December 18, 2017
Regarding Implementation of Certificate Of Recognition (COR™) Program For Metrolinx Construction Projects
This communication is intended to replace the communication issued to vendors, via MERX, on December 13, 2016. Metrolinx would like to clarify the following as it pertains to COR™:
In order for submissions to be considered for any Metrolinx construction tender award, those vendors acting as general contractors must achieve the following mandatory milestones by the dates indicated below:
- COR™ “Registered” status with IHSA as of the date of Closing for any construction procurements with an estimated value under $5 million[1], issued on or after January 1, 2017.
- COR™ “Certified” status with IHSA, as of the date of Closing for any construction procurements with an estimated value of $5 million1 and over, issued on or after January 1, 2017.
- COR™ “Certified” status with IHSA, or OHSAS 18001 Certified for Bidding Purposes, as of the date of Closing for any construction procurements, regardless of estimated project value, issued on or after January 1, 2018.
OHSAS 18001 Certified for Bidding Purposes
IHSA has a process in place for “OHSAS 18001 Equivalency to COR™ Audit”. “OHSAS 18001” certification will be accepted for bidding purposes. Metrolinx will require a successful vendor to achieve COR™ Certified status with IHSA within a defined timeframe (further information to follow).
Vendors are encouraged to be proactive in submitting applications, for “OHSAS 18001 Equivalency to COR™ Audit”, to IHSA in advance of the January 1, 2018 deadline established by Metrolinx, to achieve COR™ “Certified” status with IHSA.
Out-of-Province COR™ Reciprocity for Bidding Purposes
Metrolinx is currently evaluating whether Out-of-Province COR™ Reciprocity for bidding purposes would be deemed acceptable. Further information will be provided to vendors in early 2018. Until such time, vendors are expected to demonstrate the applicable status as noted in 1. through 3. above.
In the interim, vendors wishing to participate in Metrolinx procurement processes are encouraged to be proactive in submitting applications to IHSA in advance of the January 1, 2018 deadline established by Metrolinx, to achieve COR™ “Certified” status with IHSA.
Impacts to Prequalified Lists
Prior to January 1, 2018, Metrolinx will reach out to those vendors on Metrolinx prequalified lists, not currently having achieved COR™ Certified status with IHSA, to advise them that they will be placed on a “Wait List” status effective January 1, 2018, unless they can demonstrate they meet one of the following requirements:
1. COR™ Certified status with IHSA; or
3 OHSAS 18001 certification, and that the vendor has initiated the process to obtain COR™ Certified status through IHSA.
Wait List Status
A “Wait List” status means a qualified vendor will be removed from one or more prequalified lists until such time that the vendor can provide documentation to substantiate a valid COR™ “Certified” status or OHSAS 18001 certification.
Impacts to Prequalifications Issued Pre and Post January 1, 2018
Vendors providing submissions for construction prequalification processes issued prior to January 1, 2018, will have their submissions evaluated, as per the evaluation criteria stated in the prequalification document. Vendors, meeting the minimum score requirement, however unable to demonstrate COR™ “Certified” status or OHSAS 18001 certification, will be placed on a “Wait List”.
Prequalification processes issued on or after January 1, 2018 will require a vendor to demonstrate COR™ “Certified” status, or OHSAS 18001 certification, as of the date of Closing of the prequalification process. A vendor unable to demonstrate the aforementioned, shall not be considered further.
Overall Impact to Vendors
Vendors unable to demonstrate the applicable COR™ status (1. through 3. above), as of the date of Closing for any construction procurements, risk having their submissions deemed non-compliant and disqualified from a procurement process.
Please be reminded that COR™ certification benefits both owners and vendors in ensuring that construction contractor’s health and safety policies and programs adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.
Vendors who wish to obtain more information about COR™ and the registration/certification process, are requested to contact:
Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA)
5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 400
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 0A1
Email: cor@ihsa.ca
Website: www.ihsa.ca/cor
Telephone: 1-800-263-5024
or
Caterina Papa
Procurement Advisor, Procurement Services
Metrolinx
Email: Caterina.papa@metrolinx.com
Phone: (416) 202-5667
[1] Estimated value is based on Metrolinx’ internal budget estimate and not Vendor’s bid price.
