Oleai complex project now in bid process

Some LED lights will be installed at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield once repair work at the Oleai Sports Complex begins next month. (Jon Perez)

The renovation project for the facilities at the Oleai Sports Complex is now in the bidding stage, as interested contractors are allowed to submit their respective proposals beginning today.

The CNMI Public Assistance Office is overseeing the project through the funds given by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which allotted $505,220 for the repairs of the facilities damaged by Typhoon Soudelor more than two years ago.

Patrick Guerrero of the Public Assistance Office, told Saipan Tribune that they would review all the bids before choosing a contractor.

“The project to renovate the sports complex is currently in the bid process. After that, we will choose a contractor and go through the contract processing. The time it takes to get through the contract stage vary,” added Guerrero.

Once selected, the winning contractor must submit a bid bond, a guarantee that it would work on the project. Up next is the notice to proceed—the date when the contractor would begin work—and the earliest may come out on May 14. The estimated timeline for the renovation and repair of the facilities at the sports complex is 150 days.

The Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, Oleai track oval, Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield, and Miguel “Tan Ge” Basa Pangelinan Ballfield are the facilities that need repairs and other improvements.

Sonia Dancoe will serve as the construction manager and will oversee the project. She had already inspected the affected facilities a few months ago.

Northern Marianas Sports Association executive director Tony Rogolifoi said the old chainlink fences at the track and “Tan Ge” field will be replaced, while additional power poles will also be placed. Some LED lights will be installed at the “Tan Ko” field as they last longer and are brighter.

“Two power poles will be placed at the softball field, while one will be at the track. The flooring at the Ada Gym will be a new one and it will be wall-to-wall. It will also depend on the bidders if the bleachers need to be replaced,” Rogolifoi added.

The repair work at the Oleai Sports Complex will be done in preparation for the CNMI’s hosting of the Pacific Mini Games in 2021. The renovation of the facilities at the complex has been arranged after the resurfacing work at the track was completed last year. The track and field facility has already received its Level II certification from the International Association of Athletics Federations in time for the 2018 Oceania Micronesia Regional Championships that Saipan will be hosting this June.