Prequalification is under way for two other packages on the scheme, while bids are under evaluation for the dredging and reclamation contract. US-based Bechtelis the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contractor on the high-profile project, which is being handled by the NDIA Steering Committee (MEED 15:10:04).

Aljaber's contract will take about 13 months and calls for the removal of 6.5 million cubic metres of rubbish, which will be transported to Mesaieed for disposal. The contract also includes some dewatering and fencing work.

The new airport will be built on a 21 million-square-metre plot of land, of which about 11 million square metres will be reclaimed. For the dredging and reclamation package, up to five groups submitted bids on 12 October: commercial bids are expected to be opened in late October.

The client launched in mid-October prequalification for another package, covering on-site concrete supply. Interested companies have until 14 November to submit applications for the package, which covers installation of batching and storage facilities capable of delivering 730,000 cubic metres of concrete over a two-three-year period. The concrete supply prequalification was launched a week after the committee invited companies to prequalify by 31 October for the passenger terminal foundations package.

The first phase of the NDIA development, due to be completed in 2008, will have capacity of 12 million passengers a year.