RFP released for Gordie Howe International Bridge project

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), inviting proponents to submit formal proposals to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project will address four regional transportation needs at the busiest trade corridor between Canada and the United States. It will provide a new crossing option, highway-to-highway connections, modernized border processing facilities and capacity for future traffic growth. The new bridge will make it faster, simpler and safer for both people to travel and goods to flow between Canada and the United States, enhancing trade and tourism.

“The Request for Proposals is perhaps the single most important document that WDBA will deliver. Much progress has already been accomplished on both sides of the border and we continue to work to prepare the sites for this historic infrastructure project in advance of the construction to be undertaken by the private-sector partner. I would like to thank WDBA staff along with our Michigan and US and Canadian federal partners for the tremendous effort they have put forward in getting the project to this critical stage,” said Michael Cautillo, WDBA president and chief executive officer.

The 18-month RFP stage is the second phase in WDBA’s competitive procurement process to select a private-sector partner. The three proponents – Bridging North America, CanAm Gateway Partners and Legacy Link Partners – were pre-qualified through the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) stage. The entire procurement process is overseen by an independent fairness monitor.

The RFP sets out the conditions and specifications required to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The Proponents will prepare and submit their binding technical and financial proposals, including a fixed price and schedule. Each proposal will then be rigorously evaluated by a team comprised of WDBA officials, partner organizations and experts. A Preferred Proponent will be identified. Subject to reaching Financial Close and to appropriate approvals, this Proponent will become WDBA’s private-sector partner.

WDBA is committed to Windsor’s and Detroit’s economic success and as part of their proposals Proponents must include strategies to involve the region’s workforce. To assist with this important project priority, WDBA will host business-to-business meetings in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. These meetings will provide opportunities for the region’s business community, Indigenous communities and the Proponents to network and engage in introductory discussions on sourcing and vendor needs. Meeting details can be found at: www.wdbridge.com.

Quick Facts

• The Proponent teams are comprised of Canadian, American and international companies.
• The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is the largest and most ambitious bi-national border infrastructure project along the Canada-United States border.
• The project includes four components – the Canadian and US Ports of Entry, the bridge over the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, and the Michigan Interchange connecting to Interstate-75 – and is part of new highway-to-highway border transportation system for the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor.