Works of Sewerage and Drainage Infrastructure in Dutch Quarter, Sint Maarten

New clarification added: Q32: We have also noticed a discrepancy regarding the drainage pipe locations: - Based on the Overview Lots Drawing, it appears that the drainage pipes are associated with Lots 1, 2, 16, 17, 18, and 19. - In the BOQ, the drainage pipes are assigned to Lots 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Could you please clarify this discrepancy as well?A32: Thank you for highlighting this discrepancy. UNOPS confirms that the Lot numbering references in the initial BOQ did not align with Overview Lots Drawing L-01. Please refer to Amendment No. 3, which includes an updated BOQ. The revised BOQ clarifies the Lot numbering across both Essential and Optional lots. Bidders must prepare and submit their financial offers strictly using the revised BOQ schedule attached to the Amendment. No modifications were made to the actual item quantities. As this is a Measure and Pay contract, the BOQ quantities serve solely as a uniform baseline for tender preparation and financial evaluation. Final payment will be executed based exclusively on the actual, net quantities physically installed on-site, as measured and verified by the Engineer.Q33: We respectfully request an extension of the bid submission deadline by at least 4 weeks to allow for a thorough analysis of the documents and the preparation of an appropriate bid.​A33: UNOPS has reviewed the request and has granted a one-week extension to the bid submission deadline. Please refer to Amendment No. 3, which has been published on the eSourcing platform, for the officially revised deadline date and time. While we understand the effort required to prepare a comprehensive proposal, UNOPS cannot accommodate the full four-week extension requested due to strict project execution timelines. Bidders are strongly encouraged to finalize and submit their proposals by the newly established deadline indicated in the Amendment.

New amendment added #3: Amendment No. 3Potential bidderss are notified of the subsequent adjustments to the Invitation to Bid (ITB/2026/63925) documentation, which should be reflected in their respective submissions:1. Section “General” - Deadline for submissions must be read as follows:Deadline for submissions: 05 october 2026 - 15:00 hrs (Sint Maarten Time) 19:00 hrs (UTC)2. Section II: Evaluation Method and Criteria, 3. Technical criteria: The technical criteria 3.2 has been revised3. Section "Documents":The following items have been incorporated:2. ITB_2026_63925 - Sections II, III, IV, V_Amendment No. 3.pdfFor ease of distinguishing the changes, added text is shown in blue, while deleted text is shown in red strikethrough.Annex 1C: UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - BOQ - Amendment No. 3.pdfAnnex 1C: UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - BOQ - Amendment No. 3.xls:The following items have been withdrawn:2. ITB_2026_63925 - Sections II, III, IV, V.pdfAnnex 1C: UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - BOQ.- Amendment No. 1.pdfAnnex 1C: UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - BOQ - Amendment No. 1.xlsExcept for the modifications detailed in this amendment, all other aspects of the document remain valid and unchanged.UNOPS

New clarification added: Q32: Disposal. Please confirm the designated landfill for surplus excavated material and demolished concrete, the applicable tipping fees, and any permit or account required with the Ministry of VROMI. Please also confirm the basis for item S6 being 50% of item S1.A32:All redundant and unusable material resulting from clearing, road demolition, and surplus excavation must be transported to an official landfill, which is located approximately 6 km from the project site, unless otherwise instructed by the Engineer/Supervisor.In accordance with Sub-Clause 7.8 (Royalties and Disposal Costs) of the General Conditions of Contract and Section V (Requirements), the Contractor is solely responsible for securing all required permits, establishing necessary accounts with the Ministry of VROMI or landfill operators, and paying all applicable dumping and tipping fees.BOQ Item S1 represents the total estimated in-situ excavation volume. BOQ Item S6 reflects the estimated net surplus material requiring off-site disposal after accounting for suitable excavated soil reused for trench backfill above the pipe surround zone, minus the physical volume displaced by installed pipes, inspection pits, imported clean sand bedding, and any unsuitable excavated material (such as stones larger than 100 mm).Quantities set out in the Bill of Quantities are estimated for bid evaluation; final payment under BOQ Item S6 will be based strictly on actual, net quantities measured and verified on-site by the Engineer

New clarification added: Q29: Drop connections. The length profiles show invert drops of about 0.80 m to 1.40 m inside the Ø600 mm Tegra pits on the steeper streets. Please confirm that the drop arrangements are included in item S4, and the maximum pit depth to be assumed.​A29: Yes, confirmed. All internal drop pipe connections, adaptors, and flow profile fittings required to accommodate invert drops as indicated on the Tender Length Profile Drawings (LPS-01 through LPS-04) are deemed fully included in the tendered unit rate for BOQ Item S4 ("Supply and install sewerage pits Tegra Ø 600 mm including cover"). No separate payment item will be introduced for drop connections.Pit depths vary across the network according to the invert levels set out on the Sewerage Length Profile Drawings (LPS-01 through LPS-04), reaching a maximum depth of approximately 3.20 meters. Bidders must ensure their tendered unit rate for BOQ Item S4 covers the full range of depths shown across the tender drawing set.Q30: Equivalent products. Please confirm that products equivalent to the Tegra Ø600 mm chambers and the ADFIL DURUS / FIBRIN XT fibres, of equal or better performance and supported by manufacturer certification, will be accepted.​A30: Yes, this is confirmed. As set out in the Technical Specifications (Clause 2.14), references to trade names or specific brand products serve solely to establish a baseline standard of quality and performance. Bidders are welcome to propose alternative products from other manufacturers, provided they are equivalent or superior in quality and performance, and supported by valid manufacturer technical data sheets and test certificates. Proposed substitutions will be subject to formal submittal review and written approval by The Engineer.Q31: Key Personnel. Section II, Part 3 names a "Water and Sanitation Expert", whereas Schedule 3.8 names a "Site Engineer". Please confirm the title, qualification and experience required for the third Key Personnel position.A31: UNOPS acknowledges this discrepancy. The correct title for the third Key Personnel position is Site Engineer. The reference to a "Water and Sanitation Expert" in Section II, Part 3 should be understood as referring to this Site Engineer role. Bidders must propose a candidate who meets the exact qualifications and experience criteria detailed for the Site Engineer in Section V: Requirements, Schedule 3.8 (Key Personnel Requirements).

New clarification added: Q25:  Backfill material. Items S2 and S3 include "clean sand, back-fill and compaction" per linear metre, while the length profiles show trench depths of about 1.55 m to 3.00 m. Please confirm (a) whether imported clean sand is required over the full trench height, or only for bedding and pipe surround (e.g. up to 0.30 m above the pipe crown), with suitable excavated material re-used above, and (b) the trench width and average depth assumed to establish the S1 quantity.A25: (a) Backfill Material Requirements: Clean sand is strictly required for the pipe bedding and pipe surround. Above the pipe surround, suitable granular material coming from the excavation may be reused for backfill, provided it is free from humus, organic, or deleterious matter and meets the requirements set out in Annex 1D: Technical Specifications, Clause 6.2 (Backfilling). The reuse of any excavated material is subject to the prior testing and approval of the Engineer. Under no circumstances may silt, clay, or peat be used. The linear meter unit rates tendered for Items S2 and S3 must be all-inclusive, covering the bedding, the pipe surround, the backfill, and the necessary compaction.   (b) Trench Dimensions and S1 Quantity: The S1 excavation quantity is an aggregated volume estimate based on the varying trench depths shown in the longitudinal profiles and an assumed standard working trench width.- Trench Width: In accordance with Annex 1D: Technical Specifications, Clause 10.1, the maximum permitted width of a cut in the existing pavement is 2 meters. The trench width should be minimized as much as possible.   - Pricing & Payment: Bidders must calculate their execution methodology based on their proposed working trench widths and the specific depths indicated in the drawings. Bidders must submit their financial offers using the baseline volume provided in BOQ (Item S1). As this is a Measure and Pay contract, final payment for excavation will not be a lump sum; it will be based strictly on the actual net volumes (width × depth × length) excavated and verified on-site by the Engineer.Q26: Preliminaries. The BoQ contains no item for site establishment, the Engineer's facilities, traffic management, HSSE, Key Personnel, testing laboratory, trench support, dewatering, insurances or bonds. Please confirm whether these costs must be distributed within the unit rates, or whether a "General Items" section may be added to Schedule 4.1.A, noting that the same rates will be used to value Variations of up to 20%.​A26: Bidders may not add a "General Items" or "Preliminaries" section to Schedule 4.1.A. All preliminary and general costs must be distributed across the existing unit rates.In accordance with the tender documents:- No Format Alterations: The instructions for Section VI: Returnable Schedules explicitly state that no alterations to the format of the provided schedules shall be permitted.   - Comprehensive Unit Rates: As specified in Section V: Requirements (Schedule 3.1 Scope of Works), the Contractor must ensure that all unit rates and prices submitted in Schedule 4.1.A are "comprehensive, stand-alone figures".   - Cost Distribution: Therefore, the costs of fulfilling all contractual requirements, general obligations, risks, and liabilities—including site establishment, Engineer's facilities, traffic management, HSSE compliance, Key Personnel, testing, trench support, dewatering, insurances, and bonds—must be fully apportioned and distributed within the unit rates for the specific physical line items provided in the BOQ.- Variations: As you correctly noted, and as confirmed in Schedule 3.1, these comprehensive, stand-alone unit rates shall remain valid, binding, and applicable for the valuation of any subsequent variations instructed by the Employer.Q27: Permits and Time for Completion. Response A10 states that infrastructure permits may take 3 to 8 months. With a 12-month Time for Completion, please confirm (a) whether the Time for Completion runs from the Commencement Date irrespective of permit issuance, (b) whether delays by the authorities in issuing permits, beyond the Contractor's control and after a timely and complete application, would entitle the Contractor to an extension of time under the General Conditions (Sub-Clause 8.4), and (c) which permits, if any, the Employer has already obtained or applied for.​A27: (a) Start of Time for Completion: Yes. In accordance with the General Conditions of Contract and Schedule 1.1 (Details Provided by the Employer), the 12-month Time for Completion starts from the Commencement Date. Bidders must incorporate permit application schedules and processing periods into their preliminary Programme for the mobilization phase.(b) Entitlement to Extension of Time (EOT): Yes, subject to contractual provisions and in accordance with the General Conditions of Contract. In the event of delayed permit issuance beyond the Contractor's control following timely and complete applications, the Contractor will be entitled to apply for an Extension of Time (EOT) under the General Conditions of Contract.(c) Permits: The Employer has not obtained or applied for any permits. As detailed in Schedule 3.2.H (Permits and licences), the Contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits required for the execution of the works. While factoring the time to obtain permits into their schedule, While bidders must account for standard processing times in their schedules, UNOPS will provide administrative assistance to help fast-track the issuance process where possible.Q28: Asphalt sections. Further to Response A13, please confirm (a) under which item the removal and disposal of existing asphalt is measured, since items R3 and R4 refer to concrete only, and (b) the concrete thickness to be used for reinstatement where the existing pavement is asphalt, as the Specifications require the new concrete to match the existing thickness.​A28: (a) Removal and Disposal of Existing Asphalt: The cutting, demolition, and disposal of all existing road pavement, whether asphalt or concrete, is measured and paid under BOQ Items R1 / R2 (for road cutting) and R3 / R4 (for demolition and disposal) based on the applicable pavement layer thickness (0.15 m or 0.25 m). In accordance with Annex 1D: Technical Specifications, Clause 5.4 and 5.5, demolition works cover "existing pavement" comprehensively, including taking special care at cuts in existing asphalt. No separate or additional BOQ item will be introduced for asphalt removal.(b) Reinstatement Thickness for Asphalt Sections: For sections where the existing road surface is asphalt, trench reinstatement shall be constructed using fiber-reinforced concrete (BOQ Item R5) with a standard thickness as indicated in the requirements.

New clarification added: Q21: Please clarify whether, for the purpose of meeting the requirements set forth in the Qualification Criteria, it is permissible to submit self-certifications or substitute declarations in accordance with applicable law, subject to subsequent verification and the possible submission of supporting documentation during the award phase.​A21: No. Self-certifications or substitute declarations cannot be used to replace or defer mandatory documentary evidence. All required documentation must be submitted prior to the bid deadline.In accordance with Section II: Evaluation Method and Criteria (Qualification Criteria):-Mandatory Documentation: The specific documents required to demonstrate compliance with the Qualification Criteria are explicitly defined in the solicitation and must be provided at the time of bid submission.-Verifiable Evidence of Experience: To demonstrate successful project experience, bidders must submit verifiable proof issued directly by the contracting authority/client (e.g., Provisional/Final Acceptance Certificates, or official statements confirming the completion percentage of ongoing contracts). Self-certifications of past performance are not acceptable.-Permitted Declarations: Self-declarations or commitment letters are only accepted in specific instances where they are expressly requested by the solicitation documents (such as the formal commitment letter to establish a local branch or the Declaration of Capacity)Q22: With regard to the Traffic Management Plan required in Section II, please clarify the specific requirements and the level of detail expected in the proposal.​A22: Bidders must integrate their preliminary Traffic Management Plan into Section VI: Returnable Schedules, Schedule 4.3 [Method Statement]. To satisfy the "Pass/Fail" standard under Section II: Evaluation Method and Criteria (Technical Criterion 2.5), the submitted plan must explicitly detail the following elements:   -Traffic Logistics & Road Closures: Practical arrangements for managing traffic within narrow residential streets, including the sequencing of partial road closures. Bidders must acknowledge and plan for the strict prohibition against fully closing the A.T. Illidge main road.   - Access Maintenance: The temporary works and strategies proposed to maintain safe, continuous access to private properties and buildings for both pedestrians and residents.   - Emergency Services Routing: Clear commitments and methods to guarantee that emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, police, and garbage collection) have unobstructed access to all roads within the Site at all times.   - Safety & Traffic Control: The specific implementation of traffic control measures (e.g., flagmen, diversion routes, signage) and the secure barricading/covering of open trenches, particularly during weekends and public holidays.   The level of detail must be robust enough to assure the evaluation team that the bidder fully understands the site's densely populated urban constraints and possesses a viable, safe methodology for minimizing community hindrance while executing the works.Q23: Regarding the resumes of the personnel involved, must we assign full-time staff, or can they be involved in other projects and therefore work part-time?​A23: UNOPS does not prescribe a mandatory full-time (100%) exclusivity requirement for Key Personnel for this contract. Bidders must strictly comply with the personnel and staffing requirements set out in the tender documents (Section II and Section V) and the General Conditions of Contract.However, bidders must strictly comply with the personnel, staffing, and capacity requirements set out in the tender documents:- Adequate Site Presence: Bidders must ensure that all proposed Key Personnel possess the required availability, level of effort, and site presence necessary to fulfill their contractual duties effectively, safely, and without delay.   - Declaration of Capacity: In accordance with Schedule 0.14 [Declaration of Capacity], bidders must guarantee that their operational workload is balanced. If proposed personnel are involved in other projects, the bidder must submit a clear Simultaneous Project Execution Plan demonstrating how concurrent commitments will be managed without causing scheduling interference or resource duplication.   The evaluation team will assess whether the proposed level of effort and team structure are suitable for the successful provision of the Works.Q24:  Rock excavation. Section IV §2.2.9 states that no geotechnical data is available and that rock and boulders are expected, but BoQ item S1 provides a single excavation rate and no item for rock excavation or breaking. Please confirm (a) the percentage of rock assumed by the Designer for the S1 quantity, (b) whether excavation in rock is paid under S1 at the same rate or whether a separate rate may be quoted, and (c) whether any geotechnical or trial-pit data from previous works in Dutch Quarter can be shared.​A24: a) No specific percentage split between soft soil and rock was pre-assigned by the Designer. BOQ Item S1 covers the total estimated excavation volume required for the project.b) All trench excavation is measured and paid under BOQ Item S1. To maintain a streamlined BOQ structure, a single unclassified excavation rate is used. Bidders are encouraged to factor their estimated ground conditions, equipment selection, and execution methodology directly into their comprehensive unit rate for Item S1.c) As explicitly stated in Section IV: Schedule of Details (Item 9: Geotechnical and Groundwater Conditions), no formal geotechnical laboratory data is available for the Site. UNOPS does not have formal trial-pit data to share. While historical knowledge suggests the subsoil consists of sand, grit, rocks, and potentially boulders, bidders are reminded of Section I: Instructions to Bidders, Article 6, which states that bidders are solely responsible for forming their own assessment of the nature and extent of the work and site conditions. Independent site visits prior to bid submission are strongly encouraged.

New clarification added: Q14: We have identified a discrepancy between the Overview Lots Plan and the BOQ. The Overview Lots Plan shows a total of 22 lots, while the BOQ refers to only 15 lots. Could you please clarify which document should be considered correct?A14: Both documents are correct and serve distinct purposes in defining the project scope. Bidders shall refer to the "Note on final scope execution" in Section II / Section V of the solicitation document:Overview Lots Plan (Drawing L-01): Illustrates the comprehensive design scope for the entirety of Dutch Quarter Section 2, which totals 22 Lots divided into Essential Lots (mandatory baseline) and Optional Lots (deferred sections).Bill of Quantities (Schedule 4.1.A): Defines the mandatory baseline scope for this tender (Essential Lots) that bidders are required to price for bid evaluation and immediate contract award.While the Technical Specifications and Design Drawings detail the full 22-lot infrastructure layout, budget prioritization requires a phased execution. Bidders must submit their financial offers strictly for the Essential Lots as structured in Schedule 4.1.A. UNOPS retains the contractual right to instruct additional parts of the full design (Optional Lots) as Variations during contract execution using the accepted unit rates submitted in the BOQ.Q15: There appears to be significant discrepancies between some of the quantities stated in BOQ Version 2 (Annex 1C_ UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - BOQ - Amendment No. 1) and those indicated in the Drawings (Annex 1A_ UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - TENDER DRAWINGS). While we understand this to be a ""Measure and Pay Contract"", please confirm whether the quantities stated in BOQ Version 2 are to take precedence for tender pricing purposes?See items: BOQ Version 2; item S2: “…sewage pipe Ø 200 mm …”: 2,778m (BOQ) vs 3,636m (Drawings), BOQ Version 2; item S3: “…sewage pipe Ø 250 …”: 345m (BOQ) vs 466m (Drawings), BOQ Version 2; item S4: “… sewerage pits Tegra Ø 600 mm …”, 104pcs (BOQ) vs 132pcs (Drawings)., BOQ Version 2; item S5: “… house connections Ø 125 …”, 323pcs (BOQ) vs 401pcs (Drawings)."​A15:  Bidders must prepare and submit their financial offers strictly using the quantities set out in BOQ (Schedule 4.1.A). The discrepancies you noted between these BOQ quantities and the Tender Drawings are intentional and result from the project's phased execution strategy. The Tender Drawings reflect the comprehensive design across all 22 Lots (Essential + Optional Lots). BOQ strictly covers the mandatory baseline scope for contract award (Essential Lots). Because the Tender Drawings show the full 22-lot scheme, drawing totals are naturally higher than BOQ totals. UNOPS will award the contract based on the BOQ quantities (Essential Lots) and reserves the contractual right to instruct additional lots as Variations in the future. As this is a Measure and Pay contract the quantities in BOQ are estimated and provided solely to establish a uniform basis for bid evaluation; Payment will be executed exclusively for actual, net quantities ordered and physically installed on-site, as verified by the Engineer.Q16: Considering the potentially sensitive dynamics within this particular community, and in the interest of maintaining positive community relations and ensuring stakeholder alignment, has UNOPS/Client already engaged with community members and/or local leaders regarding the proposed project plans?​A16: UNOPS and the Government have already engaged with key project stakeholders, including local community representatives, during project preparation.Q17: We note that Clause 14.8 of the “General Conditions of Contract” provides for financing charges in case of delayed payment, while Item 14.8 of the "Evaluation Method and Criteria / Contract Details" indicates "N/A" for the annual rate of financing charges. Could you please clarify which provision shall apply?​A17: Financing charges for delayed payments are not applicable to this contract.Q18: BOQ - Version 2 item S4 calls for : “Supply and install sewerage pits Tegra Ø 600 mm including cover” would it be acceptable to propose/quote an equivalent product from an alternative manufacturer, provided that the proposed product fully complies with the applicable standards and meets or exceeds the specified technical and performance requirements?​A18: Yes, this is acceptable. In accordance with Annex 1D: Technical Specifications, Clause 2.14 (Use of Trade Names) the inclusion of a specific trade name or product (such as "Tegra") is intended solely to define the type and quality of the material required; it is not intended to mandate the exclusive use of that specific brand. Bidders may propose an alternative product, provided it is equivalent or superior and fully complies with the Technical Specifications. Any proposed substitution will be subject to formal review and written approval by The Engineer, strictly at the Contractor’s sole risk.Q19: Please clarify whether the contractor’s scope of work also includes individual sewer connections for each residence.​A19: No. The Contractor’s scope of work does not include internal connections inside private residences. The scope is limited to installing the connection pit up to the property boundary of each household.Q20: Please specify the exact extent of the road restoration work planned in the project: should the work be limited solely to the section where the trench is being cut?​A20: Bidders must follow the design as detailed in the Drawings, Technical Specifications and Bill of Quantities (Schedule 4.1.A). Works are mostly limited to cutting, excavating, and reinstating the trench section along one side of the road, preserving the remaining existing pavement. Bidders must calculate and submit their pricing based strictly on the specific road reinstatement line items and quantities set out in BOQ (Schedule 4.1.A). 

New clarification added: Q13: During our site visit, we observed that some road sections in the Nazareth Road area are currently surfaced with asphalt. However, the contract documents only specify road repair in concrete. Could you please confirm whether the road repair of these asphalt sections will also be carried out in concrete?A13: We confirm that the road repair works will be carried out using concrete only.

New clarification added: Q9: Upon analyzing the BOQ, we noticed a discrepancy between the quantities listed in the summary and the sum of the quantities for each lot.Could you please clarify the correct quantities for the following lines:Roads and footpath: R1 Cut concrete road open for trench 2 m wide, thickness 0.25 m, - Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities :783 / 784R5 Fiber concrete : road repair of cut-open trench; supply and install, including grading, compacting, formwork, dowels, coupling rods- Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities : 4314 / 4315. R6 Base course: supply, install, grade and compact , t= 20 cm - Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities : 314/ 354Sewage: S1 Excavation, where sewage pipes, sewage pits, drainage pipes and house connections are to be constructed - Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities : 8646 / 9131S2 supply and install sewage pipe Ø 200 mm including clean sand, back-fill and compaction - Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities : 2678 / 2778. S3 supply and install sewage pipe Ø 250 mm including clean sand, back-fill and compaction - Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities : 345 /346. S4 Supply and install sewerage pits Tegra Ø 600 mm including cover - Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities : 101/ 104. S5 Supply and install house connections Ø 125 including inspection pits, special pieces, saddles and connections; average pipe length = 7.5 m; inc clean sand, back-fill and compaction - Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities : 320 / 323. S6 Disposal of surplus excavated material, not suitable for the works - Summary Quantity / Calculated quantities : 4323 / 4 566A9: Bidders may refer to Response No. 7 and the revised BoQ issued under Amendment No. 1. The noted discrepancies in the summary totals occurred because the quantities of one lot were inadvertently omitted from the initial summary sheet aggregation. Please note that minor fractional differences between the summary sheets and the sum of individual lot sheets may also exist due to standard decimal rounding. Bidders are reminded that the quantities provided are estimated and provisional, serving solely to establish a common basis for bidding. This is a Measure and Pay (admeasurement) contract. The basis of payment will be the actual, net quantities of permanent works physically executed on-site, verified by the Engineer, and valued at the fixed unit rates submitted in the bid. Therefore, minor discrepancies in the estimated bidding quantities do not affect final project payments or contract execution.Q10: Permits to be obtained by the Contractor" -> Infrastructural permits can take between 3-8 months to be obtained, how to deal with this?A10: The Contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals and permits from local authorities. Bidders must factor the processing times and potential administrative delays into their initial construction schedule.Q11: The new topographic data will be transferred into the designs drawings and updated design drawings will be prepared and submitted to the Supervisor for approval within 4 weeks after commencement of works." -> What design updates are to be expected? After the new topographic survey, the only things that can change are: Level of the inspection pits, min. cover of the pipes to be maintained, please inform what other design updates are to be expected. 4 weeks seems also very short including the complete topographic survey and updating of the drawings. A11: The purpose is not a full design revision, but rather the preparation of executable Shop Drawings that adapt the baseline design to exact site conditions and to a sufficient details level for the contractor to execute the works. Q12: What is the expected award & start date of the works?A12: As indicated in the Tab "Particulars" in eSourcing,  the expected award date is 31 October 2026. The start date for the works will be confirmed based on the Contractor’s programme. However, based on the pre-construction activities, the works could be expected to commence around January 2027.

New clarification added: Q6: Could you please provide the missing Xref files for the AutoCAD drawings? The references for Xref_Existing Situation and Xref_Kadaster Boundaries are currently missing, so we are unable to view the complete drawings.A6: Please refer to Amendment No. 1. The requested Xref files have been uploaded to the eSourcing platform under the “Documents” tab.Q7:  In the BOQ (Annex 1C), the total quantity does not match the sum of the quantities distributed among the 15 lots for items R1, R5, R6, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, M1 and M2. Kindly clarify and confirm the correct quantities. Additionally, please provide the BOQ in Excel format. Thank you.A7: Please refer to Amendment No. 1. and No. 2. The requested BOQ files have been uploaded to the eSourcing platform under the “Documents” tab.Q8: Can the excel file of the BOQ be provided?A8: Please refer to Amendment No. 1. and No. 2. The requested BOQ files have been uploaded to the eSourcing platform under the “Documents” tab.  

New amendment added #2: Amendment No. 2Potential bidderss are notified of the subsequent adjustments to the Invitation to Bid (ITB/2026/63925) documentation, which should be reflected in their respective submissions:1. Documentation Updates:The following items have been incorporated:Annex 1C: UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - BOQ - Amendment No. 1.xlsExcept for the modifications detailed in this amendment, all other aspects of the document remain valid and unchanged.UNOPS

New amendment added #1: Amendment No. 1Potential bidderss are notified of the subsequent adjustments to the Invitation to Bid (ITB/2026/63925) documentation, which should be reflected in their respective submissions:1. Documentation Updates:The following items have been incorporated:Pre-bid meeting presentation ITB/2026/63925.pdfPre Bid Meeting Minutes ITB/2026/63925.pdf Annex 1A.7 - Xref_Existing Situation.dwg Annex 1A.8 - Xref_Kadaster Boundaries.dwg Annex 1C: UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - BOQ - Amendment No. 1.pdf:The following item has been withdrawn:Annex 1C: UNOPS - 24793 - DUTCH QUARTER SECTION 2 - BOQ.pdfExcept for the modifications detailed in this amendment, all other aspects of the document remain valid and unchanged.UNOPS

New clarification added: Q3: Will the project qualify for the 5% Turnover Tax exemption?A3: No. The project does not grant the contractor an exemption from the local 5% Turnover Tax (TOT). In accordance with the Duties and Taxes section of the Tender Particulars:a) UNOPS is exempt from the direct payment of taxes and VAT under Article II, Section 7 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Consequently, proposed prices must not reflect a direct VAT/tax charge billed to UNOPS.b) The contractor remains fully responsible for paying all taxes levied by local authorities on income derived from the contract. Any Turnover Tax (TOT), VAT, or indirect taxes applied to goods, materials, equipment, or services purchased by the contractor to execute the works are considered contractor operational costs.c) Bidders must account for and include all applicable local taxes (including the 5% Turnover Tax) within their unit rates and total bid price. Taxes must not be listed as a separate direct charge to UNOPS.Q4: Will the project be eligible for the “Tax Holiday” regime (reduced 2% tax rate on profit before tax), instead of the standard corporate income tax regime (34.5%)?A4: UNOPS cannot confirm or grant eligibility for local corporate income tax regimes or tax holidays. In accordance with the Duties and Taxes section of the Tender Particulars:a) The contractor is solely responsible for the payment of all taxes levied by their government or other relevant entities on their income derived from this UNOPS contract.b) Eligibility for specific corporate income tax brackets, exemptions, or "Tax Holiday" incentives is a matter determined entirely by the competent local tax authorities in Sint Maarten, not by UNOPS.c) Bidders are strongly advised to consult directly with local tax authorities or a tax professional to determine their specific corporate income tax obligations. Offerors must factor their applicable income tax liabilities into their overall financial proposal, as UNOPS does not manage or reimburse the contractor's income tax costs.Q5: As this is our first submission through the UNOPS eSourcing platform, could you please confirm whether completion of the "Questionnaires" and "Supplier Forms" sections is mandatory for a bid to be considered compliant and eligible for evaluation?A5: Yes. Completion of the “Questionnaires” and “Supplier Forms” sections is required in order to submit your Offer through the UNOPS eSourcing platform. The system will not allow you to submit your Offer if any of the mandatory sections have not been completed.Please note, however, that the responses provided in the Drive Questionnaire are not, in themselves, grounds for disqualification. The information provided in this questionnaire is collected for procurement and administrative purposes and will not result in disqualification solely based on the responses provided.Bidders are nevertheless requested to ensure that all required information and forms are completed accurately and submitted before the deadline.You can also access the UNOPS eSourcing instructional videos and tutorials, which provide guidance on how to complete and submit your Offer through the platform, at the following link:https://esourcing.unops.org/#/Help/Videos https://esourcing.unops.org/#/Help/Guides 

New clarification added: Q2: We are interesting to answer at this tender. We would like to organize a site visite, could you please follow a date, we will be available between the 8 to the 10 of september.Could you please confirm that is possible to plan a visit on these dates ?A2: Please be advised that UNOPS will not be organizing or conducting an official site visit for this tender process. However, bidders are strongly encouraged to independently visit the site prior to bid submission to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the prevailing conditions. Kindly note the following stipulations regarding independent site visits:1. Responsibility and Liability: Any independent visit must be arranged and conducted solely at the bidder’s own risk, responsibility, and expense.2. Representation and Branding: Under no circumstances are offerors permitted to utilize any UNOPS logos, insignia, or branding. Furthermore, bidders must not indicate, imply, or represent in any manner that their personnel or company is acting on behalf of, or representing, UNOPS during these visits.For guidance in locating the site, bidders are invited to refer to Section 2.2.1, General Description of Location and Boundaries within the tender documents, as well as the technical drawings, which indicate the relevant street names. Should any questions arise as a result of an independent site visit, they must be formally submitted through the eSourcing platform, strictly adhering to the established clarification procedure.

New clarification added: Q1: Could you please confirm whether Contract Prices are fixed or subject to adjustment? Under Sub-Clause 13.7, both “Applicable” and “Not applicable” are shown, but no option appears to be selected. Please clarify whether any price adjustment/escalation mechanism applies under this Contract.A1: UNOPS confirms that the Contract Prices are fixed and are not subject to any price adjustment, inflation, or cost-escalation mechanism for the duration of the Contract.The checkbox next to Sub-Clause 13.7 should be marked as "Not applicable", it is a formatting issue. This issue will be corrected with Amendment 1.