1.    The Independent State of the Solomon Islands has received a grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) towards the cost of rehabilitating transport infrastructure damaged in the April 2007 Tsunami affected areas of Western and Choiseul Provinces. Part of the proceeds of this grant will be used for payments under the contract named above. Bidding is open to bidders from eligible member countries of ADB.

2.    The Ministry for Infrastructure Development (MID), represented by the Permanent Secretary MID (the Employer), now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the construction works described as replacement of coastal infrastructure, which includes 7 piled concrete decked wharfs, 2 footbridges, and 1 jetty in Western and Choiseul Provinces.

3.    The Works include but shall not be limited to:

• Removal of damaged existing structures;
• Setting-out and survey as required;
• Driving and encasement of H-piling;
• Pre-casting of Wharf, footbridge and jetty concrete components;
• Erection of the marine structures;
• Construction of new causeways;
• Maintenance of access roads & linkages;
• Installation of land bollards, fenders, and maritime furniture;
• Restoration of site upon completion of works

Bidders are encouraged to engage as sub-contractors smaller local contractors or groups who have experience in or may subsequently be interested in participating in labour based support (LBES) type contracts for smaller construction and maintenance activities to enable skills transfer.

Bidders are also encouraged to form joint ventures with other local or international construction companies to strengthen capacity and experience if considered necessary.

4.    International Competitive Bidding will be conducted in accordance with ADB's Single-Stage: One-Envelope Bidding Procedure.

5.    Only eligible bidders with the following key qualifications should participate in this bidding:

• have a minimum of 5 years general construction experience;
• have successfully completed at least two contracts during the last three years of similar size and nature to the subject contract and of value greater than USD$3.7 million equivalent;
• have a minimum average turnover over the last three years of USD$18.0 million equivalent;
• must demonstrate access to, or availability of, financial resources such as liquid assets, unencumbered real assets, lines of credit, and other financial means, other than any contractual advance payments to meet the following cash-flow requirement: USD$500,000 for a period of three months, and he overall cash flow requirements for this contract and its current works commitment;
• have sufficient working capital and lines of credit to cover the running costs of the subject contract together with existing contract commitments, as determined by the formula:
  (7 x Working Capital + Credit - 40% Work in Progress) > Bid Price;
• have available owned or leased construction plant and equipment of type, size, and number sufficient to undertake and complete the Works within the specified contract period of 39 weeks, including motor graders, excavators, loaders, bulldozers, compaction equipment, and equipment for crushing and screening aggregates for pavement construction;
• have technical and supervisory personnel with a minimum of 10 years experience in the construction of similar types of work under similar conditions;
• be able to demonstrate the capacity to maintain production rates for key construction activities sufficient to achieve completion within the periods shown on the construction program.

6.    To obtain further information and inspect the Bidding Documents, bidders should contact:

Mr. Ambrose Kirei
Ministry of Infrastructure Development
Head Office Building
Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Solomon Islands
Tel. No.: (677) 25783
Fax No.: (677) 28705
Email: sirip1@solomon.com.sb

7.    To purchase the Bidding Documents in English eligible bidders should:

1. visit the Chairman of the MID Tenders Board (MIDTB) at the address shown in paragraph number 6, requesting the Bidding Documents for CTB Tender No. TI-WP 42/09 : CTB C 17/09, Replacement of Coastal Infrastructure in Western and Choiseul Provinces. Pay a nonrefundable fee of SBD750 or US$100 by cash or bank draft payable to The Solomon Islands Government at the address shown in paragraph number 6.

   or

2. request for delivery by sending a written application to the office of the Chairman of the MIDTB at the address shown in paragraph number 6, requesting the Bidding Documents for CTB Tender No. TI-WP 42/09 : CTB C 17/09, Replacement of Coastal Infrastructure in Western and Choiseul Provinces. The application must include a Bank draft payable to The Solomon Islands Government, for the amount of SBD825 (domestic delivery) or US$175 (overseas delivery). The MID Tenders Board will promptly dispatch the documents but under no circumstances will it be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so mailed.

8.    Deliver your bid to:

• to the address below:

  The Central Tenders Board Office
  Ground Floor, Ministry of Finance
  Mendana Drive
  Honiara, Solomon Islands

• on or before 24 July 2009 at 10:00 p.m.

9.    All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of 2% of the bidder's price or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency. Bids will be opened immediately after the deadline in the presence of bidders' representatives who choose to attend at The Leaf House, Central Tenders Board, Ministry of Finance, Mendana Avenue, Honiara.

10.    When comparing Bids, ADB's Domestic Preference Scheme will be applicable.