Guyana Deep Water Operations Inc. (GDO), a subsidiary of Norwegian vessel builder SBM Offshore, has announced its pursuit of a comprehensive corporate taxi service to support its local operations.
The company which provides Exxon with floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels for the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity projects, recently published a Request for Information (RFI) for the provision of the service and outlined its preference for local companies, underpinning its adherence to the First Schedule of Guyana’s pivotal Local Content Act of 2021 which enumerates 40 sectors where the participation of local Guyanese enterprises is accorded priority. This provision was strategically designed by the government to augment economic retention within the country.
In the RFI, GDO said it envisions a comprehensive corporate taxi service that prioritizes reliability, convenience, and safety. The scope of supply includes reliable and timely service, with vehicles arriving promptly to minimize delays and disruptions to schedules. An advanced booking and scheduling system, featuring an online platform and mobile app, would offer convenience and reduce wait times. Additionally, it noted that a variety of vehicles would be need to be available to accommodate different group sizes and preferences, including sedans, SUVs, and executive vehicles for VIPs.
Professional and trained drivers are to be a key aspect of the service, ensuring excellent customer service, maintaining professionalism, and prioritizing passenger safety. It also noted its requirement for a real-time tracking and monitoring system, enabled by GPS, which would enhance transparency and security for both passengers and administrators.
Safety measures, including seat belts, airbags, and child safety seats when needed, should also be implemented. Moreover, the company said that. The supplier would also have to ensure a thorough vetting of drivers and adherence to safety protocols, such as COVID-19 precautions. Flexibility to cater to various transportation requirements, integrated billing and reporting, 24/7 customer support, privacy standards, and corporate account management are expected to be crucial elements of the service.
Considering environmental sustainability, GDO is encouraging eco-friendly options such as hybrid or electric vehicles. Qualified bidders have up until September 4, 2023 to respond to the RFI and submit all necessary documents to [email protected] or [email protected].