Summary#
Montréal city council approved an 18-month framework agreement with Groupe ABS inc. for soil-testing services for construction of the underground conduit network. The City can request services as needed, up to a maximum of $813,313.60, taxes included, or until that amount is used up. City staff say the testing helps identify soil contamination so excavated soil can be handled appropriately.
- Groupe ABS will provide professional environmental soil-characterization services when requested by the City.
- The firm had the highest final score under the pre-set selection criteria. Three firms submitted bids; the decision does not say Groupe ABS was the lowest compliant bidder.
- The council approved the service agreement and required an evaluation of Groupe ABS’s performance.
- The president of the Commission des services électriques de Montréal (CSEM) is authorized to sign the agreement for the City.
What it means for you#
- CSEM and the City: They can request soil testing for construction projects during the agreement, subject to its maximum amount and term.
- CSEM users: City staff say the expense will be financed through the capital program and reimbursed through levies on CSEM users. The materials do not specify the effect on any individual user’s payments.
- Residents and businesses: The decision does not directly change your rights, services, or requirements.
Money#
The agreement has a maximum value of $813,313.60, taxes included; actual spending depends on the services requested.
- The expense is allocated to the capital program and, according to city staff, reimbursed through levies on CSEM users.
- The City’s estimate was $1,057,577.42, taxes included. Groupe ABS’s amount is $244,263.82, or 23%, below that estimate.
- No renewal option is stated.
What is unclear#
- The agreement’s 18-month period begins when the award notice is sent; it can end sooner if the maximum amount is used up.
- The decision does not set out how many testing assignments will be requested or where they will take place.
- The materials do not explain how the levies on CSEM users will be calculated.
Case for#
- The selected bid was below the City’s estimate and had the highest final score under the stated criteria.
- An agreement that allows services to be requested as needed gives the CSEM a way to obtain testing for different construction sites, within a set maximum amount.
- City staff say the testing supports appropriate handling of excavated soil.
Case against#
- Only three of the 11 firms that obtained the tender documents submitted bids. The materials give no reason why the other eight did not bid.
- The total cost to users is not stated; it depends on the work requested and how the levies are calculated.