14.03.18
Bidders shortlisted for Edinburgh tram extension contract
A list of four bidders has been finalized for the Infrastructure and Systems contract to take trams to Newhaven, Edinburgh.
The City of Edinburgh Council has called the step a “key milestone” towards the completion of the Final Business Case for the project.
Contractors were invited to participate in the pre-qualification process for the contract, which closed last year following an extensive period of market consultation.
The council reports that the contracting strategy was well received, with “significant interest” received from local, national and international bidders applying to pre-qualify for the shortlist.
Following a “robust evaluation” of the seven pre-qualification applications received, four bidders have pre-qualified for invitation to tender in mid-April 2018 for the contract.
The four shortlisted bidders are BAM Colas Rail JV, Dragados, Farrans Sacyr Neopul JV and Sisk Steconfer JV.
The contract includes the design and construction of all track, overhead line, tram stops, systems infrastructure, road infrastructure and public realm between York Place and Newhaven.
Edinburgh Council says that the tender period is likely to last until late summer, after which it will update the Final Business Case and seek a council decision late in the year.
The line between York Place and Newhaven is expected to become operational in 2022.
Last week a consultation was launched into the traffic management during the construction of the extension.
Transport convener councillor Lesley Maccines, said: “When the Outline Business Case [OBC] was approved by the council in September 2017 we pledged to test the OBC with a robust procurement process before reporting back with the Final Business Case.
“Our project team - the same team who successfully delivered the tram to York Place following mediation - has worked very closely with the market over the past 18 months, developing a contract strategy that meets market expectations and the requirements of the council.”
She added: “We were very pleased with the significant level of interest from local, national and international bidders and this process has resulted in a strong shortlist of experienced design and build contractors as we move on to the tender stage.”
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