The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) said the project will last approximately five weeks and among the undertaking will be excavation works, supply and placement of granular material, supply and placement of hot mix asphalt, runway grooving, and pavement line markings.

The project will be open for bidding in a three-to-four-week timeframe, a pre-tender notice stated.

“Based on the submissions received under the tender, the BVIAA intends to immediately proceed to a construction phase of the proposed work. The rehabilitation will be scheduled to take place during a 5-week airport closure with substantial completion by December 20, 2020. Runway grooving and final painting would occur early 2021,” the pre-tender notice said.

'Major elements' to be considered

The document said there was a list of “major elements” that will be considered.

It said: “A Bid Bond or Certified Cheque in an amount equal to 10% of the Tendered Price, and a Consent of Surety; and (ii) Consent of Surety for a Performance Bond in the amount 50% of the proposed contract value and a Labour and Materials Bond in the amount 100% of the proposed contract value of will be required.”

It added: “Tenders meeting the mandatory tender requirements will be evaluated based on quality and pricing. Quality evaluation will consider: experience in similar projects, proposed equipment and other resources, experience of project team, incorporation of local VI labour and resources, work programme and schedule, and understanding of the project..."

Prospective bidders from outside the VI are encouraged to form local sub-contractor partnerships.

The airport on Virgin Gorda has been closed at least twice in recent times due to an ‘operational issue’ with the fire truck.