide reform
• Development of an operational framework for strengthening social sector infrastructure under HIPC, including the alignment of policy with performance outcomes

The BEAMS will be carried out over a four-year period beginning in September 2002 and will comprise the following components:

C School performance

C Organizational and human resource development

C Civil works

C Project management

It is intended that the loan proceeds be applied to financing the procurement of goods, services and works in relation to the goal and objectives of the BEAMS. This will be done through international/national competitive bidding and other procurement procedures in accordance with the IDB and GOG Procurement Procedures and Guidelines. Each invitation for the supply of goods or services will include:

C A general description of the project and of the specific services which are subject to bidding

C The proposed method of prequalification

C The place, date and time at which bidding documents will be available

C The place, date and time for return and opening of bids

The execution of the program is the responsibility of the Program Implementation Unit, Ministry of Education, and involves program co-ordination, financial management, administration and procurement of goods, services and works.

Special procurement notices for goods in excess of US$ 350,000 and for consultancies in excess of US$ 200,000 will be published in international publications. All procurement notices will be published in the local press.

Invitations for bids for goods and services to be financed by this IDB loan will be issued by the Implementation Unit. All correspondence and requests for information should be addressed to:

Basic Education Access and Management Support Program (BEAMS)

Attn: Project Manager

109 Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park

Georgetown, Guyana

Tel: (1-592) 226-3332. Fax: (1-592) 225-2773