Background on the Tender Process and Key Players
The Mexican Railway Regulatory Agency (ARTF) has announced a public international tender for the construction of a 100-kilometer passenger train segment between Saltillo and Nuevo Laredo, with a submission deadline of July 8. This announcement comes amidst concerns from interested firms regarding the limited time available to prepare their bids, similar to the tender for the first segment of the Querétaro-Irapuato train.
Prominent Companies Involved
Notable companies participating in this tender include:
- Operadora CICSA, owned by Carlos Slim
- Jaguar Ingenieros Constructores
- CAABSA Constructora
- China Railway International Group
- COMSA Infraestructuras
- Construcciones Urales
- ICA Constructora
- México Compañía Constructora
- Omega Construcciones Industriales
- Mota Engil México
- Prodemex
Concerns Raised by Bidders
During the first round of clarification meetings, Operadora CICSA, represented by Carlos Slim, expressed their apprehension about the short timeframe to submit accurate and high-quality proposals. They highlighted that, given the upfront contract pricing method, a thorough technical analysis is required for proper cost estimation. This process, they argued, demands significant time and effort.
Operadora CICSA requested an extension of the proposal submission period by two months, stating that the available time was insufficient to deliver the precision and quality expected in their bid.
ARTF’s Response
In response to the bidders’ concerns, the ARTF technical team stated that extending the submission period was not feasible. Consequently, companies have been allocated a maximum of eight days to prepare and submit their proposals by July 8.
Financial Details of the Tender
According to the minutes from the first clarification meeting, the ARTF has approved a budget of 2,908.7 million pesos for this fiscal year and will provide an advance of 20% to the successful bidder.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this tender? The ARTF has issued a public international tender for the construction of a 100-kilometer passenger train segment between Saltillo and Nuevo Laredo.
- Who are the key players involved? Notable companies participating in this tender include Operadora CICSA (Carlos Slim), Jaguar Ingenieros Constructores, CAABSA Constructora, China Railway International Group, COMSA Infraestructuras, Construcciones Urales, ICA Constructora, México Compañía Constructora, Omega Construcciones Industriales, Mota Engil México, and Prodemex.
- What concerns have been raised by the bidders? Bidders, particularly Operadora CICSA, have expressed concerns about the limited time available to prepare accurate and high-quality proposals due to the complexity of the upfront contract pricing method.
- How has the ARTF responded to these concerns? The ARTF has maintained that extending the submission period is not possible and has allocated a maximum of eight days for companies to prepare and submit their proposals.
- What is the approved budget for this tender? The ARTF has approved a budget of 2,908.7 million pesos for this fiscal year and will provide an advance of 20% to the successful bidder.
