The Government of Barbados (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for a loan toward the cost of the Education Sector Enhancement Program, which is designed to help the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports implement education reform, the goal of which is to ensure that every individual is provided with the opportunity to achieve his or her full learning potential.

A portion of the loan proceeds will be used for the procurement of information technology equipment for schools throughout Barbados. Such procurement shall be subject to the provisions of the loan agreement between the GOB and the IDB.

The items to be procured under the tender have been grouped into lots, and an acceptable bid would include any single lot, any combination of the lots or all of the lots below:

$Lot 1: IAV2 - Audio-visual equipment (primary)

$Lot 2: IC21 - Graphic computers (package 2A)

$Lot 3: IC22 - Primary school computer (package 2A)

$Lot 4: IC24 - Computer peripherals (package 2A)

$Lot 5: IMS2 - MIS host system

$Lot 6: INT2 - Primary school infrastructure

$Lot 7: IPW2 - Computer power systems

The purchaser reserves the right to award less than all items in a lot.

Bids are invited from eligible suppliers of the IDB=s member countries for supply and installation of the items.

All corporate bids must include a copy of the company=s certificate of incorporation, which must be in the name of the bid, as evidence of the fact that the company is an existing registered one as of the date of the bid. Failure to provide it shall render the bid void.

Local bidders are advised that such certificate of incorporation means a certificate issued under the 1985 Companies Act of Barbados or, where applicable, a certificate of continuance and/or one of amalgamation, or a certificate or amendment. Certificates must be dated after 31 December 1984.

Any firm incorporated outside of Barbados, which is awarded the contract, will be required to be registered in Barbados as an external company under the Companies Act of Barbados.

Bidders should be aware that the provisions of the Labor Clauses (Public contracts) ACT: CAP349 shall, as they are applicable to the bid, apply to any contract made in respect of the bid. Full details of the conditions of the above-mentioned Act may be obtained from the Chief Labour Officer, at the first address below. Bidders should submit the certificate required by this act with their bid. A copy of this act and a compliance form are included in the bid.

The successful bidder(s) will be required to enter into a contract drawn up by - or in a form approved by - the Solicitor General or another legal officer in the public service approved by the Solicitor General. A security must be provided for the due performance of the contract by way of one of the methods below:

• A deposit with the treasury of a sum of money or approved securities to the value of no less than 10 per cent of the contract price

• A guarantee issued by a bank or accredited insurance company whose liability shall not be less than 10 per cent of the contract price. The cost of obtaining such a security shall be the responsibility of the contractor who does not have to make specific arrangements for such a security before the bid has been accepted.

• Satisfactory personal guarantees

For goods and related services that the bidder will supply from within Barbados, bid prices shall be quoted in Barbados dollars (VAT inclusive). For goods and related services that the bidder will supply from outside Barbados, prices shall be quoted in Barbados dollars or in not more than one freely convertible currency and must match the primary currency of that country (also including VAT) on all goods and services.

Bids will be evaluated in Barbados dollars based on the exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Barbados on the bid opening date. Bidding documents may be obtained at the second address below, between 0830 and 1630 hours (Barbados time), Monday through Friday. Queries may be directed to the Education Project Implementation Unit. A non-refundable fee of BDS$ 100, or its equivalent in a freely convertible currency, must accompany each request for bidding documents. The method of payment must be in the form of a certified check or an international money order, made payable to the Accountant General.

Completed price schedules, the bid form and security must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked ATender for the Supply and Installation of Information Technology - Phase 2 for The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports@, to the third address below, by 1630 hours (Barbados time) on Wednesday, 3 July 2002.

All bids must be accompanied by a security of 2 per cent of the bid price and be placed in the tender box at the Central Purchasing Department of the third address below. They will be opened at the same address, in the presence of bidders= representatives who choose to attend, at 1030 hours (Barbados time) on Thursday, 4 July 2002. Bids reaching the Central Purchasing Department after the closing time and date will not be considered.

No bid will be considered unless it complies with the conditions set out in this notice and in the bidding documents. The GOB does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any bid.

1. Labour Department. Attn: Chief Labour Officer. National Insurance Bldg., 2nd Floor. Fairchild St.. Bridgetown, Barbados.

2. Ministry of Education Youth Affairs and Sports. Education Project Implementation Unit. Attn: Project Manager. Elsie Payne Complex, Constitution Rd.. Saint Michael, Barbados. Tel: (1-246) 430-2890. Fax: (1-246) 437-8123.

3. Special Tenders Committee. Central Purchasing Department. Attn: Chairman. Fontabelle. Saint Michael, Barbados