RAIC delivers members’ concerns on Centre Block procurement to Public Works

The RAIC has conveyed to Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) several concerns expressed by members regarding the upcoming procurement process for Centre Block rehabilitation on Parliament Hill.

Public Works wishes to pursue a construction management approach. Last month, PWGSC requested reaction from the RAIC to key elements of their proposed procurement process for this nationally significant project. Comments may inform the solicitation process. Construction is slated to start in early 2018.

After consulting RAIC members and provincial regulatory authorities, the RAIC was able to provide comprehensive feedback to the Real Property Contracting Directorate of PWGSC. Though not universally held by all stakeholders, the following comments reflect a majority view.

1. Of significant concern to RAIC members is the method of scoring proponents based on their technical competencies, project experience—and price. Recent experience has indicated that every proponent will, in all likelihood achieve essentially identical scores in all areas except price. If this is the case, even if price contributes to 10 percent of the total points allocated in the scoring process, this 10-percent component will be the deciding factor in the selection process.
2. Another key issue is the potentially unreasonably high level of commitment required of each proponent’s dedication of senior and professional staff. Committing over 100 key professionals for a period that may last 10 years seems unreasonable, unless the government adds additional qualifiers to allow the replacement of key staff as they retire or otherwise become unavailable to work on the project.
3. Insurance and liability are of concern to many of the RAIC’s members and stakeholders. Project insurance for such a large undertaking needs to be defined. It is possible that the project will be insured in various phases so that insurance premiums remain affordable and that there is ample protection for both the federal government and the architect team.
4. Architectural conservation expertise should play a larger role in the procurement process given that this is the largest conservation effort ever undertaken in Canadian history and the building has the highest historic place designation in the country.

The RAIC is pleased that the federal government chose to consult with us on this highly anticipated project that will define our nation’s capital for decades to come. PWGSC also consulted the Association of Canadian Consulting Engineering Companies Canada.

The RAIC welcomes and applauds PWGSC’s interests in pursuing a quality-based selection process embedded into the RFP for this rehabilitation project.

As the details surrounding this important project develops, the RAIC remains hopeful that our association will continue to participate in the process. One opportunity may be the selection committee. We believe that including award-winning architects such as RAIC Gold Medal winners or those who have been awarded a Governor-General’s Medal in Architecture would positively influence the quality of the proposals received.

The RAIC’s objective is that any winning team is given the greatest opportunity to achieve design excellence in every way possible.

• Letter to RAIC