TELESOURCE CNMI, Inc. has finally secured $34.4 million worth of performance and payment bonds for the $17 million adult prison facility project, prompting the Department of Public Works to issue a “notice to proceed” effective April 4.
Bill Richardson, project manager of Telesource, says the company is fully prepared to start the construction.
He said Telesource received the notice on March 28.
“We expect to finish it in two years as targeted,” Richardson told the Variety.
The adult prison facility project in Susupe is one of the most expensive CNMI government projects to date, and is expected to be completed in 730 days.
In a separate interview, Robert Florian, special assistant to the procurement and supply director, said Telesource secured the bonds from Kemper/Lumberman’s Casualties Insurance Co.
The project has a $17.2 million performance bond, and another $17.2 million payment bond, according to Florian.
“The bonds look good, and we anticipate that the project will be completed as scheduled. The first day of the project begins on Thursday,” Florian said.
Senate President Paul A. Manglona, R-Rota, earlier said that the prison project would be continuously monitored to prevent delays.
Bidder’s protests, counter-protests and lawsuits delayed the actual contract award and the project’s actual construction for years.
House Speaker Heinz S. Hofschneider, R-Saipan and chairman of the CNMI Prison Project Task Force, said the 344-bed facility will be operated by the Division of Corrections.
