Bidding begins for Oleai track resurfacing

Bubbles have formed around the rubber surface of the Oleai Sports Complex track oval. Resurfacing is expected next year as the bidding process for the Northern Marianas Housing Corp.-funded project has started last Wednesday. (Jon Perez)

The crucial phase in the resurfacing of the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility is officially underway as bidding for the project opened last Wednesday.

Northern Marianas Housing Corp. announced last Wednesday that project packages could now be picked up at their central office in Garapan and a non-refundable $50 payment is required to join the bidding process. Interested contractors are given one month to submit their bids.

NMHC planning and environmental officer Jacob Muna confirmed to Saipan Tribune, in a telephone interview, that they are already seeking prospective contractors for the resurfacing project.

“We are now bidding out the project. Since the architectural and engineering design is done, we now start with the bidding process,” said Muna.

He added that they are not limiting the number of bidders. “The [invitation to bid] for the track resurfacing is already out and it is open to everybody.”

Muna, however, reminded all contractors that they should have the capability and knowledge of the entire project.

“We need a company that has experience or knowledge in resurfacing because the track needs to be certified and must meet standards,” added Muna.

Completion of the Oleai track project is expected by June or 150 days after the request for proposal came out.

“We’re hoping that the project would be done by June but it all depends on the timing and weather condition,” said Muna.

A mandatory pre-bid conference is set on Dec. 23 at 10am at the NMHC conference room. Sealed bid packets must be submitted no later than Jan. 8 at 10am to the Procurement and Supply director in Lower Base.

Northern Marianas Sports Association executive director Tony Rogolifoi welcomed the news as the project is now moving forward.

“They would accept more bidders but they will go to the three lowest bidders. Good thing the project has now moved forward,” Rogolifoi said in an interview with Saipan Tribune.

Rogolifoi also echoed Muna’s concern, saying that the winning contractor must meet standards to bring back the status of the track, which got a Level II certification from the International Association of Athletics Federations.

“We’re looking to have the track resurfaced by middle of 2016. The process must be done correctly to guarantee the longevity of the facility so it would stay the same when we host the 2021 Pacific Mini Games,” added Rogolifoi.

A German expert in installing rubber track surfaces supervised the entire process when the Oleai track oval was constructed in early 2000. The track stadium opened in 2002 and has hosted several international events, including the 2006 Micronesian Games and 2008 Oceania Area Championship. The Oleai track and field stadium is the only eight-lane, IAAF Level II certified track in the Micronesian region.