GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPONENTS

The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) hereby invites submissions to obtain the services of Electrical Contractors for Repairs and Maintenance Service at various DSBN facilities, The DSBN intends to create a list of up to eight (8) Contractors, with the understanding that this number may be adjusted at the DSBN’s discretion. 

This pre-qualification list will remain in effect for a three (3) year term commencing January 1, 2026 and ending December 31 2028. 

Respondent(s) who have previously been qualified to provide the services as described herein, or who are currently performing work for the DSBN must also respond to this request to be considered for future work assignment.

The DSBN reserves the right to obtain quotes from multiple pre-qualified Contractors for items, at our discretion, although we are not required to do so and may proceed with a pre-qualified Contractor without further quotes.

Where projects or work differs significantly from the scope of work as described herein, the DSBN reserves the right to utilize a different process and different Contractors.

The Contractor may be required from time to time to provide a quote for work required which may not result in the work being awarded.  The Contractor shall not invoice the DSBN for this service.

SCOPE OF WORK

This contract is intended to provide the DSBN Maintenance Division with Contractors that can perform routine day-to-day maintenance. Work will be assigned through the DSBN work order system – eBASE. A typical work order will be one-four hours in length and any one Contractor may be expected to receive between zero – five work orders a month. 

The DSBN reserves the right to assign work orders to Contractors on the basis of “best fit” as determined by DSBN at DSBN’s sole discretion based on any criteria DSBN determines to be applicable to the particular project, which may include any of the following: type and/or level of expertise and services required, hourly rates, markup percentage, vendor availability in regards to response time and/or schedule, past experience performing similar work, or any other criteria DSBN considers relevant in terms of selecting a Contractor best suited to perform the work.

If and when the situation arises – Contractors from this list may be asked to provide services above and beyond the typical work order assignment expectations.

The following are representative of the services which may be required but not limited to: 

• Wiring for electrical outlets

• Replacement of switches, outlets and wall plates.

• Repairing or replacing of lighting 

• Repair / replacement of photo cells or timers 

• Fire alarm installation and repairs 

• Low voltage wiring installations 

• Installation of individual small equipment 

• Portable installations

This is not an all-inclusive list. Other types of repairs and services may be required.

The DSBN requires confirmation of initial request for service within 1 working day and on-site review of work, confirmation of schedule and estimate within 3 working days. 

The Contractor will be responding primarily to requests concerning maintenance and emergency repair work. The DSBN’s expectation is for all Contractors to:

• Respond to emergency situations as they occur
• Service shall be made available to the DSBN 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. 
• Billable time will be based on hourly rates submitted.

Subcontractors 

Services rendered are to be performed primarily by the successful proponent. Any usage of subcontractors is to be approved by the DSBN as a written request prior to proceeding with any project.

All work shall be performed according to the professional standards of the industry and to the complete satisfaction of the DSBN, complying with the requirements of the latest edition of the Ontario Building Code, CSA, Provincial and Municipal codes and regulations.

The bidder is required to verify prior to pricing projects that all specified items will be available in time for installation to ensure orderly and timely progress of the work.

The DSBN Facility Representative shall approve the use of any materials other than those specified by the DSBN.  The Contractor may present alternatives and options to the DSBN for approval.

In some cases, the DSBN may supply the materials to be used by the Contractor and in these circumstances no markup shall apply to these materials.

BACKGROUND

The DSBN is a supportive, innovative community that is focused on doing what’s best for kids and helps every student achieve success. We proudly serve over 40,000 students across almost 100 elementary and secondary schools in Niagara, located between Lake Erie in the South and Lake Ontario to the North. 

We believe that every individual involved with our system -- from students, staff, and volunteers to trustees, families, and community partners -- has an important contribution to make to the learning, growth, and well-being of DSBN students. Students are at the heart of everything we do, and this commitment is ubiquitous throughout our system and is encapsulated by our Vision, Learning and Growing Together. 

The DSBN complies with the Broader Public Sector Directives (as directed by the Province of Ontario); and applicable trade agreements such as Ontario-Quebec Trade and Cooperation Agreement, Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA) and Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).