Abstract Manager

The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) is mandated to follow Ontario Public Service (OPS) Procurement Directive. To ensure that MTO’s procurement process complies with the OPS Procurement Directive, the Registry, Appraisal, and Qualification System (RAQS) was implemented in order to procure services from pre-qualified Engineering Service Providers (ESPs). RAQS provides open, fair, competitive, and transparent electronic bidding.

ESPs seeking to provide prime engineering services on planning, engineering and construction contract administration assignments must be prequalified by the MTO. ESPs may seek qualification with MTO in one or more specialties in various categories through registration with RAQS ESP portal. ESPs shall demonstrate to the ministry’s satisfaction, compliance to the qualification requirements including previous experience, education, and capability relevant to the category and specialty for which the ESP is seeking qualification.

Prequalified ESPs who provide services to the MTO will have their performance appraised during the implementation of the engineering assignments and upon their completion. Past performance is measured by a Corporate Performance Rating (CPR) that is the weighted average of approved performance appraisal scores over the last three years. The MTO has embarked on developing improved appraisal systems for ESPs, for implementation in 2023. The new appraisal systems are aimed to be more objective, accurate, easier to use, streamlined, differentiating appraisal scores, and relying on collaborative efforts of internal working groups as well as industry feedback.

The authority over the qualification procedures for ESPs is delegated to the MTO’s Qualification Committee by the Minister of Transportation. The Qualification Committee supports the ministry’s procurement process by implementing, applying and enforcing the qualification policies for contractors and ESPs. The Qualification Committee has a mandate to foster improved performance through various administrative tools, up to and including sanctions, on contractors and ESPs. The goal of the Qualification Committee is to effect positive change, improve performance and support competitive procurement that is open to qualified bidders.

This paper outlines the MTO’s procedures for qualifying and appraising the performance of ESPs including new appraisal systems and preliminary data. The paper also demonstrates the role of the Qualification Committee in ensuring improved performance of the ESPs.