BCCA presents public sector construction procurement awards

(Source: BCCA)

The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) recently honoured four public owners it says consistently show leadership in the procurement of construction services, presenting each with a Best of Public Procurement 2022 – Owner of Choice Award.

“Construction-specific procurement may seem like a niche topic, but the procurement process is essential to ensuring that a public project doesn’t suffer from escalating costs, expanded timelines, and compromised outcomes,” says Chris Atchison, president of BCCA. “Taxpayers can’t afford faulty practices, and neither can contractors. These awards recognize that there are some public sector entities that are trying to get it right.”

The winners, which BCCA says consistently set positive examples to other public owners when procuring construction services, are:

• B.C. Ministry of Citizen Services – Procurement Services;
• The Facilities Management Procurement team at Fraser Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, and Vancouver Coastal Health;
• The Interior Health Capital Planning and Projects team; and
• The City of Prince George.

Reasons for selection varied amongst the award recipients but focused on such traits as transparency in the process, easy access to bid documents, use of electronic submission methods and engagement with the industry.

Public entities whose contract opportunities are distinguished by well-structured procurement processes and project outcomes can achieve a reputation as owners of choice, said BCCA in a press release, adding that this translates to demonstrable value for taxpayer dollars while aligning with public sector obligations to trade agreements and for fair, open and transparent procurement practices.

“The City of Prince George greatly values our positive working relationship with the Northern Regional Construction Association, because projects always benefit when teams collaborate instead of operate in silos,” stated Walter Babicz, city manager for Prince George. “We appreciate being recognized with this award, which reflects our commitment to building relationships both with industry as well as our community.”

The value of current construction projects in B.C. has seen a 79 per cent increase since 2017, where the provincial government is investing a record-setting $24.7 billion in capital projects and the federal government is fast-tracking and accelerating municipal housing projects.

To access BCCA best practices information, visit https://www.bcconstructiondocuments.ca and https://www.bccassn.com/procurement/camf/.

 The British Columbia Construction Association works with four regional construction associations to serve more than 10,000 employers in the province’s industrial, commercial, institutional construction industry, advocating on behalf of all employers to ensure British Columbia’s construction sector remains productive and resilient.

www.bccassn.com