REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP NO: TCIAA 2023/24_13 )
FOR
FUEL FARM DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE OPERATION
AT JAGS MCCARTNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT [GRAND TURK]
Procurement Agent: Invest Turks and Caicos
Email: kforbes@investturksandcaicos.tc
Deadline for Submission of Questions 5:00pm, Friday, 15th March 2024
Deadline for Receipt of Proposals 5:00pm, Friday, 3rd May 2024
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUBMITTING A RESPONSE TO THIS RFP ON OR BEFORE THE STATED DEADLINE WILL BE SOLELY AND STRICTLY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RESPONDER.
- INTRODUCTION
- The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (“TCIAA”) and Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency (InvestTCI) are pleased to announce the issuance of this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit competitive bids from reputable and experienced companies specializing in aviation fuel, farm development and services. We are seeking a qualified and reliable partner to design, construct, and operate an aviation fuel farm at the JAGS McCartney International Airport, Grand Turk.
- This RFP is issued pursuant to the Turks and Caicos Islands Encouragement of Development Ordinance, which aims to encourage the establishment, conduct and expansion of development enterprises in the Turks and Caicos Islands by the granting of relief from customs duties and taxes to persons engaging in such enterprises incidental to and connected with any of the foregoing purposes.
- The successful Responder(s) to this RFP will be invited to participate in further negotiations with Invest TCI acting on behalf of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the TCIAA with the view to agreeing to terms for the development under a Development Agreement with the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and a property lease agreement with the TCIAA.
- Invest TCI and the TCIAA reserve the right to waive any irregularity in any proposal or to reject any proposal which does not comply with this RFP.
- The goal of this RFP is to provide all Responders with requirements in order to respond, as well as, to establish a formal process where all solicitations will be part of an open, honest and free competition.
- JAGS MCCARTNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BACKGROUND:
The JAGS McCartney International Airport is located on the island of Grand Turk, the small tropical Capitol of the Turks of Caicos Islands known for deep banks, diving, exquisite beaches, scenic salt ponds and historic sites.
In recent years, the TCIAA and Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands have committed themselves to restoring international airlift to the island and to significantly boosting its economy through tourism related developments such as new hotels and excursions. In late 2023, the TCIAA completed refurbishment to the international arrivals hall for the JAGS McCartney International Airport and will complete restoration of the perimeter fence to the aerodrome in March 2024, at which time the airport’s capability to receive scheduled international flights will be restored. The TCIAA has resolved to introduce direct airlift between Grand Turk and South Florida during 2024.
Hence this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is published in recognition of the need to develop fuel services at the JAGS McCartney International Airport and to extend a publicly open invitation to participate in this opportunity. There is currently no established fuel farm and fuel services operation in existence at the JAGS McCartney International Airport.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The project entails the design, construction, and ongoing operation of a modern and efficient aviation fuel farm to support the fueling needs of aircraft at JAGS McCartney International Airport. The selected company will be responsible for the following:
- Design and Construction:
- Develop a comprehensive design plan for the aviation fuel farm, including fuel storage tanks, pumping systems, filtration equipment, and other necessary infrastructure.
- Ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations and industry standards for safety, environmental protection, and fuel quality control.
- Coordinate with airport authorities and obtain all necessary permits and approvals.
- Fuel Farm Operations:
- Provide a reliable and consistent supply of aviation fuel (Jet-A and other required types) to meet the airport’s operational needs.
- Implement robust quality control processes to ensure fuel meets or exceeds industry standards and specifications.
- Maintain fuel storage tanks, fueling equipment, and related systems to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
- Offer competitive pricing structures, taking into consideration market conditions and volume discounts.
- Customer Service and Support:
- Establish a dedicated customer service team to address inquiries, provide timely assistance, and ensure excellent customer satisfaction.
- Offer efficient billing and reporting systems for fuel usage and transactions.
- Collaborate closely with airport personnel to ensure smooth fueling operations and effective communication.
- SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Interested companies are requested to submit the following information:
- Language: All Proposals must be submitted in English.
- Company Profile and Presentation of Qualifications: Provide an overview of your company, including experience in aviation fuel farm development and services, relevant certifications, and a list of airports or clients you currently serve. Each Proposal should address all of the following items:
- Qualifications and Past Performance: Information should be provided that will enable Invest TCI and the TCIAA to evaluate the Respondent’s qualifications and past performance. At a minimum, the following items should be addressed in this section of the Proposal:
- A description of the Respondent’s organisational history and background.
- A description of the role to be played and qualifications of key personnel and any team members. In an appendix, attach the biographies of key personnel and an organisational chart if more than one entity is involved in the Proposal. To the extent one or more companies will be forming a joint venture to accomplish this Project, Respondents should either provide (i) evidence that such joint venture has been formed prior to the submission of the Proposal, or (ii) a Term Sheet executed by such companies which identifies the general terms of the joint venture that will be formed, including which company or companies have the authority to make binding decisions on behalf of the joint venture.
- A summary of the Respondent’s experience in managing projects of a similar nature to the Project. To the extent possible, the narrative should specifically describe how the Respondent’s experience demonstrates that it has the skills and experience necessary to develop, finance, operate, and maintain the Project.
- Technical Proposal: Detail your approach to designing, constructing, and operating the aviation fuel farm. Include the proposed timeline, project milestones, and any innovative or unique aspects of your solution.
- Cost Proposal and Financial Capacity and Strategy: Provide a comprehensive breakdown of the estimated costs associated with the project, including design, construction, equipment, ongoing operational expenses, and any additional charges or fees anticipated. Information should be provided that will enable Invest TCI and TCIAA to evaluate the Respondent’s financial offer and capacity to undertake the proposed Project. The Respondent must demonstrate Financial Stability and in an appendix, must attach the Respondent’s audited financial statements from the previous five (5) years showing the Respondent’s net worth and current financial status, including all statements of changes in financial position, and identifying any projects with negative cash flows, amount of the Respondent’s non-recourse debt, and any non-performing loans. It is critical that the Respondent be able to finance the Project. To this end, Respondents should also provide a narrative description of the proposed debt and equity composition of the Project and other financial assumptions that will allow for an evaluation of the financial feasibility of the proposed Project. All financial models must be unlocked, fully functional with active formulas in Microsoft Excel and submitted on a USB drive. It is understood that all assumptions cannot be known at this time, but Respondents are asked to provide their best assumptions and/or specifically identify where it is not possible to make reasonable assumptions.
- Community Relations: The maintenance of good community relations is important to Invest TCI and the TCIAA. In the proposal, Respondents should identify how good relations with all involved parties (including the TCIAA and the communities surrounding the Property) will be maintained throughout the duration of the Project.
- Local Impact: Information should be provided that will enable an evaluation of the expected local impact from the proposed Project.
- Local Job Generation: One of InvestTCI’s and TCIAA’s primary goals for this Project is to create local jobs. Respondents should identify the percentage of contract dollar volume of the development budget the Respondent will strive to award to firms based in Grand Turk or elsewhere within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Respondents should also provide an economic impact plan which identitfies: (i) the number, type and phasing of jobs to be created, highlighting the number of local jobs to be created; and (ii) projected local annual payroll associated with the proposed development plan at full build-out.
- References: Include references from current or past clients who can verify your company’s reliability, quality of work, customer service, and adherence to safety and environmental standards.
- Insurance and Legal Compliance: Provide proof of adequate insurance coverage, bonding, and any necessary licenses or permits required by relevant authorities.
- TIMELINE:
Please take note of the following timeline for the proposal submission and evaluation process:
- RFP Issuance Date: Thursday, 8th February 2024
- Deadline for Proposal Submission: Friday, 3rd May 2024
- Evaluation and Shortlisting Period 5th April 2024 – 3rd May 2024
- Invitation of Preferred Proposer to enter further negotiations for a Development Agreement and Lease: July 2024
Please ensure that your proposal is submitted in both hard copy and electronic format by the specified deadline to the following address:
Invest Turks and Caicos Islands
Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Highway
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
info@investturksandcaicos.tc
Office:+1-649-338-4791
We look forward to receiving your comprehensive proposal and establishing a long-term partnership for the successful development and operation of the aviation fuel farm at JAGS McCartney International Airport. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please see supporting documents below:
