National Renewable Energy Certificates

Fairness monitor request for information report: July 3, 2024

Addendum to final report: August 20, 2024

Submitted to: Director, Fairness Monitoring Program

Submitted by: Samson

On this page

Attestation of assurance

The fairness monitor (FM) hereby provides the unqualified assurance statement below concerning the National Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) procurement process up to and including the conclusion of the third request for proposal (RFP) evaluation phase.

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

Original signed by:

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

Activity requirement

Samson was engaged on June 12, 2020 as an FM to observe the procurement process for the National REC, issued by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), under solicitation EP959-211948/A Samson is an independent third party with respect to this activity.

This report covers the activities of the FM during the request for information (RFI) phase from 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 third RFP evaluation, which closed on November 29, 2023. While we were not involved in the initial RFI stage, all relevant documentation was provided for review and we had full access to all aspects of the procurement process.

The Government of Canada is proposing to enter into 1 or more contracts directly with generators, to create additional renewable electricity generation capacity in Canada. The contracted generators must supply Canada with all RECs generated under the agreement.

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

This report includes:

Fairness monitoring engagement and observations

In accordance with the terms of our engagement, we:

In this section

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.

Initial request for proposal phase

Pursuant to the RFI, an RFP phase was undertaken as solicitation EP959-211948/A for National REC. A separate RFP was also issued as part of the procurement strategy for indigenous businesses (PSIB).

The 2 RFP for the National REC were posted via buyandsell.gc.ca on January 7, 2021 and closed February 24, 2021. During this period, 52 questions were submitted and answered through the issuance of 3 amendments with respect to both RFP. The FM reviewed the questions, answers, and respective amendments prior to their issuance.

PWGSC did not receive proposals for any of the National REC solicitations on time. However, a bid was received after the RFP closing date and time for the PSIB process.

Second request for proposal phase

Following this turn of event, it was decided that sufficient interest existed for the PSIB.

A second RFP for National REC (PSIB only) was posted via buyandsell.gc.ca (SAP Ariba) as solicitation EP959-211993 on July 5, 2022 and closed September 23, 2022. During this period, 11 questions were submitted and answered through the issuance of 5 amendments. The FM reviewed the questions, answers, and respective amendments prior to their issuance.

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

Second 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 September 28, 2022, which was attended by the FM. The evaluation of the bid consisted of a review of the documentation submitted by the bidder as indicated in the RFP. The consensus meeting was held on October 13, 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 October 24, 2022, which the FM attended. The bid was considered compliant following the CAR process.

Third request for proposal phase

A third RFP for National REC was posted via CanadaBuys (SAP Ariba) as solicitation EP959-211948 on April 26, 2023 and closed September 26, 2023. During this period, 8 questions were submitted and answered through the issuance of 5 amendments. The FM reviewed the questions, answers, and respective amendments.

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

Third request for proposal evaluation phase

Three bids were received before the closing time of the RFP. An information session for the technical evaluation team was held on October 23, 2023, which was attended by the FM. The evaluation of the bid consisted of a review of the documentation submitted by the bidder as indicated in the RFP. The consensus meeting was held on November 29, 2023. 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 CAR was issued to 1 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 February 2, 2024, which the FM attended. The bid was considered compliant following the CAR process.

The financial capability assessment was completed on May 31, 2024.

The FM was involved throughout the CAR process and reviewed relevant communications and attended the related consensus meeting. No fairness-related concerns were noted.

Reference documents

Documents related to solicitation EP959-211948/A to C, and EP959-211993, are available on CanadaBuys or through the project office.

Addendum to the final report

August 20, 2024

Addendum to the final report dated July 3, 2024 for the National REC procurement process.

This addendum covers the period following the conclusion of the evaluation phase including contract award and debriefing activities.

Activities related to contract award and debriefings

Three bids were submitted in response to the RFP. The bids received were deemed responsive and 3 contracts were awarded.

The successful bidders were notified of contract award on June 19, 2024, through a letter sent to the bidder, which was reviewed by the FM. No fairness issues were noted.

No debriefing was requested.

Attestation of Assurance

The FM hereby provides the unqualified assurance statement below concerning the National REC procurement process up to and including the conclusion of the contract award and debriefing activities.

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

Original signed by:

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

Christian Dugas
Chartered Professional Accoutant
Chartered Accountant
Fairness Monitor

Page details

Date modified: