Procedure for the selection of a Developer/Operator - Completing the Trans-Canada Highway in N.B
Procedure
A request for qualifications will be broadly advertised and issued to all interested proponents. The qualifications of the respondents will be evaluated. A shortlist of the three most qualified proponents will be selected.
A request for proposals (RFP) will be issued to the three short-listed proponents. The RFP will contain all the requirements for the project. The proposals will be evaluated to ensure compliance with all operational, technical, environmental, and financial requirements. Of the compliant proposals, the proposal that provides the best deal to the Province will be selected. This will identify the 'preferred proponent' and negotiations will proceed to finalize a contractual agreement with this proponent. If these negotiations are not successful, the department may move on to negotiate with the second preferred proponent.
Management
A project management team within the Department of Transportation will direct the process. The project manager will report to a steering committee of senior staff. A committee of deputy ministers will provide broad guidance and oversight of the selection process. Key matters, including approval to sign the final contract documents, will be referred to the Executive Council of the Province for decision.
Strict confidentiality and conflict of interest rules will be applied to all participants throughout the process to ensure the integrity of the process. The project manager is designated as the single point of contact for all of the participants. Discussion of the project with anyone else in government by any proponent or anyone associated with the proponent will result in disqualification.