ADVANCE NOTICE – Cook Islands Penrhyn Omoka Port Design Consultancy Services (WPG-0105604)

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) intends to procure a supplier to provide design consultancy services for the Penrhyn Omoka Port Upgrades in the Cook Islands. This opportunity will support critical transport infrastructure in one of the world's most remote locations, helping deliver safe and resilient maritime infrastructure for Penrhyn and the wider Pa Enua (outer islands). MFAT is seeking a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy to undertake a Feasibility Study, with options for subsequent developed and detailed design, support to construction procurement, and construction-phase design services. The Feasibility Study is expected to include engineering design development, technical investigations, climate and hazard assessments, environmental and social impact assessment, cost estimation, and constructability analysis. Suppliers will be expected to provide expertise in project management, coastal and port engineering, and environmental and social safeguards, while drawing on other specialist disciplines as required. The estimated value of the initial Feasibility Study contract is up to NZ$1.5 million over approximately 12 months. Optional future services may be valued between $3 - $6 million NZD over a further 1 to 4 years. MFAT intends to use a single-stage Request for Proposal (RFP) with pre-conditions. Respondents (or consortium leads) will need to demonstrate: - Direct organisational control of core ports, marine and coastal engineering capability; - Experience designing marine structures in Pacific Island countries within the last 10 years; and - An adequate health, safety and environment management system. Evaluation will consider capability and capacity, methodology and risk management, relationship management, and public value. Joint ventures and consortiums are welcome. More details are included in the document attachment. This is not a tender process. It is an advance notice only. MFAT expects to release the RFP in mid-late September 2026, with services anticipated to commence in late 2026/early 2027 following completion of the procurement process. Interested suppliers should subscribe to this notice on GETS. An online supplier briefing is also expected following release of the RFP. For enquiries regarding this advance notice, please contact: Commercial@mfat.govt.nz.