Eco-ministry to move to Palm Grove House

The Recovery and Development Agency has signed a $401,533.15 contract with Vanterpool Construction to renovate office space at Palm Grove House to accommodate the full staff of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, officials said.

The project comes as government continues to operate from temporary locations nearly nine years after Hurricane Irma, while repairs to the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex remain ongoing.

The contract was signed Feb. 10 following a domestic competitive bidding process open to Virgin Islands firms, according to an RDA press release issued Feb. 11.

RDA CEO Anthony McMaster said the project addresses a longstanding need that arose after the 2017 hurricanes.

“This project will allow the ministry’s staff to transition into a space that is safer, healthier and more suitable for their operations,” Mr. McMaster said, adding that improved working conditions will support productivity and service delivery.

Ministry Permanent Secretary Ronald Smith-Berkeley said the ministry, like many other government agencies, relocated wherever space was available after the 2017 storms. Currently, it operates out of the Pusser’s Building in Lower Estate.

“This relocation gives us the opportunity to move into proper and more adequate office accommodation,” Mr. Smith-Berkeley said.

Planned works

The planned scope of works at the Palm Grove House includes gutting the existing layout, removing interior walls and enlarging the open office area, as well as constructing a minister’s office with an en-suite bathroom; a private secretary’s office and waiting area; and a dedicated reception area, according to the RDA.

The project also includes installation of a new electrical distribution system and data wiring, new ceilings and lighting in certain areas, HVAC installation and relocation where feasible, and new floor finishes and painting throughout, the agency said.

The contract is scheduled to run for four months, with a commencement date of next Wednesday.

Bidding

The RDA said the contract was awarded based on the highest combined technical and financial score.

In all, eight bids were evaluated. The lowest was submitted by TSR Construction Ltd. at $339,339.94, while the highest was submitted by Complete at $640,050.75, according to a contract-award summary published by the RDA.

Vanterpool Construction’s $401,533.15 bid was the second lowest, between TSR and Northam Construction Ltd.’s $417,514.63. One tender was rejected, according to the contract-award summary.

Vanterpool Construction owner Danta Vanterpool said the award is the company’s first contract with the RDA.

“We are grateful for the confidence placed in our firm,” he said in the press release. “It is a good feeling to be given this opportunity, and we will do our very best to deliver the project on time and within budget.”