BELIZE

Tourism Project

Caracol Access Road Upgrading

Loan No. 1250/OC-BL

The Government of Belize has received a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in conjunction with the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) to finance the improvement of the tourism infrastructure in Belize. It is intended that part of the loan proceeds be applied to eligible payments under:

· Contract No. 1: Upgrading of the Caracol access road from Caracol to Ballerina Junction (approximately BZ$ 8.5 million)

· Contract No. 2: Upgrading of the Caracol access road from T junction north of Mai Gate to the Western Highway junction at Santa Elena (approximately BZ$ 2 million)

· Contract No. 3: Upgrading of the Caracol access road from T junction north of Mai Gate to the Western Highway junction at Georgeville (approximately BZ$ 1.5 million)

The Government of Belize now invites prequalification applications from contracting firms wishing to carry out the above-mentioned works. Prequalification is open to all bidders from eligible source countries. It is expected that invitations to bid be made in October 2002.

Contractors are invited to submit comprehensive details of their relevant experience in undertaking similar projects.

Indicative quantities for major items are:

· Contract No. 1: Gravel paving of existing road 22 feet wide: 445,000 m3; Excavation: 170,000 m3; Pipe culverts: 750 m

· Contract No. 2: Gravel paving of existing road 22 feet wide: 30,000 m3; Excavation: 85,000 m3; Pipe culverts: 100m

· Contract No. 3: Gravel paving of existing road 22 feet wide: 25,000 m3; Excavation: 12,000 m3; Pipe culverts: 25 m

Contractors will be allowed to employ approved sub-contractors. Prequalified firms will be allowed to bid on one, all or any combination of packages based upon their interest, their capacity and capability.

Evaluation of construction firms will be based on the following criteria: (i) the judicial nature and nationality of the bidding firm; (ii) its general background; (iii) its financial position; (iv) the available equipment and staff; (v) its relevant experience; (vi) its commitment to ongoing works; and (vii) its litigation history. The Government of Belize shall not be bound to give any reason for not prequalifying any applicant and will not defray the costs of applications.

Prequalification documents and questionnaires may be obtained at the address below, between 0900 and 1600 hours, Mondays through Fridays, upon payment of a non-refundable fee of US$ 50 or BZ$ 100. Certified checks, draft money orders or postal orders should be payable to the Government of Belize.

The completed prequalification forms and questionnaires must be submitted in duplicate, enclosed in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Prequalification Application Document for Caracol Access Road”, to the address below no later than 1400 hours (local time) on 15 October 2002. Late applications will not be accepted.

Contact: Ministry of Works.

Attn: Chief Executive Officer.

Power Lane.

Belmopan, Belize.

Tel: (501) 822-2131.

Fax: (501) 822-3282.

E-mail: works@btl.net