The Government of Belize has signed a contract with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to partially finance the cost of the Hurricane Rehabilitation and Disaster Preparedness Project. It is intended that part of the financing 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 building to be constructed is estimated to be about 59,175 sq. ft. (approx. 5,498 m2). Contractors will be allowed to employ approved subcontractors. Prequalified companies will be permitted to bid on one, all or any combination of packages based on their interest and capacity.

The Ministry of Economic Development, the 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 companies will be based on the following criteria: judicial nature and nationality of the firm; general background; financial position; available equipment and staff; relevant experience; companies=s commitments to ongoing works; and its organizational structure. The Government of Belize shall not be bound to give any reason for not prequalifying any applicant and will not defray costs of applications.

Prequalification questionnaires may be obtained by contacting the office of the Coordinator (address below). Completed forms should be filled out and returned in duplicate to the same address by 1500 hours (local time), on 2 August 2002, so as to facilitate the invitation for bids by late August 2002. The completed forms should be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked APrequalification of Contractors for the Construction of IDB Regional Shelters@. It is expected that bids will be opened by early October 2002 and that the works will start in late October 2002.

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