The Gordie Howe International Bridge project will be delivered through a public-private partnership (P3). To select a private sector partner to deliver the project components – the Canadian and US Ports of Entry, the bridge and the Michigan Interchange – Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is running a rigorous, fair, open and transparent procurement process. The procurement process is made of two main stages – the Request for Qualifications and the Request for Proposals. WDBA’s procurement process is designed for WDBA to choose a suitable private sector partner with the skills, experiences and resources necessary to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project.
Stage 1: Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
The purpose of the RFQ is to pre-qualify teams to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. RFQ submissions are evaluated on the respondents’ demonstrated experience and qualifications to deliver and finance large and complex infrastructure projects. Only teams short-listed from this process are invited to respond to a Request for Proposals.
Stage 2: Request for Proposals (RFP)
The RFP sets out the conditions and specifications required to undertake the project. It is issued to only pre-qualified proponents selected through the RFQ stage who are asked to submit a formal proposal to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project elements as identified in the RFP. Proponents will submit binding technical and financial proposals, including a fixed price and schedule.
Once the RFP closes and all proposals have been received, the RFP submissions are rigorously evaluated and a preferred proponent is selected. Subject to reaching Financial Close and to receiving appropriate approvals, this team will become the WDBA’s private sector partner to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Negotiations toward Financial Close will begin and once Financial Close is reached, WDBA will sign a contract with the successful proponent and all contractual steps will have been completed for the project.
Fairness Monitor
To ensure the procurement process is rigorous, fair, open and transparent, a Fairness Monitor has been engaged. The Fairness Monitor will observe the process including sessions with respondents and evaluation, provide advice as needed and report back to WDBA.
For more information about WDBA and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project visit www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WDBAbridge, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WDBAbridge and connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/wdba-apwd.
