The Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (IAST) is inviting bids from qualified firms for the construction of the planned “Rice Brekkies” cereal factory and the provision of services.
According to an advertisement in yesterday’s Guyana Chronicle, bids are invited for four projects related to the construction: (a) Construction of the factory building; (b) Construction of chain link fencing and security huts; (c) Construction of bridges; and (d) Supply and installation of a rice cereal plant.
The bidding, which is to be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedures, is open to all bidders.
The ad stated that requirements for projects a, b and c include a completion of two projects of a similar nature and size of at least $30M within the last three years, and average annual turnover of at least $40M. In addition, bidders must own or be able to access all tools and equipment to carry out the job and must be up to date with their Income Tax Certificate of Compliance and National Insurance Scheme payments.
Meanwhile, requirements for the supply and installation of the rice cereal plant include at least five years’ experience in the supply, service, commission, and consumable supply of the specific equipment required, and at least five years’ experience in the provision of training programmes for the operation of the equipment required. Also, the bidder must have been in existence for at least five years, have an annual average turnover of at least $30M and must own or can gain access to all the tools required to install and commission the equipment.
Complete bidding documents can be purchased for each contract from the Deputy Director (Technology), IAST, at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus, from tomorrow, upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $5,000 cash.
The “Rice Brekkies” cereal, which was launched at this year’s GuyExpo by President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali, is a pilot project developed by the IAST as part of a move by the government to expand the local productive sector.
Through the collaboration of the Ministry and the IAST, funding for the construction of a manufacturing plant was procured from the Rural Development Fund, administered by the Ministry and the capital cost is anticipated to be $75 Million. It is expected to be located at Anna Regina, Region Two.
The cereal, which is awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Department, is currently manufactured at the IAST’s facilities at Turkeyen, at a pilot scale, with approximately 600 boxes (250g) per week. With approval, the cereal will be on sale at various locations in Guyana during the period when the plant is being built.
