EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is a statement by Public Works minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, on the controversy surrounding the process of selecting a contractor for Phase 1 of the Roseau River Promenade Project.
Recently there have been statements made in the public domain by Anthony Leblanc of Ace Engineering which seem to suggest that the procurement process followed for the captioned project was manipulated and flawed, a statement which undoubtedly impute improper motive on the Technical Staff of the Ministry.
Such statements are not only deliberately harmful and misleading, but is also a blatant attack on the integrity and professionalism of the Technical Staff of the Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports.
In fact the procurement process that was followed was competitive, transparent and consistent with the best practices in the construction industry.
In this regard therefore, the following provide the background of the facts of the selection process in question:-
(1) Proposed Works
-Construction of 45 m of reinforced concrete wall from the West Bridge and proceeding westwards to the Supermarket
-Dredging of the river channel within the area (between DC Bridge and West Bridge)
(2) The Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports estimate for the Works was EC$657,478.00.
(3) The Contractors that were on March 28, 2014 invited to bid were
-ACE Engineering Ltd.
-George Trucking & Excavation Services
-Edghill Fortune Associates Ltd.
-F & C Construction Ltd.
-Public Works Corporation
-UNIQUE Construction Ltd.
-Caribbean Concrete Ltd.
-Bakes Blocks & Construction Co. Ltd.
(4) Bids were received (on April 19, 2014) from the following contractors and/or contracting firms:-
-ACE Engineering Ltd. – $452,192.12
-George Trucking – $560,176.50
-Public Works Corporation – $474,671.66
-UNIQUE Construction Ltd. – $646,610.50
-Caribbean Concrete Ltd. – $658,961.50
(5) Process of Evaluation
-Documents checked for administrative compliance
-Documents checked for arithmetic errors
-Bidders submissions were also checked for the distribution of rates versus that of the Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports
-Final corrected bid amounts were checked versus estimate from the Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports
-For further consideration, the submissions from the bidders should fall between +5% of the Engineer’s estimate and end -15% of Engineers estimate, that is, between 558,856.00 and $690,352.00.
As a result of the above the following bids were considered too low;
-ACE Engineering Ltd. – $452,192.12
-Public Works Corporation – $474,671.66
The bid submitted by UNIQUE Construction was within the recommended price range but for duration of double (28 weeks) of the recommended 14 weeks.
From the remaining two bidders, George Trucking and Excavation Services provided the lowest bid and was selected.
We further submit that the principal items of construction works are
-Reinforced Concrete construction
-Excavation in rock
The rate recommended by the Technical Staff of the Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports were as follows:-
-Reinforced concrete (supply and placing) EC$800/m³
-Excavation in rock EC$120/m³
The distribution of rates for the Contractors were as follows:
The table indicating rate distribution among the Contractors shows reasonable correlation for the item of supply/placing of concrete.
However, there is a large disparity and non-coherence for excavation. Dredging of the river is primarily an excavation exercise and it was concluded that George Trucking and UNIQUE Construction provided the better rates, however, the duration of UNIQUE Construction was too long.
It is clear therefore that there was nothing irregular in the process used to select the Contractor for the project.
The Ministry does not recommend accepting bids that are much lower than that advised by Technical Services Division for the following reasons:
-Contractors most times have difficulty in completing the project
-Contractors seek variations because of below budget considerations
-Larger project duration because of poor cash flow, among others
Having outlined the facts in the matter, any reasonable person will conclude that the statements made by Mr. Leblanc, especially for someone who is involved in the construction industry and who was also present during the opening of the bids for the project, are indeed very unfortunate.
The Ministry is therefore satisfied that it has provided the best judgement and advice to the Client (the Ministry of Tourism) on this matter.
I love to see our citizens criticize others from working hard and building a successful company from hard work. Some many business pll have successfully construction companies without being a engineer but we are so silly in our narrow mindset that we bashing George because he won a bid. I personally know George and he has aa lot of excavation and construction knowledge plus he also has the necessary equipment including concrete trucks so I don’t see why pll so stuck on their selves why he can’t do it and who to say he doesn’t have a engineer on his payroll
If it was given to Tony it would be ok but some one else got it its a problem. Some people so gredy they want every thing fot themselves.
Tie up. What a joy to see that project start ASAP (before election call) and more importantly George Trucking delivering a quality product on his $560,176.50 proposal… no extension time and no supplementary cost estimates, because this starting to seem like the straw that gonna break dem P.I.G back!!! According to another blogger dem Politician In Government back…
Heard a rumour Blackmore to be new leader of Labour party.
champagne money
after reading the article made by Mr Leblanc of ACE and the responses sent i am obliged to comment.
PWC and ACE and EDGHILL are skilled companies who have on their payrolls engineers and other technical staff whom great trust is placed in for doing these estimates etc..
facts:
– PWC and ACE are the two bidders whose estimates are the closest to each other in terms of cost and duration
– PWC, ACE, EDGHILL have done these works before and know what to expect and what aspects of the project bear the heaviest cost.
– George Trucking has never built a retaining wall of such magnitude neither has be built any river retaining walls.
Pond Case/William Box Culvert – some time ago we lost two of our national players at William where the road failed due to water passing under from a river that most Dominicans never knew existed.
the project to place a box culvert for the passage of water was contracted to George Trucking.
my concerns with the project;
– i have taking my time to examine the works and i see that the culvert is not large enough that an individual can stand in.
– the bottom of the culvert does not have a huge pitch to allow the unit to flush itself in the event that material builds up or gets caught in it.
– the material used to back-fill the 1st section of the culvert is material from the layou river (this material does not compact and remains loose. settlement period is over 3 yrs – where as their is a tarish pit located about 1.8 miles away)
this project was also started and work halted for over three months on the project.
the Roseau river promenade wall is another key project where we are placing it in the hands of an inexperienced contractor.
lets ask a few questions –
– who is the engineer working with George
– who prepared his quote / estimate ?
– has he any experience in such work
apply the same questions to PWC, EDGHILL and ACE
the answers will amaze you !!
People.
Do you believe that Ministers are experts in the Ministry they occupy.
If they are, then that is more by luck, then design.
All Minister are supported by Civil Servants in their Ministry, to provide the expertise/reports they then have to make decisions upon.
Minister Blackmore, has provided a report based on advise from his Ministry.
If what he has presented is wrong and should sack the civil servants that provided that report.
Wait a minute, so if ACE can bid lowest all the time they stand to get every contract then? And Public Works will never get one because they do not own forms, concrete or equipment that ACE has etc??
Comedy of Cost /Budget Analysis Basis For Public Procurement Contract to George
1. The Ministry of Public Works has sought to explain the reason(s) why George Trucking & Excavation Services headed by George Nanton was award a major Contract in response to serious allegations that the project is over 24 % or approximately EC$108,000.00 more, than the lowest competitively priced tender. As already noted, the fact that the winning proposal was 24% higher than the lowest proposal does NOT in and of itself prove that the government over awarded. There is much more to be considered before arriving at this conclusion. For such projects, price is just but one of several factors to be taken into account and the ratio of consideration is usually 70:30 or 60:40 in favour of technical criteria.
2. The Government has produced a document on DNO in support of its the recommendation of its award to George Trucking & Excavation Services over four other proposals based on an explanation of cost /budget analysis.
3. Accordingly, the budget estimate for the project provided by the Technical Services Division (TSD) of the Ministry of Public Works was $657,487 and the time stipulated was 14 weeks for completion. Consideration was, therefore, given to the proposals that fall between the range 5% higher than the Engineer’s ESTIMATE and 15% lower than the minimum ESTIMATED cost.
4. Noting that the (TSD) only provided estimates, proposers are requested to describe the service that they expect to provide and if a technically sound proposal is made that is less than the budget estimate of the TSD but which demonstrates earlier completion as per the technically sound methodology to be utilized, this should not be sufficient grounds for disqualifying a proposal submitted from a qualified/experienced Contractor. It is rather strange that this has been cited as the basis for the disqualification of the lower proposals and forms the basis of the award. The stipulated condition that the proposed price of a tenders had to fall within the limits of 5 percent maximum and 15 percent minimum of the TSD budget estimate cannot be a mandatory /pass/fail criteria and even if it were, why such a large percentage for minimum. Isn’t government desirous of paying less for quality work?
5. Furthermore, if three qualified and experienced proposers have indicted a lower costs and a shorter time frame than the estimates of the government’s TSD, then it says something about the quality of the services offered by the TSD. There may be a greater chance that the government estimate is wrong and the people with the skills, practical experience and knowledge of such operations may be right in terms of their proposals? Besides, this is the reason that proposals are offered –describing how the work is to be done as opposed to an invitation to bids per a list of pre-determined and well defined specifications i.e., the selected procurement strategy to be used for works.
6. The government has failed to release the real documents which could shed light on the procurement process. It has presented a half-baked truth as a big lie to the people. This is misinformation meant to mislead.
7. If the government requested proposals from the Contractors and the so call cost/budget range was not stipulated as a “mandatory, pass/fail” criterion in the tender document, then this is a major flaw in the process. Consequently, if the government wishes to tell the true story about this procurement process, it must be prepared to release all the relevant documents including:
i. The tender document which outlines all the technical and commercial evaluation criteria including any mandatory pass/fail criteria;
ii. All the terms and conditions for submission of proposal;
iii. Instructions to proposers etc
iv. Indicate whether there was a “Site visit” prior to submission of proposals and if not why?
v. What was the composition of the Technical Evaluation Committee (Only an Engineer of TSD, if so this is inconsistent with best practices.
vi. More important than the Technical Evaluation Report from the TSD Engineer is the overall Evaluation Report which combines the scores for both technical and commercial proposals.
vii. Recognizing that the estimated cost of the government was more than 25% higher than three of the qualified proposers, does the current ancient procurement legislative framework allows for submission of Best and Final Offers (BAFOs) and if so under what circumstances is such a procedure conducted.
8. In the absence of so much vital information about this procurement exercise, it is disingenuous for Minster Blackmore to conclude with arrogance that his “foolish” subjects are making uninformed statement deliberately to harm and mislead”, whereas this is exactly what his half-baked truths are meant to do. i.e., mislead the public into thinking that the government is being transparent and above board in this matter and the procurement exercise was competitive, transparent and consistent with international public procurement best practices, Sir, with all due respect, this procurement exercise does not appear to be.
9. To analyze the fairness of the Public Procurement exercise, one needs not have details the technical requirements for the construction. This is for a technically competent and qualified person to analyze such as Mr. Anthony Le Blanc of Ace Engineering. An analysis of the procurement process can be conducted without much technical knowledge of the construction industry. What is required is knowledge of proper public procurement practices and proper stewardship of public funds. Therefore, a lot of the “facts” said to be revealed by the Minister is what Mr. Tony Astaphan would consider to be irrelevant hogwash in determining how the procurement exercise was conducted.
10. Having stated the above, it would be interesting to know how the technical engineer evaluated and determined that because the dredging of the river is primarily an excavation exercise, Mr. George Nanton provided the better rates even though technically his proposal may well ne unsound as his duration was too long. It should be the technical performance of the contractor that is given priority over the proposed rates for the dredging exercise. Even though the government may be correct in its analysis, where the technical criteria are properly evaluated on a point/score system, the above would only show that Mr. Nanton received a higher score for this criterion relative to the other Contractors. That by itself is insufficient to award a Contract to Mr. Nanton by the best practice standards or public procurement.
11. Sorry, Mr. Minister. It is not clear as you seem to be indicating that there was nothing irregular in the procurement exercise used to select Mr. Nanton as the Contractor. One can bet that if a professional/expert who knows anything about the conduct of efficient and corruption free public procurement exercise (not necessarily Construction) were to review your process, someone would be held to account for breach of fiduciary duties, abuse of process, potential misuse of public funds or fraud. We leave the rest in the capable hands of Mr. Anthony Le Blanc.
Respectfully
A Roseau Valley contributor
How can a company that only just became a company; bid for a contract to build and construct that cannot really build and construct; win the bid by overbidding actually construction and engineering companies that have contractors and engineers in-house; that the owner of the winning bid is a key adviser to the government and its leader that will eventually pay the winning bidder; that eventually the winning bidder may have to contact another company like PWC to take the job under the same winning bidder not be bad governance!?
Where are our oversight committees to investigate government bids and contracts..?
Where is the independent committee to investigate police misconduct?
Once these institutions police themselves with autonomy, we are doomed as peons that we are.
Continue doing a wonderful job Mr Blackmoore.
Just going through the figures again take note of the following:
1 cubic meter = 1.3079 cubic yards or
1 cubic yard = .7645 cubic meters
The government document does not indicate the compressive strength of the concrete specified, whether it is 4500 psi (pounds per square inch) or 31026Kpa (Kilo pascal) but a quick call to the concrete companies will reveal that the price of the concrete is $410.00 per cubic yard.
ACE having their own concrete truck can supply the concrete at a much lower rate, in fact mixing concrete on site cost about $300.00 per cubic yard but the labor cost is much more.
If the combined rate for concrete and excavation for ACE is $808.00 and Nanthan is $800.00 what are the additional costs that Nanthan could be more than $90K above ace to secure the contract?
The more information Blackmore puts out the more blatant the corruption of this project becomes.
I challenge Blackmore to make available all the bidding information, in the name of transparency, in order that those who are obviously more knowledgeable than him could come to a fair and correct conclusion.
As it is now, someone must be held responsible for dipping their hand in the cookie jar and they are caught RED-handed.
I therefore call on the Builders and Contractors Association, the Engineers Association, the Architects Association and the Bar Association to hold a public forum on the bidding process as it relates to the Procurement Bill and public projects that are funded by the tax payers.
ok mr blackmoore now lets hear a statement about the million dollars we paying nantan for the works up at pondcasse where the 2 footballers die the area is a mess is see them man there pouring concrete in rain in the night i nt sure they know what they are doing but still we paying them a million dollars and still giving them more work awa wi
What’s the trouble about… can dominica please move forward why why we can’t see our country is going backwards with all that kids talk we are standing still
This is just to must comess and confusion on the part of this government. Just to much nonsense and foolishness going on in the place… If its some allegation of bobol and corruption, its confusion about the issuing of contracts. Oh My God, time to to put this failed government to rest…… Enough is Enough. Vote them out right now……..Am happy that, all the right folks are now tackling them, left right and center…. other times they would just fool the people by giving some money to charity or going in communities and giving gifts or starting toilet revolution or providing therapy. This is worst government in the world…… Look comesss and papishow…… Dese days they answering questions after the facts ……. Oh what a government…………………
well is the leader who said: where we get our money is none of their .. business… : Perhaps who get contracts is not their zafere…. pwen sa zort deserveeey. This Government is just to unpopular ………………. One wonders how they sleep at nights …. papapapapaaa mettttt
What fooliishness is this Rayburn one thing I know Change Is Possible, Change is a must, and Change Is. Coming We are so fed up with u guys
All I’ll say on this one, Minister Rayburn Blackmoore must be voted out of office come next election. Remember, he is part and parcel of the cancer that’s destroying our beloved country while he’s getting richer and richer.
Once again we have a bold face government liar trying desperately to fool learned people. Nice try Mr. Minister. George got the contract because his brother pulled the right strings. As usual, typical Dominican behavior. And you wonder why many of us left and moved away. It’s because of foolishness like this by the government.
From the Minister’s explanation and the prior publication of the results of the tendering process, an open-minded and objective person would easily take the results at face value. However, it appears that this uproar over the project is because there is a strong perception out there that the DLP government is corrupt and has manipulated the process to give this project to someone out of pure nepotism and not at all on merit. The critics are going wild on this public medium to take full advantage of publicizing their perception of corruption.
A strong refrain coming from the comments on this subject is that the project went to a relative of an advisor to the Prime Minister. In fact, that is really the sore point! If the selection process was indeed genuine, then everyone involved in it must feel demoralized now. Going forward, this could be easily resolved by amending the tendering and integrity laws to state CLEARLY that friends and relatives of persons in public office, or their advisors, should not participate in tendering for government projects or apply for government jobs. Of course, that would automatically place many of our people at a disadvantage because the population is so small and many people know people, who know people. It would also give repeated (maybe unfairly) advantages to those who have no known political alignments. Therefore, in this case, Mr. George Nanton would never receive a project to feed his family once the Labour party is in office.
Unless the laws are amended, no matter which government is in office, once relatives or friends of public officials are employed, it will be lamented that the appointments are simply “jobs for the boys and girls”. It has happened before with previous administrations and it will happen again. The same condemnation was made for a Dowasco project in the Carib Territory in the late 90s.
These bitter disputes cause lasting acrimony and ill will among the Island’s people instead of building together. They create bitter divisions instead of unity, and mostly always along political lines.
At this point, it is safe to say that the greatest problem in our society and what has kept it back for so long, is the destructive mindset of its people, both the haves and the have-nots, and more so when the people join forces to create and/or strengthen political groups.
If Mr. Nanton received the bid without merit, this most likely will surface in time. As always, time will tell…
Whatever you say or write Rayburn. You are always correct anyway.
But just FYI- You are not fooling anyone but yourself with this garbage.
This government is of the view that Dominicans are a group of fools. They are just doing foolishness and getting away just like dat. Imagine suddenly, because people are now talking and wise folks are now making some good noise, they are coming out with paper work as if to show that they are transparent and forthright with the people. Minister Blackmore should just go and relax in his house or his fancy vehicle.
There is nothing that this government can boast of minus making Dominica one of the poorest and backward country in this part of the world…. Shame on this govenrment and labour party supporters for placing such burdens on sweet Dominica…………
Mr Blackmore, how can you all explain, egg and an ommelette, or chicken and the egg….
Blah blah blah, blah blablabla.. you still not getting my vote
You hear that mr. Blackmoore? Blah blah is not giving you his vote.
Give contacts to Dominicans is a problem. Give it to the Chinese is a problem. What is it that we really want? Oh, it is politics time so there will be lots of haters and lovers of the Govt. Just keep working and do good for DA.
If a contractor is known to be totally opposed of the present administration, what would you expect. Any Government whether Red or Blue would obviously choose the person of their choice if the bids appeared close. Ace deliberately submitted a lower bid knowing full well that he would never have been even considered by the present government. Then he took to the media.
Hopefully if his party wins, ACE will be awarded most contracts. Simply politics.
blackmore is a pompous politician who has his country at heart. he works hard to bring change and he is dedicated to his party and his country. so forget pompous and look at the good
rayburn, you took so much to respond and yet your statement lacks reason, sufficient depth and conviction. For the sake of argument did you review he reasons you gave why George Nanhan was ‘favoured’ by your administration? Don’t pity your technical staff. They simply do what you ministers say to do.
These fools are digging an even deeper hole for themselves.
When contractors tender on construction projects they all decide their individual tendering strategy and the following may decide their strategy:
1.Construction Boom; tenders are usually very high during a construction boom so most contractors are not even bothered if they win or lose the job
2.Construction Bust; contractors usually price at COST. They price the job to ensure that their businesses are being kept operational. Most contractors do not want to lose their skilled workforce so they price just to keep the business going. The Construction Industryin Dominica has been in a bust for many years
3.Materials; a contractor may have excess materials in stock or may have purchased materials before a price increase. With the latter, he may be able to offer a more competitive bid than his competitors
4.Access to Heavy Equipment; a contractor may have equipment of his own and may not require renting equipment from others. These equipment may be fully paid for so the contractor could offer much better prices than his competitors. For example, the Public Works Division has idle equipment sitting around so they would be better able to offer better rates than their competitors where these heavy equipment are to be used.
There are acceptable ranges in construction rates. For example the range for excavation may be between $30 and $50. A contractor may opt to offer the lower range, but could still be able to deliver a successful project within the required time, quality and safely.
I have reviewed the tender report prepared by the Technical Services Division, and it is very flawed. The tender review seems to be based on the Total Tender Price and not on the individual rates provided by the bidders. A tender evaluation is always done on the individual rates submitted by the bidders and NEVER on the Total Tender Price.
I am a bit puzzled by the 5% minimum and 15% maximum price criteria that was used to award this contract. Were the bidders advised that they were being scored based in this criteria? If they were, shouldn’t they have been informed of the target price? When we attend university, aren’t we told of the score we should attain in order to graduate?
The Minister has now published the rates for concrete and excavation in concrete or rocks. I have attached copies of rates from a successful contractor on a medium sized project in Dominica (considered large in Dominica). The rate offered by the contractor for concrete is $525 per M3 and for excavation in rock or concrete is $50 per m3! Based on the this, it would seem that the rates offered by ACE are very reasonable.
BLACKMORE AND THE TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION ARE TRYING TO PLAY SMART WITH DOTISHNESS!!!!
Mr. Blackmoore, this one really has you all going so all you coming one after the other. However, your stories make no sense whatsoever. Here is what we are hearing from some wild birds and we need you to clarify:
1. George Nanthan has NO engineering or Arithmetic skills and there is no way he could do the maths to win a bid. True or false?
2. After all bids were submitted George Nanthan, got a call and was instructed to make his bid north of $450K but south of $600K. True or false?
3.Government engineer that prepared the said budget for the above project was indeed involved in putting bid together for George Tucking. True or false?
4. The project was already given to George Trucking even before bids were ever opened. You just had to go through the formalities. True or False?
Rayburn Blackmore those things are so unfair PWC is owned by the Government of Dominica The Act to establish the Corporation states that all Road Maintenance works will be the responsibility of PWC like DAWASCO is responsible for all water works they collect bill payments, solid waste for all garbage collection, DASPA for all ports Domlec all electricity, etc why is Public Works not responsible for all road works. ant why is there so much confusion in road works in Dominica. Well it seems like is only one set of people that campaigned and voted for Labour so they alone shall eat whilst the people at PWC struggling cant pay their bills, some stinking rich, hope all you see some of the strong Labour party supporters plunge into deep silence because of the frustration, and the GREED of those newly formed company’s that taking all. If that don’t stop now all you will be surprise next elections JUST REMEMBER PEOPLE ARE LIKE MILK THEY TURN OVER NIGHT. Those greedy fellars there cant win a vote. not one of those Company’s all they doing is making the party loose supporters THAT IS WARNING # 1
All the time ACE Engineering was getting jobs why he never publicized it for Dominicans to see?
Mr.Blackmoore you mention one conditions for not accepting lower bids.(1) Contractors most of the time have difficulty in completing the job.
Sir Nanton estimate according to you is $560,176.50(13 weeks) and your technical department is $657,487.00(14 weeks). This represent a difference of $97,310.50 and is also short by one week. Caribbean Concrete $658,961.50(10.5 weeks), completing in shorter time but is also much closer to your technical department estimate. Sir what guarantee is there that Nanton will complete the job when he is $97,310.50 less and is also short by one week?
Now Sir you know that ACE for example has metal forms, have concrete trucks and excavators which in true and in fact gives them that competitive advantage whereby they could lower their price. Caribbean Concrete for example because he has his own concrete plant can probably have the job done in fewer weeks because of his competitive advantage unlike the other contractors who have to go to him for redi-mix concrete. I noticed you did not display the rates for steel is there a reason we should not know? Therefore having a lower bid does necessarily mean that the contractor under bid the job, he may just be using his competitive advantage where it suits him. Finally sir I notice Nanton displays”George Trucking,” is he a registered contractor or a registered truck contractor? I do hope that you all had dot your “I’s and cross your T’s.”
A closer look: Nanton- $560,176.50 ( 13 weeks): fallen short by $97,310.0 and one week
Carb.Con-$658,961.50(10.5 weeks): above by$1474.50 and completing before expected time by 3.5 weeks.
Client- $657,487.00(14 weeks)
Finally please explain to me why a contractor is 14.8% ($97,310.00)less than your in house price yet he is given the contract. What confidence! I can understand you placing such confidence in contractors like ACE, Edgill,PWC etc, who have done similar projects of such nature in the past, but for a “new kid on the block” I can simply shake my head in total disbelief.
We in the U.S.A will continue to watch and critique!!!
Hitttin the nail right on the head. Why would you take those chances with an amateur? Does georges even have certified engineers in his company? Mr. Blackmore ?
You were going so well till you put in the last line. You Dominican and you care .. point taken!
Why do you have to display arrogance in making your argument. Why are you making your frame of specialty knowledge highlight your ego.
I don’t care what Blackmoore say, the idea of the brother of the top advisor to the prime minister, who is also the minister of finance, getting such a major contract in, and of itself, raises questions in my mind.
Additionally with the track record of the bin boboll, the fertilizer boboll and the like, I don’t trust that government.
You all are really sickening with your myopic political views. So are you saying by virtue of the fact that George is Mano’s brother he should never work for the life of the labour government? Though he has a legitimate construction company he should never receive a government contract because his brother happens to be the PM’s adviser.
If you think you are drawing people to your party what you are actually doing is pushing them away. If the UWP wants to make any head way they should seek out people like you and muzzle you.
With someone who is so deep within the decision making body of the government, of course he will bend over backwards to move goal posts to favor his brother.
Anybody would, that is why I question that decision.
That is the reason why Nanton is getting so many government contracts and jobs even when other jobs are not even completed.
Hello Galileo, your comment is a lame one, as a matter of fact, only in Dominica all this BS can happen, this guy is related to someone who is a friend a comrade of Skerrit, and this is call conflict of interest and corruption at play
I do believe that their criticisms are making it worst for UWP. There is too much of it on this Website. Nothing the PM does will ever please them.
My question is what do you suggest he do? Should he never get a government contract if the government that his brother is part of last for 50 years. How would he feed his almost 20 kids and himself? Would that not be discrimination honest worker?
Just blaze sue what.Go to the red Clinic for your next meal and stop being a hater.Stop hiding behind that white guy pic.
Just Blaze is stating how he feels just as you state what you feel. This is not hating. Get off his back and cease your racist remark. Is your heritage all so-called black – African?
Doesn’t matter who gets the bids. ALL Dominicans are lazy. They’ll start the project, quit and the Chinese will finish.
And that’s in a perfect world because we all know this will never get off the ground.
Fourth World Country.
DNO is my contribution too intelligent for publication?
Wow,why such arrogance.
Blackmoore you are only proving you have no clue what you talking about.
To prevent contractor from bidding to low and not completing projects impose fines and stipulations for time beyond scope, providing conditions of work did not change
Same for second point. A varience is only for change in work conditions beyond their control.
Large project delay because of cash flow. Hhmmmmm. That is normally as a result of gov not paying on time. Seeing that gov estimates are so much higher that means they have budget and cashflow should not be an issue. If cash flow holds up job then rental cost go up and government should pay cost.
Mr. Blackmore to an idiot you may sound like you making sense. But to those of us who work in similar fields and understand bidding process I say your explanation is empty.
Seems like the more you guys talk the more the level of your incompetence is revealed. No wonder your comrades prefer spend their time on spewing garbage.
Thanks for the clarification. Clear as a bell. Those with understanding will understand, those without will not. We know the Dominica government is doing a very good job. Thank you sir.
The names of those Dominica contractors confuse the hell out of me. 1) ‘George Trucking and Excavating Company’ won the contract to build wall? Yes I know there is excavation during the process, but there is also building of wall- is that company qualified?
2. ACE Engineering-you guys do design and build?; Is the project a Design/Build? Apparently, it seems like it was already designed by engineers in the ministry, who had the price for completing a project of that magnitude to a high level of accuracy;; that in itself is simply amazing. The estimation gods must reside in Dominica. 3) Caribbean Concrete, sound like a concrete supplier to me, not the one that would be actually constructing the wall.
I am not an engineer practicing in Dominica, but I will just briefly share some light on the process I am familiar in the US. Firstly, government present their project concept and specifications to typically private engineering firm who work with architect to come up with plans, structural and drainage, etc etc design, and engineering firm develops cost estimate, and project specifications, including contractor’s minimum experience performing the type of work to be undertaken. Typically the contract go to lowest bidder if they meet the other qualifications. Engineering firm often work with project owner to tender job, and then work with successful contractor, and review construction plan. Sometimes, contractors present good cost-saving ideas, and engineers should be mindful to look at all options, and don’t believe that whatever they (the engineer) present is the one and only way, and nothing else. Although, in some cases, there are little room for modification or alterations..
Furthermore, in terms of time, 14 weeks just seems little time for 150 ft wall. To dredge and control the water flow alone for storm events is a big project on it’s own. And I hope that sediment control will be installed to project the waterways prior to any excavation. And be mindful that placing stones in front that wall will likely constrict the water flow, and hence increase the water velocity, which in turn may increase scour (undermining ) of the foundation.
That was enlightening!
Do you think our engineers are uneducated? they were educated at the same universities as you were (probably). Engineering science is universal, whether in US, Canada or GB.
Where on earth did that comment suggest that the engineers in Dominica are uneducated? I think it was a fair comment. I practice engineering, and I have seen construction practice in (note, CONSTRUCTION) Dominica, and there is a lot that we can learn from the outside world.. Especially in reference to protecting the environment. Some people are soo quick to criticize and resent their own Dominican professionals living and working overseas. It is some of us who design and build some of the same structures you say that “the Americans” build. Don’t you know that? We are proud of our country and only have good intentions to improve things where we believe there can be improvements. So relax and take some constructive criticism.
Then you call yourself an Engineer and you are not an engineer. See, name means nothing. No one cares about US process. This is Dominica, so it’s who you know.
Your comment sounds fair, objective, independent and offered advise from an experienced person. Thanks! respect.
Total Crap. Wheel and come again, Mr Minister!
Did you even understand what you read?
Sounds like skerrit directed Hartley to write this one by kissing his onions. That is the work of a foreign object.
I think govt should sue ACE for slander. Tired of these uwp people saying what they want and getting away with it.
it’s a free country….we are entitled to our ideas and opinions and talk about what affects us and Dominican on a whole…we are not a dictatorship island….
aren you that stupid.Do you understand bidding? I have yet to see any proprietor giving a job to the highest bidder.They all want to save money.Why spend it if you can save it.Sor sort
r u a con artist….. sure look like one to me
just blaze loo like a con artist to me
Then who will sue the gov’t for alleged mass corruption?
Change is a must
Blackmore that is why Leblanc is an engineer and nathan is not Leblanc is educated to work smarter than Nathan that is why his bid was lower and faster just like the chinese, any dunce can see that. For you to justify based on engineering estimates belongs in the rubbish bin. No wonder grell leave engineering and go in real estate u fellas playing politics and stifling educated Dominicans.
Are these companies evaluated based on experience, expertise, completion/success rates, etc? There should be a more comprehensive rating and evaluation process for awarding bids.
Just one question, Mr. Blackmore: Were all bidders aware of the following item of Section 5: The Process of Evaluation?
“-For further consideration, the submissions from the bidders should fall between +5% of the Engineer’s estimate and end -15% of Engineers estimate, that is, between 558,856.00 and $690,352.00.”
Thanks for the clarification!
blackmoore, what was the amount paid to build those box culvert in pond casse and secret bay, also can you tell us who received those projects and if they were tendered?
you hear lies, that is lies, teacher say if you lie you going to hell as soon as you die. that song was written because the writer had a vision.
oh blackmoore you did not write this article, you not so educated to do so… allu cannot fool people anymore
Is this an attempt to discredit the intelligence of Mr Leblanc?
You get no sympathy from me sir.
I can’t consider this just come trucking company to do a better job than ACE nor Caribbean concrete in the area of structural/ civil works.
Money must go down the drain.
I myself have seen contractors hauling job materials even concrete to their personal homes and private jobs. The very contractors have strong ties with you sir and this DLP government.
I see how they comprise their work for DLP fame and SUV’s.
Public procurement Act is not mentioned anywhere in your statement…. you can’t debate Mr Leblanc on that one.
You are an officer of the state and you cheating us, misrepresenting us, then you have the guts to ask us sympathy
Where they find those type leaders in DOMINIC? worst of the crop. I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION TO ASK AND PEOPLE OF DOMINICA BE HONEST AND GIVE SOME ANSWERS.where are the intelligent and smart people of DOMINICA?
They are all in the Solid Team Dominica.
They are in america… And i feel bad for those who left america and went to da thinking life is better there.
Is Blackmore aware that a contractor’s profit on a contract ranges from 15% to 25% depending on his efficiency and other factors which contribute to the successful implementation of a project?
So bidding more than 15% below the client’s estimated cost does not mean that the project will not be completed, it means that the Contractor has reduced on his profit and he may do that for many reasons, one of them being the possibility of getting more jobs. Also the Contractor may have access to plant, materials, expertise which will reduce his cost.
I volunteer to give Blackmore and his technicians a crash course in procurement and construction.
Mr. Blackmoore we know that the statements made by ACE was very unfair and the motive was very political. These are the kinds of things some members of the public continue to do to make the Labour Government look bad in every decision that is taken. I guess ACE has just shown themselves for who they are. We are moving on with the development of this country and we should not waste time with these stupid pity issues. Waste of human resource to entertain these guys and respond to them via various media, we have better things to do that is to move on with the development of this nation.
I wonder if Rayburn really understand these complex transactions?
He does not look like he does or certainly speaks like he knows what and when to say how things work in his ministry.
Dominica I feel for you!
Do you understand them?
With all due respect Mr. Blackmore please do not consider all Dominicans to be fools. Which procurement process stipulates that the successful bidder must be within 5% above or 15% below the Client’s estimates. It is not the EU, neither the World Bank nor the CDB. It must be Blackmore’s and Skerrit’s procurement procedures.
When a bidder meets all the technical requirements for a contract, the financial requirement can only disqualify him if you can prove that he does not have the required capital to complete the project and this determination is not made because the bidder is 15% below your estimates.
Given the fact that there are no regulated rates of construction in Dominica it is impossible to determine the accuracy of the estimates of the Government technicians for many reasons. Among them the whole bunch of professionals in the Ministry of works have no experience in practical construction and in costing of projects and of course it is common knowledge that when the Minister and /or the Prime Minister say that this Contractor has to get a contract the technicians only have to jump to justify it.
It is very unfortunate that a government would go to that length of justifying excessive payment of a contract which could save the country a significant amount of money at a time when the Portsmouth Hospital is being described as a maze and the Marigot Hospital had to close down due to termite infestation and all the drains alongside public roads a clogged up in the middle of the hurricane season.
If I were you Blackmore, I would get a qualified Quantity Surveyor to review the estimates prepared by your technicians to determine whether or not it was inflated.
ACE Engineering is not a fly-by-night contractor who just came on the block, they have a track record of delivering projects so if I have to make a choice in believing, I would bet my bottom dollar on ACE.
By the way, isn’t it fishy that the other company that is closely associated with the government was within $1,000.00 of your price? This to me tells the full story.
Blackmore can jump high and low, this project smells of corruption, it looks like corruption and as a result it is corruption.
It’s time Dominicans awake! I heard the other one for the Silver Lake apartment building talking about the $940,000.00 project, no it is a $1.0 million of which somebody escape with at least $250,000.00.
Sometimes specialized knowledge can cause arrogance to manifest in ways unimaginable. Blurry concepts with a Political point of view does not help your argument.
All we have here is an upset contractor with a vengeance because he wasn’t picked. Just because you provide the lowest bid doesn’t mean you provide quality service. ACE could build something for cheap now but then need to have more work redone/patched in the future, an unnecessary and possibly expensive risk for the government.
but nanton not a contractor, he owns heavy equipment… you really an idiot man
Once you have the wrong shoes on the wrong foot , there is no way you can walk straight.
Those guys in the new DLP are not true Shoe carrying memebrs so the disorganization that we are seeing in their dealing are no suprise.
It is time the original DLP members step-up and be counted.
Someone with knowledge of the construction industry will realize that Georg Nanton (GEORGE TRUCKING!!!) FORTE is in bob cat and back hoe excavation and as such their bid of EC$100 per cubic metre is well within limits and one can argue that it SHOULD have been even lower!!!! (EC $85-95 per cubic metre) BUT when one analyses works to do with reinforced concrete (supply and placing) EC$800/m³ as estimated by the Ministry.. how in the hell can this company with LIMITED work experience in this area of scope win on EC$700 per cubic metre outdoing Caribbean CONCRETE (795), Unique CONSTRUCTION (800), and ACE Engineering(756).
First of all, Blackman is the wrong man to interface with the media. He is not generally liked and many of us do not believe him even when he speaks the truth. Having said this, one wonders why wasn’t this information shared with the bidders? I think it would be a good practice if the Ministry provides every bidder with this kind of analysis after a decision is made.
But wait rayburn just repeated what was in the statement by Mrs. Tyson. Because it was noticed that she should not have signed the statement he comes with his crap. Same s*** different article/headline.
suddenly George nanthan is the best contractor in Dominica who comes up with the most accurate bid. lol
Give me a break. That is just a bunch of BS.
***Anthony Leblanc of Ace Engineering***
Please respond!!
Is this true as the minsiter indicated/outlined?
Hmm, Mr. Blackmore, wait for the bashing pretty soon.
Exactly what those blue millie bugs about but as long as right thinking dominicans have a vote….they will suck salt and never get in power in dominica turn blue vex now……