Alberta Bulk Clean Electricity

Attestation of assurance

The fairness monitor (FM) hereby provides the unqualified assurance statement below concerning the competitive selection process for the Alberta Bulk Clean Electricity, commencing with the issuance of the request for information (RFI), and continuing through the end of the second request for proposal (RFP) evaluation phase.

It is our professional opinion that the competitive selection process we observed or monitored for the above activities was carried out in a fair, open and transparent manner.

Original signed by:

Mathieu Farley
Chartered Professional Accountant Auditor
Chartered Accountant
Certified Internal Auditor
Certified Information Systems Auditor
Certified Fraud Examiner
Fairness Monitor Contractor Representative
Partner, Audit and Advisory Services
Samson

Project requirement

Samson was engaged on June 12, 2020 as a fairness monitor (FM) to observe the competitive selection process for the Alberta Bulk Clean Electricity, issued by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), under solicitation EW038-210082 and EW038-221085. Samson is an independent third party with respect to this activity.

This report covers the activities of the FM starting with our involvement during the RFI phase on June 12, 2020 (shortly after the issuance of the RFI which was published on April 16, 2020 and closed on May 8, 2020) and continuing through the second RFP evaluation phase, which ended on June 24, 2022. While we were not involved in the initial RFI stage, all relevant documentation was provided for review and had full access to all aspects of the procurement process.

Canada is proposing to enter into 1 or more power purchase agreement contracts, to support Canada’s electricity requirements and create additional net new renewable electricity generation capacity in Alberta.

This requirement is for up to 255,625 megawatt hour of solar electricity, to be contracted for via an open procurement.

We reviewed all the information provided and observed all relevant activities.

This report includes our:

• attestation of assurance
• a summary of the scope and objectives of our assignment
• the methodologies applied
• relevant observations from the activities undertaken

Fairness monitoring engagement and observations

In accordance with the terms of our engagement, we:

• familiarized ourselves with the relevant documents and observed the procurement activities (for example, RFI and RFP document and questions and answers)
• identified fairness-related matters to the contracting and technical authorities
• ensured that responses and actions were reasonable and appropriate

Industry engagement phase

The RFI was posted via buyandsell.gc.ca on April 16, 2020 and closed May 8, 2020. While the FM was not involved during this period, we reviewed the RFI documents and related questions and answers at the time of our involvement.

We also reviewed the draft RFP and were able to assess how the comments received were integrated in the RFP process.

In our opinion, all fairness-related considerations were satisfactorily addressed by the contracting authority (CA).

Initial request for proposal phase

Pursuant to the RFI, a RFP process was undertaken as solicitation EW038-210082/B for new solar electricity generation. A separate RFP was also issued as part of the procurement strategy for indigenous businesses (PSIB).

The 2 RFPs for the new solar electricity generation were posted via buyandsell.gc.ca on January 7, 2021 and closed February 24, 2021. During this period, 82 questions were submitted and answered through the issuance of 4 amendments with respect to both RFP processes. The FM reviewed the questions, answers, and respective amendments prior to their issuance.

In our opinion, all fairness-related considerations were satisfactorily addressed by the CA.

PWGSC did not receive proposals for each of the new solar electricity generation solicitations.

Second request for proposal phase

Following the initial RFP phase, PWGSC undertook a new consultation exercise with the industry to assess the reasons no bids were received. A survey was sent out to participants in the previous industry consultation and a number of one-on-one meetings with suppliers were organized. The FM participated in these consultations’ exercises.

Pursuant to the RFI, a new RFP process was undertaken as solicitation EW038-221085 for new solar electricity generation. This new RFP targeted electricity retailers in Alberta only and no PSIB solicitation was issued.

The new RFP for the new solar electricity generation was posted via CanadaBuys (SAP Ariba) on January 11, 2022 and closed June 1, 2022. During this period, 33 questions were submitted and answered through the issuance of ten amendments with respect to the RFP process. The FM reviewed the questions, answers, and respective amendments prior to their issuance.

In our opinion, all fairness-related considerations were satisfactorily addressed by the CA.

Request for proposal evaluation phase

One bid was received before the closing time of the RFP. An information session for the technical evaluation team was held on May 25, 2022, which was attended by the FM. The evaluation of the bids consisted of a review of the documentation submitted by the bidders as indicated in the RFP. The evaluation of bids began on June 2, 2022 and the consensus meeting was held on June 14, 2022. The FM was present during the consensus evaluation.

As a result of the consensus evaluation, it was determined that some response areas did not present the full evidence expected. In accordance with the RFP phased bid compliance process, a compliance assessment report (CAR) was issued to the bidder in order that additional information be provided.

A response to the CAR was received and a consensus meeting for its review took place on June 24, 2022, which the FM attended. The bid was considered compliant following the CAR process.

Reference documents

Documents related to the solicitation EW038-210082 and later EW038-221085, are available on CanadaBuys or through the project office.

Addendum to the final report

March 8, 2023

Addendum to the FM final report dated October 18, 2022, on the competitive procurement process for the Alberta Bulk Clean Electricity.

This addendum to the FM final report covers the period following the conclusion of the evaluation phase.

Fairness monitoring activities related to contract award and debriefings

One bid was submitted in response to the RFP. The bid received was deemed responsive.

The successful bidder was notified of contract award on November 25, 2022, through a letter sent to the bidder.

No debriefing was requested.

Attestation of assurance

The FM hereby provides the unqualified assurance statement below concerning the competitive selection process for the Alberta Bulk Clean Electricity.

It is our professional opinion that the competitive selection process that we observed or monitored, was carried out in a fair, open and transparent manner.

Original signed by: