The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released a request for proposals last Friday to select a contractor to conduct a study on vehicular crossing alternatives on the Canal’s Atlantic side. The scope of work includes analyzing the feasibility of building either a bridge or a tunnel north of the existing Gatun Locks and the new post-Panamax locks complex, and subsequently, determining the best alternative.

Interested contractors have 30 days to submit their proposals for this non-negotiated best value bid. A committee of ACP engineers will evaluate the proposals and reserves the right to contract the services of external consultants to make recommendations on the submissions. The technical portion of the proposals will constitute 65 percent of the total score, while the price proposals will represent 35 percent.

The ACP expects to award the contract in January 2010. The selected contractor will have seven months to present the studies.