Project Management for Successful Infrastructure

Q: How is Idom leaving its mark on infrastructure development across the country?

A: Idom works on projects that transform companies and economies. The company is involved from the start of each project and its primary services are in the planning stage, feasibility studies and engineering design. During the construction stage, the company offers project management and engineering services that will help optimize operations through the use of logistics and information systems. Our services allow us to participate in many projects from the NIP because we can integrate all our areas of expertise. The development of Special Economic Zones is among the initiatives that interests the government and Idom would like to take part in these. These projects have the ability to transform deprived areas. Building entirely new cities from the ground up is becoming a popular infrastructure trend and Idom is participating more in these types of projects.

Q: What impact will unsolicited proposals (USP) have on PPPs and how should the relationship develop?

A: This is one of those initiatives that should be closely monitored in the next couple of years. Budget cuts are forcing the government to evaluate innovative mechanisms that will improve the efficiency of infrastructure development in Mexico. The government will rely on the private sector to develop various projects, which will have a positive and quick impact on the development of infrastructure. The federal government is implementing the adequate oversight mechanisms for approving proposals. It is imperative that the government becomes deeply involved in making processes more transparent and the Ministry of Finance should be more involved. The industry’s participation is also a key element to ensure the efficiency of these mechanisms. It is the responsibility of each individual agency to establish a clear focus for the projects they want to carry out. At the moment there is a limited number of PPPs but there is talk of creating of a new agency, like in the UK, to oversee these projects.

Q: In what ways is the tendering process evolving to better meet the country’s development needs?

A: At the beginning of the Peña Nieto administration, the time allotted for presenting proposals during the tendering process was extremely short. The government has made strides to create more transparent, formal and open tendering processes, especially regarding the time allocated to the creation of proposals. The government is working hand in hand with the OECD to increase transparency and the results of this collaboration are evident in the New Mexico City International Airport (NAICM). It is crucial for the government to define an adequate technical proposal so it can meet the interests of participants and citizens. We have great expectations and being a company that can integrate many services, each of our divisions is waiting for news on the development. We are also highly interested in taking part in urban planning and safety projects surrounding the development.

Q: What international best practices does Mexico need to implement and how is IDOM involved?

A: Various multilateral agencies like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and World Bank are encouraging the transfer of best practices to generate an interest in mobility prior to infrastructure development at an interurban level. This is reflected through the Program for Federal Support for Mass Transit (PROTRAM) , which focuses on mass passenger transportation and incorporates key elements of mass transit and mobility. Mexico City has increased mobility in many ways, such as the introduction of the Metrobús, which has contributed to a decrease in traffic congestion. But the country has a long road ahead. For infrastructure development to be successful, each project must be meticulously planned because all potential solutions will have different costs and impact. In a country with numerous needs and limited resources, companies must be able to prioritize their involvement in the industry. The feasibility studies we develop are a perfect fit for this and are being implemented in different cities across the country. The transfer of the best international practices into Mexico has given the company more visibility with projects that are recognized by the IDB.