RFI - Underground Stabilization Project, Giant Mine, Yellowknife
NWT

Trade Agreement: NONE
Tendering Procedures: 
Attachment: None
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 
Underground Stabilization Project, Giant Mine, Yellowknife NWT

EW702-130544/A
Pahl (ncs), Nathaniel
Telephone No. - (403) 292-5410
Fax No. - (403) 292-5786

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

1. 	RFI OVERVIEW

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), is
requesting industry feedback on the Underground Stabilization
Project for the Giant Mine. Your insight will help inform the
Government of Canada's approach to the procurement of
engineering and construction services and facilitate the
development of a final Procurement Strategy that better responds
to the needs of the Giant Mine, existing and potential suppliers
and all Canadians.

1.1	OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this RFI include, but are not limited to:

initiate an early exchange of information with the vendor
community;
perform a survey based off of our current procurement approach;
refine the department's requirements;
identify possible risks and risk mitigation strategies;
identify key information required by respondents;

1.2	RFI PHASES

Phase 1: Industry is requested to respond to this RFI if they
are interested in participating in a survey.

The Survey will provide details on the procurement approach,
including: scope categories, basis of payment layout and the
mechanism for progressing with the unknown portions of the work.
 The Survey will also offer a section where alternative
procurement approaches can be outlined by the Survey Respondent.

The proposed procurement approach utilizes a progressive
Design/Build delivery, where the Contractor is provided
performance based specifications and subsequently provides a
detailed design from its own Engineer for approval by PWGSC and
then subsequent execution of the work by the contractor.  There
are unknown conditions that the Contractor will have to
investigate on behalf of PWGSC which will provide information
for further stabilization work by the Contractor.

Phase 2: Respondents who wish to participate in the survey will
then be provided a draft procurement strategy/approach for the
Underground and will be requested to respond to the survey,
provide their comments, raise any concerns and, where
applicable, make recommendations on how the requirements,
objectives or methods described could be satisfied or improved.
Respondents should explain any assumptions they make in their
responses.

2. 	BACKGROUND

The Giant Mine is located just north of the city of Yellowknife,
NT and is accessible via the Ingraham Trail (Highway 4).  The
overall maintenance, environment, health and safety aspects of
the site are under the Care and Maintenance contract established
by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).

The underground stabilization is a critical component of the
Site Stabilization Plan.  During operations of the mine arsenic
trioxide was stored in various stopes and purpose built chambers
and it is these and other areas that require stabilization
efforts to prevent failure of pillars and bulkheads resulting in
the release of arsenic trioxide.  Generally, the stabilization
approach includes tight backfilling of stopes and chambers, and
the construction of drift plugs at bulkhead locations.

The key aspects of the underground stabilization project are
geotechnical investigations, engineering of backfill, drift
plugs, underground development (new and rehabilitation) and
implementation of the designs.

In order to advance the delivery of the Underground
Stabilization work, PWGSC is requesting feedback from Industry
on the procurement approach that has been developed.

3. 	NATURE OF RFI
 
This RFI is an industry consultation request intended to solicit
feedback from the industry with respect to the matters described
in this RFI. This is not a bid solicitation.

This RFI will not result in the award of any contract;
therefore, potential suppliers of any goods or services
described herein should not reserve stock or facilities, nor
allocate resources, as a result of any information contained in
this request. Nor will this RFI result in the creation of any
source list, therefore, whether or not any potential supplier
responds to this RFI will not preclude that supplier from
participating in any future procurement. Also, the procurement
of any of the goods and services described in this RFI will not
necessarily follow this request. This RFI is not considered as
an authorization by PWGSC to undertake any work that would
result in costs to PWGSC. 

4. 	NATURE AND FORMAT OF RESPONSES REQUESTED

Respondents will be requested to provide their comments, raise
any concerns, answer survey questions and, where applicable,
make recommendations on how the requirements or objectives
described in Phase 2 of the RFI could be satisfied. Respondents
should explain any assumptions they make in their responses.

4.1 	TREATMENT OF RESPONSES

Use of Responses: Responses will not be formally evaluated.
However, the responses received may be used by the Government of
Canada to modify procurement strategies or any draft documents
related to this RFI. Canada will review all responses for both
phases of the RFI received prior to the RFI closing date. The
Government of Canada may, at its discretion, review responses
received after the RFI closing date.

Review Team: A review team composed of representatives from
various Sectors within the Department of PWGSC will review the
responses. Canada reserves the right to hire any independent
consultant, or use any Government resources, which it deems
necessary to review any response. Not all members of the review
team will necessarily review all responses.

Confidentiality: Respondents should mark any portions of their
response in Phase II of the RFI that they consider proprietary
or confidential. The Government of Canada will treat those
portions of the responses as confidential to the extent
permitted by the Access to Information Act.

Follow-up Activity: Canada may, in its discretion, contact any
respondents to follow up with additional questions or for
clarification of any aspect of a response.

4.2 	RESPONSE COSTS

Canada will not reimburse any respondent for expenses incurred
in responding to this RFI.

 
4.3 	SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES

Time and Place for Submission of Responses: Suppliers interested
in providing a response should deliver it as indicated below by
the time and date indicated on page 1 of this solicitation
document.

The methods of response are: 

	Email: 	nathaniel.pahl@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca
	Fax:	403.292.5786

Responsibility for Timely Delivery: Timely delivery and correct
direction of responses is the sole responsibility of the
respondent. PWGSC will not assume or have transferred to it
those responsibilities. 
           
5. 	ENQUIRIES

Questions regarding this RFI may be directed to:

	Nathaniel Pahl | Supply Specialist
	Public Works and Government Services Canada | Acquisitions
	Telephone: 403.292.5410 
	nathaniel.pahl@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

Any general question on doing business with PWGSC should be
directed to the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises. We
invite you to visit the website buyandsell.gc.ca where you will
find information, tools and help completing the tasks related to
selling to the Government of Canada, such as understanding how
to sell to the government, registering your business, or
locating seminars on doing business.

In addition, suppliers with a question about procurement may
send it to: bpmeclient.osmeclient@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

6.	OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

Responses to this RFI may be in either of the official languages
of Canada.



Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any
procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.