Government of Canada launches procurement process for Energy Services Acquisition Program

OTTAWA, Aug. 31, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is taking the next step in rehabilitating and greening its heating and cooling plants in the National Capital Region by launching a procurement process to identify the top 3 private partners capable of providing superior and innovative proposals. 

The government is looking for interested parties to participate in the Request for Qualifications for the modernization of the district energy system that currently heats and cools over 80 buildings in the National Capital Region, including the Parliament Buildings. This procurement process will result in a public-private partnership, where the private partner will be responsible for designing and building a more modern and efficient energy system, while exploring the feasibility of using alternative low- or no-carbon sources of energy to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The partner will also be responsible for the short-term financing of the construction and for the long-term operation and maintenance of the assets.

Candidates will be evaluated on their qualifications to carry out the extensive modernization based on their experience in projects of similar size and complexity. The submission deadline is November 1, 2017.

The 3 pre-qualified candidates will be invited to submit technical and financial proposals for the project through a Request for Proposal process in early 2018. A contract is expected to be finalized with the successful private partner in the spring 2019.

The Energy Services Acquisition Program is part of the government's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while creating jobs for the middle class and supporting the clean-tech industry.

Quotes

"Our government is leading the way on the transition to a low-carbon economy by investing in greening government operations. Today's Request for Qualifications is an important milestone as we move toward greener, more sustainable energy in our buildings. This initiative is a great example of a long-term and strategic investment that is good for the environment, the economy and Canadians."       

Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick facts

• A Letter of Interest was released in March 2017 to inform industry of the upcoming contracting opportunities and to outline the procurement process.
• An independent Fairness Monitor will oversee and report on this Request for Qualifications and every step in the procurement process.
• Technical capacity, business capability and financial position are the 3 criteria that will be evaluated in this Request for Qualifications process.
• This initiative will have the potential of expanding the reach of the system from the current 80 plus buildings to other stakeholders.

Associated links
Request for Qualifications on buyandsell.ca 
Website on low carbon in the National Capital Region's buildings 
News release announcing that the Government of Canada is committed to modernizing heating and cooling plants in the National Capital Region (July 18, 2017)

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada