b'there is no guarantee the lowest-pricedincluding the Canadian Free Tradea big game of hide and seek. Theres bidder will be awarded, it can assist withAgreement (CFTA), the Comprehensiveno collaboration and communication their next bid closing and ensure theyEconomic and Trade Agreement (CETA)to work as a team anymore, he says. do not over-commit their bonding andand the United States-Mexico-CanadaWhat are we hiding? Knowledge is staffing capacity, says Bird. DisclosingAgreement (USMCA) specifically requirepower and because you dont know the unevaluated bid prices so quickly isthe release of tender award informationanything, youre out to lunch.indicative of our commitment to beingand contract value. For instance: The Canadian Construction Documents open, transparent and fair as aCFTA (Article 518) mandates thatCommittee (CCDC) already has a public entity.procuring entities provide, uponframework in place to help guide Mostert agrees, saying that knowing request, relevant information tothe industry towards fairer and more the outcomes of tenders helps him unsuccessful suppliers about theirtransparent tender processes. CCDC 23, plan ahead, ensuring he has bids and the reasons for rejection.A Guide to Calling Bids and Awarding employees lined up and can meet the Entities must also maintain recordsConstruction Contracts, recommends:construction schedule. of procurement procedures andThe name of each Bidder, the Bid Releasing full tender results also assistsdecisions for a minimum of price, and any other critical information unsuccessful bidders in assessingthree years. that will be used to evaluate the BidsCETA (Article 19.15) requires entitiesshould be read aloud, accompanied by their bid relative to the successful bid. This feedback is invaluable as it helpsto publish a notice of contract award,a disclaimer to the effect that the Bid companies improve future bids, fosteringincluding the name of the supplier, aresults are subject to more detailed a more competitive and knowledgeabledescription of the goods or servicesevaluation. Where alternative prices marketplace. By knowing where theyand the contracts value. will be considered in determining the fell short, contractors can refine their USMCA (Chapter 13, Article 13.7)lowest compliant Bid price, they should also be disclosed. The Bid results proposals and pricing strategies, leadingstipulates that after awarding ashould then be disclosed to Bidders to higher-quality bids and better valuecontract, a notice must be publishednot in attendance, typically by posting for the owner, says Harrison. with the suppliers name, athe results on the e-procurement or Harrison adds that transparent biddescription of the goods or serviceselectronic plan room system used to results can also attract new entrants intoand the contracts value. Entitiespost the opportunity. If Bids are received the market, thus increasing competitionmust also provide explanations toelectronically, the system should in a way that will benefit the industry asunsuccessful bidders upon request. disclose results automatically upona whole. Smaller or less establishedEven with the above provisions,Bid closing.companies may be encouraged tohowever, contract award and debriefingThe Winnipeg Construction Association participate in the bidding process if theyis not likely to happen until a month orstrongly advocates for [the release of full see it is conducted fairly and openly.more after tenders closea far cry fromconstruction tender results], recognizing This diversification of bidders canprevious industry standards, and yetits profound benefits for the construction lead to more innovative solutions andanother indication of the trends localindustry and the broader community, approaches, further benefiting contractors are noticing. concludes Harrison. By embracing public projects. CONCLUSION transparency, we can ensure a more FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS Mostert says its time for the industrycompetitive, efficient and trusted public Tender transparency isnt just a localto move towards full transparencyprocurement process that serves the issue; several free trade agreements,when it comes to tender results. Itsbest interests of all stakeholders. YOUR PARTNERIN PROPANEBRANDON CARMAN204-727-3057 204-745-6528FLIN FLON WINNIPEG204-687-8038 204-631-4646Issue 3 | Fall Edition | 2024 BUILD MANITOBA 37'