fp Turks and Caicos

Months of anticipation ended positively for one Canadian firm and two local firms who bid on the airports expansion project.

Turks and Caicos Airport Authority (TCIAA) announced today, Monday, April 12, that 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.

This news will come as a disappointment to the three other firms that were shortlisted for the project. IDL Projects/Springpoint, Turquoise Construction Company Ltd. and Kier Construction Ltd. appear to have not met the panel's reported strict criteria. The panel indicated that whilst all firms offered very competitive bids, the major reasons Dexter Construction outshined the rest were strength in project management, proven success, the performance and quality of work completed on past construction projects, and 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 said they considered Dexter to offer the best overall value for money and contribution to the TCI economy. The original bid by Dexter came in the middle of the pack of the original 7 bidders on March 1st. Dexter, which bid $36.4 million for the project, has settled - following the review and acceptance of an alternative construction staging plan - to a total estimated $35 million, just $1.2 million over lowest bidder Turquoise/Ashtom and $11.5 million below highest bidder MCM.

Dexter is no stranger to airport development in the Caribbean and specifically to the TCI, having been involved in the construction of the Bermuda International Airports and the Grand Turk Airport. Dexter Construction Company Ltd. is a New Brunswick registered company focusing on all aspects of construction and civil contracting.

“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," said authority Chief Executive Officer John Smith. "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."

Smith has repeatedly made a point to note the transparency in the bidding process. Arthur Been, acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Communication, praised the way the TCIAA had handled the tender process. He also highlighted the benefits for the country of the project getting underway.

“This is an exciting development for the TCI," Been said. "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.”