Expansion Locks Bidding Process Moves Ahead

Representatives from some 60 companies and 18 countries participated in an informational meeting regarding the prequalification process for bidding on the design and construction contract of the new Panama Canal locks last Thursday.

A total of 144 representatives from North, Central, and South American, Asian and European firms attended the meeting in a continuation of the process that started on August 27th, when the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) opened the prequalification period for the contract bid. ACP Executive Vice President of Engineering and Program Management, Jorge L. Quijano, gave a presentation on the expansion progress and timeline, as well as the contracting process and milestones. Prior to the meeting, interested firms participated in a field visit to the areas where the new locks will be built. Prequalification is the first of two steps in a process that will lead to the selection of the company or consortium that will design and construct the new locks.

During this stage, the ACP will evaluate proposals from aspiring consortia based on their technical qualifications, experience and financial capacity to undertake the project. The four consortia that best meet the requirements set by the ACP will be able to participate in the bidding, the final stage of the process. Names of the prequalified firms will be released by the end of November 2007.