PSPC invites contractors to respond to laboratories RFP
The federal government has invited five architectural and engineering firms and five construction management firms to respond to a request for proposals to build two laboratory facilities in the National Capital Region.
The TerraCanada National Capital Area (NCA) Project and the Regulatory and Security Science (RSS) NCA Main Project will provide scientists with leading-edge, multi-purpose and sustainable facilities to complement existing government science laboratories and capabilities.
Both will focus on distinct 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.
"Providing our scientists with modern, sustainable and collaborative facilities is essential to address the critical challenges of our time,” said Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek. “These platforms will help to advance priorities, including emergency preparedness and embracing a low-carbon economy."
The pre-qualified companies have until the end of July to submit their proposals, with contract award is expected in winter 2023 to 2024. Construction on the RSS NCA Main site is expected to begin in 2025, and construction on the TerraCanada NCA site is expected to begin in 2026.
The projects will provide seamless integration of complementary government science capabilities through integrated campuses that will allow multiple federal departments to co-locate and collaborate more closely. Many federal science-based departments are currently operating in various facilities that are over 50 years old, with critical systems and supporting infrastructure that are far beyond their useful life.
The work is being funded under 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 continue to advance the Laboratories Canada strategy together. So far, one project has been completed, three more have entered construction phase and two are in full design.