Turks and Caicos Airport Authority (TCIAA) announced today the decision of the review panel, following a comprehensive and thorough review against a strict selection criteria, the contract for completing phase one of the Airport Expansion and Rehabilitation project has been awarded to Dexter Construction, with major sub-contractors Cove Construction Ltd. and CBMS of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Panel indicated that whilst all firms offered a very competitive bid, the measurable factors in selecting Dexter Construction as the preferred Contractor were based on their strengths in project management, their proven success, the performance and quality of work completed on past construction projects, and their considerable attention towards utilizing local resources.
In addition, the panel pointed to the on-site training the company will provide: Dexter Construction has expressed its willingness to participate in a joint programme with the TCIAA, which will establish a scholarship programme for TCI Belongers to study at Dexter’s advanced training facilities in Nova Scotia, Canada.
The review panel considered Dexter to offer the best overall value for money and contribution to the TCI economy. Following the review and acceptance of an alternative construction staging plan, the total contract price was estimated at around $35m.
On making the announcement, John Smith, CEO of Airport Authority said:
“The TCI Airports Authority look forward to working with Dexter Construction and their sub-contractors on this exciting and challenging project that will see the gateway to the Turks and Caicos Islands expand greatly. The chosen bid will make extensive use of TCI workers, bringing with it significant new training opportunities.
The expansion plans look great and will allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft more easily, for example on longer routes from Europe and Asia: Travellers can look forward to more comfortable travel and businesses will benefit from an airport that can bring in tourists in greater numbers."
Arthur Been, acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Communication praised the way the TCIAA had handled the tender process and said:
“This is an exciting development for the TCI. The airport extension will bring significant benefits for business, tourism and trade, improving TCI’s ability to compete in regional markets and making it a more attractive destination for inward investment. The project will also mean jobs for TCI workers and because it will act effectively as an economic stimulus, is highly complementary to the TCI Government’s financial plan to boost our economy. This is a further example of how, even in these tough economic times, the TCI Government is prioritising investment in key transport infrastructure in a way that means jobs; opportunities; and significant business benefits for the people of the TCI. I, for one, am looking forward to using what will be TCI’s new and improved airport.”
