RFI - Underground Stabilization Project, Giant Mine, Yellowknife NWT

Trade Agreement: NONE Tendering Procedures: Attachment: None Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No Nature of Requirements: Underground Stabilization Project, Giant Mine, Yellowknife NWT

EW702-130544/A Pahl (ncs), Nathaniel Telephone No. - (403) 292-5410 Fax No. - (403) 292-5786

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

1. RFI OVERVIEW

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), is requesting industry feedback on the Underground Stabilization Project for the Giant Mine. Your insight will help inform the Government of Canada's approach to the procurement of engineering and construction services and facilitate the development of a final Procurement Strategy that better responds to the needs of the Giant Mine, existing and potential suppliers and all Canadians.

1.1 OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this RFI include, but are not limited to

initiate an early exchange of information with the vendor community; perform a survey based off of our current procurement approach; refine the department's requirements; identify possible risks and risk mitigation strategies; identify key information required by respondents;

1.2 RFI PHASES

Phase 1: Industry is requested to respond to this RFI if they are interested in participating in a survey.

The Survey will provide details on the procurement approach, including: scope categories, basis of payment layout and the mechanism for progressing with the unknown portions of the work. The Survey will also offer a section where alternative procurement approaches can be outlined by the Survey Respondent.

The proposed procurement approach utilizes a progressive Design/Build delivery, where the Contractor is provided performance based specifications and subsequently provides a detailed design from its own Engineer for approval by PWGSC and then subsequent execution of the work by the contractor. There are unknown conditions that the Contractor will have to investigate on behalf of PWGSC which will provide information for further stabilization work by the Contractor.

Phase 2: Respondents who wish to participate in the survey will then be provided a draft procurement strategy/approach for the Underground and will be requested to respond to the survey, provide their comments, raise any concerns and, where applicable, make recommendations on how the requirements, objectives or methods described could be satisfied or improved. Respondents should explain any assumptions they make in their responses.

2. BACKGROUND

The Giant Mine is located just north of the city of Yellowknife, NT and is accessible via the Ingraham Trail (Highway 4). The overall maintenance, environment, health and safety aspects of the site are under the Care and Maintenance contract established by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).

The underground stabilization is a critical component of the Site Stabilization Plan. During operations of the mine arsenic trioxide was stored in various stopes and purpose built chambers and it is these and other areas that require stabilization efforts to prevent failure of pillars and bulkheads resulting in the release of arsenic trioxide. Generally, the stabilization approach includes tight backfilling of stopes and chambers, and the construction of drift plugs at bulkhead locations.

The key aspects of the underground stabilization project are geotechnical investigations, engineering of backfill, drift plugs, underground development (new and rehabilitation) and implementation of the designs.

In order to advance the delivery of the Underground Stabilization work, PWGSC is requesting feedback from Industry on the procurement approach that has been developed.

3. NATURE OF RFI

This RFI is an industry consultation request intended to solicit feedback from the industry with respect to the matters described in this RFI. This is not a bid solicitation.

This RFI will not result in the award of any contract; therefore, potential suppliers of any goods or services described herein should not reserve stock or facilities, nor allocate resources, as a result of any information contained in this request. Nor will this RFI result in the creation of any source list, therefore, whether or not any potential supplier responds to this RFI will not preclude that supplier from participating in any future procurement. Also, the procurement of any of the goods and services described in this RFI will not necessarily follow this request. This RFI is not considered as an authorization by PWGSC to undertake any work that would result in costs to PWGSC.

4. NATURE AND FORMAT OF RESPONSES REQUESTED

Respondents will be requested to provide their comments, raise any concerns, answer survey questions and, where applicable, make recommendations on how the requirements or objectives described in Phase 2 of the RFI could be satisfied. Respondents should explain any assumptions they make in their responses.

4.1 TREATMENT OF RESPONSES

Use of Responses: Responses will not be formally evaluated. However, the responses received may be used by the Government of Canada to modify procurement strategies or any draft documents related to this RFI. Canada will review all responses for both phases of the RFI received prior to the RFI closing date. The Government of Canada may, at its discretion, review responses received after the RFI closing date.

Review Team: A review team composed of representatives from various Sectors within the Department of PWGSC will review the responses. Canada reserves the right to hire any independent consultant, or use any Government resources, which it deems necessary to review any response. Not all members of the review team will necessarily review all responses.

Confidentiality: Respondents should mark any portions of their response in Phase II of the RFI that they consider proprietary or confidential. The Government of Canada will treat those portions of the responses as confidential to the extent permitted by the Access to Information Act.

Follow-up Activity: Canada may, in its discretion, contact any respondents to follow up with additional questions or for clarification of any aspect of a response.

4.2 RESPONSE COSTS

Canada will not reimburse any respondent for expenses incurred in responding to this RFI.

4.3 SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES

Time and Place for Submission of Responses: Suppliers interested in providing a response should deliver it as indicated below by the time and date indicated on page 1 of this solicitation document.

The methods of response are

Email: nathaniel.pahl@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca Fax: 403.292.5786

Responsibility for Timely Delivery: Timely delivery and correct direction of responses is the sole responsibility of the respondent. PWGSC will not assume or have transferred to it those responsibilities.

5. ENQUIRIES

Questions regarding this RFI may be directed to

Nathaniel Pahl | Supply Specialist Public Works and Government Services Canada | Acquisitions Telephone: 403.292.5410 nathaniel.pahl@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

Any general question on doing business with PWGSC should be directed to the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises. We invite you to visit the website buyandsell.gc.ca where you will find information, tools and help completing the tasks related to selling to the Government of Canada, such as understanding how to sell to the government, registering your business, or locating seminars on doing business.

In addition, suppliers with a question about procurement may send it to: bpmeclient.osmeclient@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

6. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

Responses to this RFI may be in either of the official languages of Canada.

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.