PCA seeks ?design-build? contract proposals

PCA seeks ôdesign-buildö contract proposals The Panama Canal Authority has released its request for proposal on the 'design-build' contract for new locks under the canal's expansion program.
   Four global consortia will now move forward with their bids on what the canal authority said is the largest and most important project under the $5.25 billion expansion that will allow more traffic and longer, wider ships to transit the waterway.
   Two sets of locks, each with three chambers will be built on either side of the isthmus. The new Pacific locks will be located to the southwest side of the existing Miraflores Locks. The new Atlantic locks will be located to the east of the Gatun Locks. Each set of locks will have three levels, and will rely on gravity to operate. In a feature missing from the existing canal, each of the new lock chambers will be accompanied by three water-saving basins, allowing the reutilization of 60 percent of the water in each transit.
   Unlike the existing locks which pivot open and close like doors on hinges, the new locks will roll in and out of the canal like pocket doors.
   For an animated simulation of the new locks, see: https://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3101989838545618597&q=panama+canal+locks&total=204&start=0&num=100&so=0&type=search&plindex=2.
   The canal authority will meet with consortia representatives in
February 2008 and proposals are due August 2008. Bids will be evaluated using a 'best value concept,' with emphasis on technical components (60 percent) and price (40 percent). The authority expects to award the contract in December 2008.
   The consortia in the running for the contract include Consorcio C.A.N.A.L.; Consorcio Atl'ntico-Pac'fico de Panam'; Consortia Bechtel, Taisei, and Mitsubishi Corporation; and Consorcio Grupo Unidos por el Canal.