IO Expands COR Requirements to Include Direct Delivery projects
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One of the tools being used by IO to raise the bar on health and safety is the Certificate of Recognition (COR) occupational health and safety accreditation program. A phased approach is underway to ensure contractors on larger jobs are COR-certified.
COR became mandatory for general contractors / constructors in September 2016 on IO’s major projects using the Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model. Those projects are generally in excess of $100 million, and certification is required for a company to participate in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process.
IO projects with a construction value above $10 million, but shy of the AFP threshold are delivered through the Direct Delivery program. Architects and General Contractors are individually and competitively procured by IO, using online tendering services such as MERX and Biddingo.
As part of the phased approach, companies currently picking up RFQ documents for Direct Delivery projects are made aware that they must apply for COR within 30 days in order to proceed in the process. However, that safety net will be gone as of spring 2017.
"We value our project partners and wanted to ensure everyone had adequate time to begin and complete the application process," said Bob Neally, IO’s Vice President of Project Services. "But we want everyone to know that effective April 1, 2017, firms won’t be able to participate in our RFQ process unless they have already applied."
The sooner a company applies for COR the better. The next milestone for Direct Delivery projects is spring 2018, when COR will become a fundamental pre-qualification requirement to bid on this work.
"As a company, IO has made health and safety a priority, and working with industry partners who are leaders in this regard helps us to achieve that goal," noted Neally. "These projects involve new construction or significant renovations. We want to build them efficiently, effectively and safely."
Along with adopting COR on its AFP and Direct Delivery projects, IO recently became the first public agency to join the League of Champions, a partnership between MySafeWork and the Ontario General Contractors Association. The League exists to help companies build safety culture and be recognized for their leadership.
