Ontario Launches Unsolicited Infrastructure Proposals Framework

TORONTO, ON - April 20: Go Train with Toronto City Skyline. From a series on transportation in Toronto produced for the Toronto Star tablet. Marcus Stock, Marcus transit, Marcus transportation, Marcus TTC, Marcus Train, Go Train. (Marcus Oleniuk/Toronto Star/Getty Images)

Government Creating New Way for Private Sector to Share Innovative Infrastructure Ideas

TORONTO — The Ontario government is launching a new framework for receiving and evaluating infrastructure proposals from the private sector.

Unsolicited proposals (USP) are proposals to the government that were not requested through an existing procurement.

This marks the first time there has been a formal process for submitting USPs to the Ontario government. Through this new approach, private-sector ideas with the potential to improve public infrastructure and related services will be considered using a consistent and fair process.

“An unsolicited proposal framework is a leading global practice to leverage the expertise of the private sector to develop innovative infrastructure solutions to benefit the people of Ontario and make government open for business,” said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. “It provides a clear path for industry to share proposals we might otherwise not have developed on our own.”

“We will always work hard for the people, but we must acknowledge that government doesn’t always have all the answers,” continued Minister Scott. “Our new USP framework will ensure we are listening to the people and businesses that build and operate infrastructure in Ontario to find the best ideas and make them a reality.”

About The Unsolicited Proposals (USP) Framework

The program is open for all infrastructure proposals. This includes proposals for transit lines and stations, highways, health care facilities, housing supply projects, energy generation and storage projects and “digital infrastructure” (such as broadband and cellular network expansion).

The Province will focus on infrastructure projects that provide the greatest benefit to the people of Ontario, are feasible from a technical and commercial perspective, align with the government’s priorities and provide the greatest value for money for any investment of public dollars.

Potential participants can submit proposals and find more information about the program online at: ontario.ca/proposals.

Background Information

Additional Resources

Quotes

“The engineering and contractor sectors are involved with infrastructure projects around the world and have ideas for incorporating more innovative approaches. These ideas cannot be effectively generated through traditional procurement processes. Encouraging unsolicited bids will therefore have significant positive implications for infrastructure delivery throughout the province.”

Andy Manahan

Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario

“Innovation is vital to improving the quality, value and sustainability of our infrastructure, which underpins our economic prospects and the ability of our communities to thrive. This new online portal will help to connect private expertise, creativity and capital with public infrastructure investment needs while supporting new forms of partnership and engagement, thereby contributing to a more resilient, prosperous future for Ontarians.”

Gregory Smith

President and CEO, InstarAGF Asset Management Inc.

“Ontario’s launch of an unsolicited proposals program is a positive step in supporting infrastructure and economic development in the province. These types of programs have been successfully used in other jurisdictions to accelerate the delivery of important new infrastructure by fostering greater creativity in the market. CIBC looks forward to working with the government and infrastructure developers on this initiative as more program information is released.”

Shariq Alvi

Managing Director, Global Infrastructure and Power, CIBC Capital Markets

“We at Hatch are very excited to see Ontario create a process to receive unsolicited proposals. When you consider the size and scope of the infrastructure challenges governments and communities face around the world, innovation and capacity to implement are critical. The proposed process for Ontario encourages beneficial public outcomes in a clear and transparent manner. We congratulate Minister Laurie Scott and the Ontario government on this important step!”

Michael Schatz

Global Managing Director, Infrastructure, Hatch

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