The City of Ottawa has released a request for qualification (RFQ) for general contractors to pre-qualify for work on the new Ottawa Public Library-Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility (OPL-LAC).
According to Alain Gonthier, implementation director for the OPL-LAC Joint Facility, having access to pre-qualified contractors will allow the project team to engage early on the potential impacts of COVID-19, as well as project budget and schedule.
Set to officially open in late 2024, the OPL-LAC Joint Facility is expected to become a landmark facility built on the shared values of the partner institutions. The design indicates a modern, iconic building that will respond to rapidly developing technology, growing customer expectations and changing demographics.
The purpose of the RFQ is to shortlist general contractors with qualifications and experience to manage and oversee the construction of the joint facility project. The contractors that pre-qualify will have a proven track record and the demonstrated capacity and capability to provide the requested services including:
- Completion of projects of similar size, scope and complexity;
- Demonstrated experience in reporting and schedule management techniques;
- Demonstrated experience in construction planning, staging, execution and change management;
- Demonstrated experience in facility commissioning, owner fit-up and hand over and LEED management.
The RFQ signals the start of a four-stage procurement process:
Stage 1 – Request for Pre-Qualification (RFQ): Submissions will be evaluated and a short-list of contractors will be compiled and selected by July 2020.
Stage 2 – Request for Tender (RFT) for early works packages that would include shoring, excavation, and site remediation work, which would be expected to start in August 2020.
Stage 3 – Industry Engagement (fall 2020 or winter 2021) to engage with the pre-qualified respondents and chosen industry partners for the provision of project specific market intelligence relating to project scope, budget, schedule, and quality considerations.
Stage 4 – Request for Tender (RFT) for facility construction (spring 2021). An RFT will be issued to the pre-qualified respondents, seeking a firm price for the construction of the joint facility.
Due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Ottawa says any of the stages above could be modified or terminated at any time.
For further information on the RFQ, click here.
For further information on the project progress, click here.
Featured image credit: Inspire555.ca
