CPA gears up for Saipan harbor fire fighting system construction

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is gearing up for the construction of a seawater intake fire fighting system at the Saipan International Harbor as part of its efforts to further improve the facility.

Board Chair Roman S. Palacios said CPA earlier this month awarded the half-a-million-dollar project to Tano Group, Inc. which will construct the seawater intake fire fighting system at the seaport.

Tano Group emerged the lowest responsible bidder for the project, proposing to construct a concrete seawater pump house with diesel and electric pumps, associated intake and water lines and backflow preventers for $560,441.

In an interview, Mr. Palacios said a review of the company’s bid proposal documents submitted to the ports authority found that the presentation is responsive.

In a letter to Tano Group vice president Robert J. Bracken, Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said CPA is satisfied that the company is qualified to perform the work on the project as called for under the approved plans and technical specifications.

The seawater fire fighting system is one of the finishing touches which the ports authority plans to administer on the many years of the harbor upgrade work, according to Mr. Salas.

CPA is now working on the final review of the contract specifications for the project prior to the issuance of the Notice to Proceed with construction.

Funding for the fire fighting system project, which holds a very significant role in maintaining safety and worthiness of the Saipan seaport, will be sourced out of CPA coffers, said Mr. Palacios.

The project is expected to be completed within 120 calendar days after the issuance by the ports authority of the Notice to Proceed. Terms of the contract guarantees that Tano Group shall pay CPA $500 a day as liquidated damages if it failed, neglected or refused to complete the project.

The contract also guarantees that the $500 will be paid CPA for each consecutive day that the contractor is in default beyond the time stipulated in the contract for completing the project, and ready for use by the ports authority.

CPA has been in constant review of the Saipan seaport facility to identify which areas need further improvement. It was earlier informed by the United States Navy on the need to construct an oil waste disposal facility to prevent problems that may arise from fuel leak.

At the same time, the ports authority is hoping to lure tourists traveling by sea, which is expected to grow by 10 percent within the year and post a continued growth in the next 20 years.