Evaluation of five bids from local contractors is underway at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences for the main building and external works package on the Centre for the Research & Treatment of Diabetes project. Mohamed Abdulmohsin Kharafi & Sons is the low bidder for package one at KD 10.8 million ($34.8 million). Its quote is some 3 per cent cheaper than the next lowest quote submitted by Burhan Kuwait Trading & Contracting Company (MEED 30:6:00).

The 30-month package one contract will be the largest on the estimated $50 million project. Two other contracts are to be awarded covering the supply of medical equipment and furnishings.

The centre, the first of its type in the Gulf, has been designed by the US' NBBJ. The consultant is the local Gulf Consult.

Diabetes centre bidders

(KD million)

Mohammed Abdulmohsin Kharafi & Sons 10.8

Burhan Kuwait Trading & 11.2

Contracting Company Alghanim International Trading & 11.6

Contracting Company Al-Ahmadiah Contracting & 11.7

Trading Company Kuwait Company for Process Plant Construction & Contracting 12.4

Exchange rate: $1=KD 0.31