Project Update: Procurement

The City of Ottawa is advancing the procurement work necessary for the Newcomer Reception Centre. It intends to enter into a contract for the design and construction of a Newcomer Reception Centre at 1645 Woodroffe, for approximately $15 million with an anticipated timeline of 12 months from award of contract to substantial performance. The City of Ottawa, pending funding and as required, intends to proceed with a second structure with similar pricing and construction timeline.

As stated in previous communications, the Newcomer Reception Centres will be funded by the federal government.

Procurement process

The City has conducted a market assessment and determined that BLT Construction Services (providing a Sprung Instant Structure, i.e. pre-fabricated building) is the only available and qualified vendor to perform the scope of work required for this project. To confirm that assessment, the City will complete an Advanced Contract Award Notice (ACAN) process.

The ACAN is a public notice indicating the intent to award a contract and provides an opportunity for other respondents to demonstrate their ability to meet project requirements. The ACAN will be posted on the MERX.com e-Procurement system. All submissions and inquiries regarding the ACAN must be submitted through the MERX.com system.

Project components

The contract for the design and construction of the newcomer reception centre includes:

• Preparation of plans and studies required for site plan control;
• Preliminary and detailed design drawings;
• Preparation and submission of all required permit applications;
• Construction and interior fit-up of structure;
• Provision of full FF&E required for the project.
• Full site development

Additional project costs will include project delivery and permitting fees.

The Centre is part of a broader Newcomer Reception System that includes other transitional housing facilities including a former nunnery on St. Joseph Blvd and up to 20 new four-to-five-bedroom homes across Ottawa. The cost of these transitional housing options, as well as other recent transitional housing projects, are in line with what is being proposed for the Newcomer Reception Centres.

Next steps

The ACAN has been published on MERX.com and is currently scheduled to close on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

If no supplier submits a response that demonstrates their potential to meet capabilities of the Specifications, including the Scope of Work, by the closing date of the ACAN then it is the City of Ottawa’s intent to proceed with an award of contract to the supplier identified.