The Government of Belize has signed a contract with the Inter-American Development (IDB) to finance the cost of the Hurricane Rehabilitation and Disaster Preparedness Project. It is intended that part of the loan proceeds be applied to eligible payments for the construction of four new multipurpose buildings to be used as regional hurricane shelters. The procurement of contracting services for the works shall be subject to the provisions of the loan agreement.

The total estimated cost of all packages is approximately US$ 4 million. The total square footage of buildings to be constructed is estimated to be about 59,175 sq. ft. (5,498 m2). Contractors will be allowed to employ approved subcontractors. Prequalified firms will be permitted to bid on one, all or any combination of packages based on their interest and capacity.

The Ministry of Economic Development, Government of Belize, hereby invites interested eligible firms from the IDB=s member countries to present their respective prequalification information in sealed envelopes indicating evidence of their legal, financial and technical capacity to undertake the works.

The evaluation of construction firms will be based on the following criteria: judicial nature and nationality of the bidding firm; general background of the firm; financial position; available equipment and staff; relevant experience; commitment to ongoing works; and organizational structure of the firm.

Prequalification questionnaires can be obtained by contacting the office of the Coordinator at the address below. Completed forms should be filled out and returned in duplicate, placed in sealed envelopes clearly marked APrequalification of Contractors for the Construction of IDB Regional Shelters@, to the same address by 17 December 2001 so as to facilitate the invitation for bids by mid April 2002.

It is expected that bids be opened by June 2002 and that the works start in late August 2002. The Government of Belize shall not be bound to give any reason for not prequalifying any applicant and will not defray costs of applications.

Hurricane Preparedness Project.

Attn: Project Coordinator.

Re: Prequalification for Civil Works.

Ministry of Works Annex.

Power Lane,

Belmopan, Belize.

Tel: (501-8) 23853. Fax: (501-8) 23972.

E-mail: hrdpshel@btl.net