Objective: This contract is intended to provide the DSBN Capital Project Division with Prequalified General Contractors to submit quotation or tender packages in accordance with various Capital Projects as required.

This prequalification will apply to projects with construction budgets estimated to be between $100,001 and $40,000,000.

This pre-qualification list will remain in effect for a three (3) year term commencing May 1, 2026 and ending April 30, 2029.

This procurement program uses a two‑stage method. Stage 1 (this RFSQ) is an open qualification process to establish a list of prequalified general contractors by category. Pre‑qualification does not create any obligation on the DSBN to issue project opportunities to any prequalified supplier.

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 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.

General Contractors will be prequalified under the following categories based on project value:

• Category A – projects estimated between $100,001 to $499,999
• Category B – projects estimated between $500,000 to $5,000,000
• Category C – projects estimated between $5,000,001 to $20,000,000
• Category D – projects estimated between $20,000,001 to $40,000,000

For Category A Projects with costs estimated between $100,001 to $499,999 the DSBN will select a minimum of three prequalified Category A contractors whose experience and capabilities best align with the project type and requirements. The DSBN will define the scope of work. Selected firms will be invited to submit quotes, with contracts awarded to the lowest-cost bidder. 

For projects over $500,000, all firms prequalified for the corresponding category will be invited to submit tenders, with contracts awarded to the lowest-cost bidder. 

This procurement is subject to the Buy Ontario Act (Public Sector Procurement), 2025, the Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive, and all applicable trade agreements.

Where permitted by applicable trade agreements and required or authorized by provincial directives issued under the Buy Ontario Act, the DSBN may apply procurement measures intended to give preference to Ontario or Canadian businesses.

To ensure a competitive procurement process, proponents are expected to submit bids when invited. Proponents that consistently do not submit bids in response to Requests for Quotes or Tenders may be excluded from participation in future procurement opportunities.

The DSBN intends to create a list of approximately nine (9) Contractors for Category A, approximately twelve (12) Contractors for Category B, approximately twelve (12) Contractors for Category C and approximately nine (9) Contractors for Category D, with the understanding that the numbers for Category A, B, C & D may be adjusted at the DSBN’s discretion.

The DSBN shall pre-qualify General Contractors for either or all categories based on the Contractor’s relevant experience, references provided and mandatory requirements. Each category is reviewed and selected individually.

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

• Renovations
• Additions
• New Schools
• Accessibility Upgrades
• Multi-System Upgrades

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

Bonding will be required on all Category B, C and D projects, and may be required on Category A projects, as determined by the specific Scope of Work for each project. In all cases, specific Bonding requirements will be identified in any subsequent Tender Document(s) for the projects identified herein.

The projects will generally utilize Stipulated Sum CCDC2 contracts with standard DSBN supplementary conditions, however Category A projects may utilize a simplified DSBN contract with less rigorous bonding requirements. 

The DSBN reserves the right to bypass this prequalified list and tender projects to different sets of contractors based on projects that have specific specialized requirements, or different contractual terms, or values. Where projects or work differs significantly from the scope of work herein, the DSBN reserves the right to utilize a different process and different vendors.

All work shall be performed according to the standards of the applicable trades and to the complete satisfaction of the DSBN.

The Contractor 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. 

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. 

The Contractor is responsible for timely notification of completion of the Work for the purpose of arranging inspection.

This Contract is non-exclusive. The DSBN may, at its sole discretion, purchase the same or similar products from other sources, subject to budget, specifications and requirements.