Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority launches P3 procurement process

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has launched the first phase of the procurement process to build the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

Request for Qualifications are now available as WDBA starts looking for a private sector partner team to build the P3 project.

“This represents yet another major milestone for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project and the first stage in bringing our private sector partner on board,” said Mark McQueen, Chairman of the WDBA Board of Directors. “We anticipate international interest in this seminal project given the immense popularity of best-in-class global infrastructure assets, and look forward to seeing what the private sector has to offer.

“Our overarching goal is to build a safe, efficient bridge as fast as possible. The more financial and project risk that we can transfer to the eventual winning bidder, the better this procurement will be for Canadian taxpayers.”

Respondents will be evaluated on their experience and qualifications to deliver and finance large and complex infrastructure projects. Following a rigorous evaluation process, respondents will be invited to participate in the second stage of the procurement process – the Request for Proposals (RFP), expected in late 2015. The overall procurement process is anticipated to be up to 18 months in duration.

 “With input from Transport Canada, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and other state, provincial and federal organizations, the WDBA has developed a Request for Qualifications designed to position us to ultimately evaluate submissions and select the most suitable private sector partner,” said Michael Cautillo, President and Chief Executive Officer for the WDBA. “A key attribute for any successful respondent is their approach to engage regional resources and leave long-lasting benefits.”

Following the release of the RFQ, two introductory project meetings – one in Windsor and one in Detroit – will be held for interested respondents on August 5 and August 6, 2015. Both meetings will be followed by an Industry Day to provide an opportunity for potential respondents to meet and network with local, regional and national contractors, suppliers and service providers.

The WDBA is committed to a fair, open and transparent procurement process. The RFQ is posted on MERX, the electronic tendering service, at www.merx.com. Additional information about the WDBA procurement process and how to become part of the Industry Days can be found at www.wdbridge.com/en/procurement.

The WDBA is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation and will manage the procurement process for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan through a public-private partnership (P3). The WDBA is also responsible for project oversight and will set and collect all tolls.