Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/709569
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 31 JULY 2016 9 JAMES DEBONO A request for proposals issued by the University of Malta in 2015 attracted only one bid for "the concession, design, building and operation of a University Residence and Commu- nity Complex" on land bought by the University of Malta in 2013. The bid was made by Vassallo Builders which has now formed a new subsidiary called Campus Resi- dence Malta Ltd. A letter of acceptance for the con- struction and operation of the new residence and complex was signed in June by former rector Juanito Camilleri and Pio Vassallo, CEO of Vassallo Builders Group. The €25 million complex to be built on 10,589 square metres, will comprise an eight-block student village, offering over 600 beds and a number of outlets and facilities situated around a central plaza. The complex will also house the Univer- sity of Malta's child care centre and the University's language school and will include a four level underground car park for 450 cars. A development application pre- sented to the Planning Authority this week shows eight blocks varying in height between two and 14 floors above street level. The land in question is fully located within development zones consist- ing of an abandoned garden centre and a residence. A spokesperson for the univer- sity confirmed that four parties ex- pressed their interest in the Request for Proposals (RFP) and collected the document against a cost of €2,000. But Vassallo Builders was the only party who submitted a proposal by October 22, 2015, the closing date for the call. An RFP instead of a tender Asked by MaltaToday why an RFP was issued instead of a formal ten- der, the university's spokesperson replied that a tender is normally is- sued when "the specifications are defined and the costs are incurred by the party issuing the tender". "A Request for Proposals is issued when the party carrying out the works will have to finance the invest- ment." The RFP document's format was based on the Contracts Depart- ment's template with modifications to reflect the requirements of the project. "Notwithstanding the fact that UoM received only one proposal, the proposal was evaluated against the option of UoM undertaking the pro- ject itself. The proposal was evalu- ated by a team of experts". According to international norms an RFP is considered to be an invita- tion to enter into negotiations. When the successful party is cho- sen, they are granted the opportunity to negotiate with the owner of the land before being awarded the con- tract. In contrast, a call for tenders is a more formal, detailed process that gives the bidders the assurance that if they put forward the best bid, judged according to the criteria set out in the tender, they must in accordance with the law, be awarded the job. The RFP procedure was lately used by the government to issue a conces- sion on the ITS land. The Seabank group was chosen as the preferred bidder for the project and the gov- ernment has commenced nego- tiations. An RFO was also issued to choose the consortium which will redevelop the White Rocks site. Land bought by university in 2013 The land which will be granted on an "emphyteutical lease" is owned by UoM. The property, which previous- ly housed the Calamatta garden cen- tre, was purchased from two owners, the first in February 2013, the other in May 2013. The property sale was financed through the UoM's own financial resources. An application to develop the same land as a students' residence had already been presented in 2003 by Charles Vella but was later with- drawn. Asked how the university will ben- efit financially from the project, the university's spokesperson replied that the emphyteutical deed and related agreements will result in a fi- nancial inflow, "which is higher than that which would have resulted had the project been undertaken by the Univerity of Malta itself". Height of residence pegged to hospital's Asked about the building heights which are being proposed in the planning application, which range from two to 14 floors, the univer- sity spokesperson replied that the project is based on a development brief which specifies that the height on the Mater Dei side should not exceed the height of the hospital building, and the development will slope down so that on the University side the height of the development will not be higher than the Gateway Building. News Vassallo Builders presented sole bid for €25 million University residence First plans submitted for project show 8 blocks, one of them rising to 14 storeys CAREER OPPORTUNITY Assistant Officer (Project Management) - ETC Permit 176/2014 The Environment and Resources Authority has been set up to safeguard the environment so as to achieve a sustainable quality of life. The Authority is seeking to employ an Assistant Officer to join a growing team of specialized officers. The role requires a person who will be responsible for assisting in the Project Management of LIFE BaHAR for N2K Project. The person is required to have: Qualifications: First degree in an environment-related scientific discipline and/ or business management or an equivalent degree in similar and relevant area of specialization as recognized by MQRIC. Skills: Excellent project management, coordinating skills, and communication skills. Experience in GIS database management would be considered an asset. Experience: Knowledge of the regulatory requirements and procedures of the funding programme(s). Experience is also required in public procurement regulations and related local policies. This post is for a definite period till 30th June 2018. Interested candidates are advised to submit their application quoting the ETC permit number, together with a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and MQRIC recognition in case of foreign qualifications by noon of the 16th August 2016 (CET) to the attention of Human Resources, via email on hr.era@era.org.mt For further information, visit the careers page on our website: era.org.mt e LIFE BaĦAR for N2K (LIFE12 NAT/MT/000845) Project is 50% co-nanced by the EU LIFE+ Funding Programme Il-proġett LIFE BaĦAR for N2K (LIFE12 NAT/MT/000845) huwa konanzjat (50%) mill-fond LIFE+ tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Environment & Resources Authority Hexagon House, Spencer Hill, Marsa.