The Department of Aviation will formally put out a Request for Pre-qualifications for companies interested in upgrading and managing family island airports for up to 30 years in a public/private partnership (PPP) arrangement with the government by the middle of the month, Director of Aviation Algernon Cargill told Guardian Business yesterday.
The department released a statement to alert prospective bidders to “get ready”.
This formal request represents part one of a three-stage process to decide which company will ultimately win the bid to manage up to seven airports if the prospective bidder accepts both airport bundles.
Bundle one included only the Grand Bahama International Airport, while bundle two comprises Leonard Thompson International Airport in Abaco, Exuma International Airport, North Eleuthera International Airport, Long Island International Airport in Deadman’s Cay, Great Harbour Cay Airport and San Salvador International Airport.
“The government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas intends to issue a request for pre-qualifications for The Bahamas Airports PPP Program and invites interested private sector parties to submit their qualifications for consideration,” the statement said.
“The government is focused on the development of sustainable and resilient airport infrastructure within Grand Bahama and the Family Islands and is seeking experienced and qualified private sector partners to update, operate and improve (finance) the following portfolio of airports to drive traffic and revenue growth and further enhance quality of service.”
The Leonard Thompson airport and Grand Bahama’s airport both sustained massive damage during the passage of Category 5 Hurricane Dorian two years ago this week.
Cargill reiterated in the statement that the airports are not being sold.
“Under this PPP Program, the airport facilities are not being sold,” Cargill said.
“The government and communities of The Bahamas will retain ownership of the airports and a private partner will be granted a concession and lease to update, operate and maintain the airports for up to 30 years.”
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source https://thenassauguardian.com/airport-bidding-process-opening-soon/
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