PRE-QUALIFICATION EXERCISES VIA THE MIDDLE EAST AIRPORTXCHANGE PORTAL

By Fariha Mohd Yusoff

The Middle East airportXchange has, to date, closed 3 pre-qualification exercises online via the portal for the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. DCA is the operator of the Dubai International Airport. This exercise is part of the USD$1.4 billion expansion programme for Phase II of the airport.

The first pre-qualification exercise was for the cargo handling equipment and storage system for the Cargo Mega Terminal, which was closed on the 9th August 2001. Twelve (12) companies participated in this first ever on-line pre-qualification exercise.

The second exercise was the architectural / civil engineering consultants for the provision of Multi-Disciplinary Design and Construction Supervision Services for Development and Relocation of Royal Airwing Facilities for the airport. Over 40 companies participated, of which twenty (20) managed to submit their tender before the deadline.

Another contract up for grabs was the General Civil Engineering Contractors for the Construction of Airfield Aprons, Taxiways and Runways for the second phase expansion plan.

The closing date for both the second and third exercises was on the 8th September 2001. Nineteen (19) out of the thirty-two (32) participating companies submitted their tender before the 8th September dateline.

Generally, the response for the online pre-qualification exercises was overwhelming. Many more pre-qualification exercises will take place online via the portal and it is hoped that continued support will be received from the relevant sector.