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Contractors were invited to participate in the pre-qualification process for the contract, which closed late last year following an extensive period of market consultation.

The contracting strategy was well received, with significant interest received from local, national and international bidders applying to pre-qualify on to the shortlist.

Following a robust evaluation process of the seven pre-qualification applications received, four bidders have pre-qualified to be invited to tender in mid-April 2018 for the Infrastructure and Systems contract.

This includes the design and construction of all track, overhead line, tram stops, systems infrastructure, road infrastructure and public realm between York Place and Newhaven.
The shortlisted bidders are:

• BAM Colas Rail JV
• Dragados
• Farrans Sacyr Neopul JV
• Sisk Steconfer JV

Following the tender period, which is likely to last until late summer 2018, the Council will update the Final Business Case and seek a Council decision in late 2018 as to whether the project should proceed to the next stage, namely construction.

If the project is given the go-ahead, it is expected that the contract will be signed in late 2018, with the line between York Place and Newhaven due to become operational in 2022.

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: "When the [OBC] was approved by Council in September 2017 we pledged to test the OBC with a robust procurement process before reporting back with the Final Business Case. Our project team - the same team who successfully delivered the tram to York Place following mediation - has worked very closely with the market over the past 18 months, developing a contract strategy that meets market expectations and the requirements of the Council. 

"We were very pleased with the significant level of interest from local, national and international bidders and this process has resulted in a strong shortlist of experienced design and build contractors as we move on to the tender stage."