A VOR list for general contractors will be the first of four to be established, providing IO and its project management service providers (PMSPs) with pre-qualified companies with which to work. The other lists will be for architectural services, engineering services and interior design services.
The new VOR lists will be applied to IO’s high volume of real estate projects that add up to a value of more than $250 million annually in construction and construction-related services. The current VOR list for general contractors was established in 2013 and will expire in spring of 2017. A new Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued through MERX and Biddingo for general contractors in late 2016. RFPs for the other service categories will be issued in early 2017.
"The VOR lists are an important part of delivering investments in our portfolio in a way that ensures performance and accountability," said Toni Rossi, IO’s President and CEO (Interim) and Divisional President, Real Estate and Lending. "General Contractors and other vendors are essential to ensuring that we are able to continue to maintain and modernize the province’s real estate portfolio. We encourage both existing vendors and new vendors to submit proposals."
The VOR and Master Service Agreements are being improved to include simpler bidding documentation and increased flexibility to add new, prequalified vendors. Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee comprised of staff from IO and its PMSPs.
"Our portfolio stretches from one end of the province to the other," noted Stephen Emery, Vice-President of Outsourced Real Estate Governance at Infrastructure Ontario.
"We’re working closely with our industry partners to get their advice and request their support in promoting the VOR procurements. We encourage contractors and consultants from across Ontario to submit proposals."
For additional information regarding plans to refresh the VOR lists, please go to IO’s website at http://www.infrastructureontario.ca/VOR-Renewal-2016-17/. Specific questions can be directed to procurement@infrastructureontario.ca.