ORC Opens Prequal Process for Consulting Engineers & Re-Opens Prequal Process for Architects, Interior Designers

The Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) is a major customer of Ontario's design and construction sector, undertaking over 2,000 projects last year worth approximately $400 million.

ORC has updated its project delivery model to maximize the value of the services it delivers to its clients, in part by adopting standard industry practices wherever it can. ORC has been working in close collaboration with the industry through the Strategic Opportunities Committee (SOC) over the past two years as it incorporates industry practices into its updated model.

A key component of the Ontario Realty Corporation's (ORC) updated project delivery model is the maintenance of Vendor of Record lists for prequalified general contractors, architects, interior designers and, now, for consulting engineers who will act as prime consultant on projects. These particular Vendor of Record lists are used as source lists to select bidders from for construction related opportunities with ORC.

The Vendor of Record (VOR) lists are used by project management service providers contracted to ORC, and in some cases by ORC itself, to select bid lists of general contractors and design consultants. The lists are developed and maintained by ORC.

ORC's prequalification process has benefited from consultation with the industry through the SOC, in particular by streamlining the submission requirements.

The ORC VOR process is not a "one time" opportunity to pre-qualify. ORC intends that companies interested in working on its projects have ongoing opportunities to prequalify, or to update their qualifications. At present, this is achieved by ORC opening "refresh" opportunities on a regular basis. When fully implemented it is ORC's objective that companies will be able to apply electronically for prequalification at any time.

ORC has previously offered a number of opportunities for contractors, architects and interior designers to prequalify for the VOR lists.

ORC has just announced another "refresh" opportunity for architects and interior designers which is scheduled to close October 22, 2009. This is an opportunity for companies that have not qualified previously, or that wish to upgrade their qualification, for example by qualifying for a new building type, or for larger projects.

Unless they wish to upgrade their qualification those who have already been successful in prequalifying to the VOR list do not need to respond to this "refresh". They remain on the list with no further action necessary.

ORC has also opened the first opportunity for consulting engineers to prequalify onto a VOR list for projects where consulting engineers will act as prime consultant. That process is slated to close October 29, 2009.

Architects, interior designers and consulting engineers considering submitting for prequalification with ORC can view the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) documents at no charge on the ORC website.

Responses to the RFQ must be submitted electronically as set out in the RFQ documents.

The Ontario Realty Corporation is a crown corporation of the Government of Ontario and is one of Canada’s largest real estate management companies.

The Strategic Opportunities Committee (SOC) was originally initiated in 2003 and was re-energized in 2008 at the invitation of ORC President and CEO David Glass to facilitate constructive consultation between ORC and the design and construction industry. Participants in this standing liaison committee include Consulting Engineers of Ontario, the Ontario General Contractors Association, the Ontario Association of Architects and the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario, as well as ORC itself.