2017 Best of Public Procurement

With $75.1 billion worth of construction projects underway in BC this year, there were plenty of projects and owners considered for this honour. Procuring construction services in the public sector is a highly specialized practice requiring unique experience, knowledge, and skill. With contractors in demand, resources at a premium, and timelines tight, now more than ever procurement professionals hold the master key to successful project delivery. These are BCCA’s picks for Best of Public Procurement during a busy, successful year of construction.

Sponsored by: British Columbia Construction Association and the Infrastructure Masterclass

 

What makes an owner stand out in the BC construction crowd? We asked ourselves that question. We also asked influential industry leaders and insiders to weigh in. The answer: Several factors. Ultimately, public owners whose contract opportunities are distinguished by professional well-structured procurement processes and project outcomes achieve a reputation as owners of choice, attracting the most bids and the best contractors to their infrastructure projects. The industry looks for fair, open and transparent practices as outlined by the Capital Asset Management Framework (CAMF). This directly translates to demonstrable value for money and aligns with public sector obligations for fair, open and transparent procurement practices.

The following procurement stars of 2017 lead the way for others in our competitive industry.

 

CITY OF VERNON

For the Vernon Multi-Use Facility Expansion

  • Provided project budget estimate information online
  • Used BidCentral Online Bidding for Subcontractors for submission of Trade Contractor Bids to provide a fair, open and transparent bidding for Trade Contractors
  • Responded in a timely manner to Bidder inquiries during the procurement stage
  • Posted a list of site visit participants during the tender phase, creating visibility around potential bidders
  • Ensured easy access to Bid Documents by posting on both industry and government digital platforms
  • Provided Bid results and award information to all bidders
  • Published the list of named trade contractor bidders

DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION CANADA

CFB Comox Procurement Team for procurement practices

  • Used electronic submission of bids (including bonds)
  • Used electronic Requests for Qualification of Bids
  • Used electronic and Requests for Proposals
  • Agreement to use BidCentral Online Bidding for Subcontractors for submission of Trade Contractor Bids to provide a fair, open and transparent bidding for Trade Contractors
  • Provided easily accessible bid documents online
  • Provided a range of budget estimate information in the Invitation to Tender
  • Responded in a timely manner to Bidder inquiries during the procurement stage
  • Provided Bid results and award information to all bidders

INTERIOR HEALTH AUTHORITY

For procurement practices

  • Provided a range of budget estimate information in the Invitation to Tender
  • Used electronic submission of bids (including bonds)
  • Used electronic Requests for Qualification of Bids Used electronic Requests for Proposals
  • Used BidCentral Online Bidding for Subcontractors for submission of Trade Contractor Bids to provide a fair, open and transparent bidding for Trade Contractors
  • Ensured easy access to Bid Documents by posting on both industry and government digital platforms
  • Provided Bid results and award information to all bidders online
  • Responded in a timely manner to Bidder inquiries during the procurement stage
  • Published the list of named contractor bidders
  • Used the BC Documents Committee’s BCDC 2 “Standard Documents and Guidelines for a Stipulated Price Bid”

LOWER MAINLAND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT HEALTH AUTHORITIES

Fraser Health, Providence Health Care, Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Health Services Authority for procurement practices

  • Ensured easy access to Bid Documents by posting on both industry and government digital platforms
  • Used electronic submission of bids (including bonds) Used electronic Requests for Qualification of Bids
  • Used electronic Requests for Proposals Used BidCentral Online Bidding for Subcontractors for submission of Trade Contractor Bids to provide a fair, open and transparent bidding for Trade Contractors
  • Responded in a timely manner to Bidder inquiries during the procurement stage
  • Provided Bid results and award information to all bidders
  • Provided debriefs to unsuccessful proponents on Requests for Qualification of Bids and on Requests for Proposals

PUBLIC WORKS & GOVERNMENT SERVICES CANADA

Real Property Contracting, Pacific Region for procurement practices

  • Provided budget estimate information in the Invitation to Tender
  • Provided easily accessible bid documents online
  • Supported the use of BidCentral Online Bidding for Subcontractors for submission of Trade Contractor Bids to provide a fair, open and transparent bidding for Trade Contractors
  • Posted a list of site visit participants during the tender phase, creating visibility around potential bidders
  • Hosted public bid openings
  • Provided bid award information including name of the successful proponent and the contract value
  • Showed leadership by implementing a Prompt Payment Initiative to attempt to improve cash flow to contractors
  • Reduced risk by:
    • Fair markups on changes to the work
    • Limitation of contractors’ liability

TOWN OF SMITHERS

For the procurement of the Airport Expansion Project

  • Collaborated with an industry constructability review panel to ensure that the bid documents were top quality
  • Provided easily accessible bid documents
  • Consistently and promptly communicated new information about the project to proponents
  • Practiced transparent bid process at every stage of the project, with efforts made to keep bidders fully informed
  • Provision of financial information such as cost estimates

VANCOUVER ISLAND HEALTH AUTHORITY

For procurement practices

  • Used electronic submission of bids (including bonds)
  • Used electronic Requests for Qualification of Bids Used electronic and Requests for Proposals
  • Agreement to use BidCentral Online Bidding for Subcontractors for submission of Trade Contractor Bids to provide a fair, open and transparent bidding for Trade Contractors
  • Provided easy access to Bid Documents through BC Bid and BidCentral
  • Responded in a timely manner to Bidder inquiries during the procurement stage
  • Used the BC Documents Committee’s BCDC 2 “Standard Documents and Guidelines for a Stipulated Price Bid”

ABOUT B.C. Construction Association

The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) is an employer-based construction association. The BCCA reaches 12,350 companies working in the institutional, commercial and industrial construction sectors of our province through its various programs and services.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Virginia Keast, Zinc Communications
virginia@zincstrategies.com

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