Procurement update: BC Hydro issues RFQ for worker accommodation

March 3rd, 2014

Site C construction is subject to environmental certification, regulatory permits and approvals.

BC Hydro posted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on BC Bid today for the design, construction, partial financing, operation and maintenance of two temporary accommodation camps for the Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C). Project construction is subject to Site C receiving environmental certification and other regulatory permits and approvals.

The two camps – one located on the north bank and one on the south bank of the Peace River – would provide accommodation and recreational facilities for the majority of workers at the dam site for the duration of the Site C construction period. The dam-site workforce is estimated to peak at approximately 1,700 people.

The camps would be self-sufficient and designed to accommodate the fluctuating number of workers at the dam site in order to minimize the impact on nearby communities.

The quality of the worker accommodation is a key component of the project's labour approach to attract and retain workers in what is expected to be a period of high demand for skilled workers.

Respondents will be evaluated in accordance with the RFQ, and will be required to demonstrate that they have a strong delivery and service record for projects of a similar size and scope. Respondents will also be required to show that they have the financial resources necessary to deliver the contract scope.

The successful proponent will be contractually-obligated to provide a specified amount of contracting opportunities to identified First Nations.

Responses to the RFQ are expected by the end of April. BC Hydro anticipates that three respondents will be short-listed and issued with a Request for Proposals in the summer of 2014, with contract award in the spring of 2015.

Additional Project Information:

• Worker accommodation is one of many components that make up the Site C project. Future procurements will include the following types of work: civil construction, clearing, transmission lines, public road infrastructure, substation, boat launches and recreation sites, and environmental monitoring.
• The procurement approach for Site C consists of a number of large contracts for major project components, as well as multiple smaller contracts for supporting activities and ancillary works.
• BC Hydro is committed to working with Peace Region communities to provide local contracting and employment opportunities, and is working to advance economic opportunities for Aboriginal groups through capacity-building and procurement opportunities.
• The project would create approximately 10,000 person-years of direct employment during construction, and about 33,000 person-years of direct and indirect employment through all stages of development and construction.
• Construction of Site C would contribute $3.2 billion to provincial GDP, including approximately $130 million to regional GDP.

Procurement Opportunity

The Worker Accommodation RFQ can be found on BC Bid, document number 1807.

A summary of this procurement opportunity can be found in the Worker Accommodation Contract Brief pdf • 534 KB.

About Site C

The Site C Clean Energy Project is a proposed third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeast B.C. It would provide 1,100 megawatts (MW) of dependable capacity, and produce about 5,100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity each year to the province's integrated electricity system. Subject to approvals, Site C would be a source of clean, renewable and cost-effective electricity for more than 100 years. Site C is currently undergoing a cooperative environmental assessment by the federal and provincial environmental assessment agencies, which includes a Joint Review Panel process.

For media inquiries, please contact:
604 786 5711

Read the March Procurement Update pdf • 30 KB

Learn more about Site C procurement opportunities