Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government has invited five architectural and engineering firms and five construction management firms to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) to build two laboratory facilities in the Ottawa area.
“Providing our scientists with modern, sustainable and collaborative facilities is essential to address the critical challenges of our time,” said Helena Jaczek, federal public services and procurement minister. “These platforms will help to advance priorities, including emergency preparedness and embracing a low-carbon economy.”
The two facilities will focus on specific areas of scientific research including the protection of human, plant and animal health; food safety; strengthened emergency preparedness; border security; the sustainable development of land and resources; the transition to a low-carbon economy; and the mitigation of natural and human-made hazards.
The pre-qualified companies have until the end of July to submit proposals. The contract is set to be awarded in winter 2023/24. Construction on the RSS NCA main site is scheduled to begin in 2025, and the TerraCanada NCA site is expected to begin in 2026.
Work is being funded by the Laboratories Canada strategy, which aims to ensure scientists and researchers can keep pace with the transformative changes facing science today and into the future. The strategy was launched in Budget 2018 an investment of $2.8 billion.
Public Services and Procurement Canada and its partners have completed one project, three have entered construction phase and two are in full design.