For immediate release JERSEYSIDE, December 23, 2004 -- A $920,000 competitive standing offer has been awarded to Edward Collins Contracting Ltd., of Jerseyside, Newfoundland and Labrador, to undertake clean-up at the Argentia site on an as-and-when-requested basis. The announcement was made today by the Honourable John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "The clean-up is part of a decade-long Remediation Action Plan for Argentia which is expected to last another two years," said Minister Efford. "The clean-up of this site represents one of the most significant and challenging projects of this nature undertaken by the Government of Canada. It demonstrates the commitment of the federal government to totally reclaim this site, in a manner which is environmentally sustainable, for the benefit of local residents." Edward Collins Contracting will perform work consisting of soil excavation and remediation, demolition of minor structures, and foundations and disposal of hazardous materials at the site. Grading of these areas will be completed upon completion of the excavations. A standing offer is an arrangement that allows government departments and agencies to deal with suppliers under set prices and conditions. A contract will exist with a supplier only when a department or agency orders goods or services from the standing offer agreement. The total cost of the services supplied under this standing offer will not exceed $920,000. This standing offer will expire in August 2005. Funding for this standing offer was provided for in the March 2004 Federal Budget. For information on contracting opportunities with the Government of Canada, visit www.merx.com, Canada's official, public sector electronic tendering service. - 30 - For further information, media may contact: Renée David Press Secretary Office of Minister Brison (819) 997-5421 Mario Baril Manager, Media Relations PWGSC (819) 956-2315 Tom Ormsby Office of Minister Efford (613) 996-2007 PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at www.pwgsc.gc.ca/text/generic/sub_infocentre_newsrel-e.html
