The prequalification phase for the tender of the DBFM project Capacity Development Coentunnel was completed in October. The Consortium GATEwest, in which Strukton Integrale Projecten participates as a sponsor, has been selected to participate in the competitive dialogue that will start at the end of December.

The Capacity Development Coentunnel is an innovative project, in which the tender will be awarded through making use of a competitive dialogue. This procedure has been introduced in the new European Guideline 2004/18/EG. For this project the following structure has been adopted:

1. Prequalification based on minimum requirements and experience – finalized;
2. First phase of dialogue (5 parties), Execution Plan with the aim to come to a
    short list of 3 parties which are capable to carry out the project;
3. Second phase of dialogue (3 parties); consultation for the benefit of
    specifying the tender documents that tie into the proposed solutions as
    described in the Execution Plans;
4. Third phase of dialogue (3 parties); dialogue with the aim of determining a
    joint DBFM contract structure and risk allocation on which the final offers
    are to be based;
5. Final tender (3 parties);
6. Selection of preferred bidder;
7. Contract close and Financial close.

The Consortium GATEwest consists of ABN AMRO, Ballast Nedam, Van Oord, GTI and Strukton. The consortium has engaged national and international advisors complement to its own expertise. GATEwest characterizes itself as follows:

• A fully integrated team with experience in the field of both Dutch and  international Public Private Partnerships (DBFM contracts);
• A strong financial and economic basis;
• Extended experience in the field of project management and project finance;
• Knowledge and experience in setting up efficient financial structures for projects;
• Key players in the field of design, building and maintenance of infrastructure;
• Experience with setting up and developing project visions, as well as specialized knowledge in the field of tunnels;
• Experience with project management of large infrastructural projects and   execution of the corresponding management plans.

The current planning envisages that the tender will take up to a year.