The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) is evaluating bids for the design contract covering the estimated KD 30 million ($103 million) upgrade of the second and third ring-roads. Five groups of international consultants and groups are understood to have submitted proposals. They are: Denmark?s COWI; Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners), with the local SSH; the UK?s Halcrow, with the local Seif Engineering Consultants; the UK?s Mouchel Parkman, with the local Mazin al-SaneEngineering; and the US? Parsons Brinckerhoff with the local Gulf Consult. Under the terms of the 12-month contract, the successful company will undertake design studies to upgrade the roads to expressway status and improve traffic capacity at a number of intersections, including those with Cairo and Damascus streets (MEED 6:5:05).