HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS-13-081 - Prequalification of Roofing Contractors
REPORT TO:Committee of the Whole
DATE OF MEETING:
2013-05-13
SUBMITTED BY: Larry Gordon, Director of Supply Services, 519-741-2200
ext. 7214
PREPARED BY:
Larry Gordon, Director of Supply Services, 519-741-2200
ext. 7214
WARD(S) INVOLVED: N/A
DATE OF REPORT: 2013-05-06
REPORT NO.: FCS-13-081
SUBJECT:
Prequalification of Roofing Contractors
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approves the request from Facilities Management to proceed with a
prequalification process to select a minimum of five (5) roofing contractors to be used on City
projects for a period of three years, with an option to renew for an additional two (2) one-year
periods.
BACKGROUND:
Prequalification of Roofing Contractors is standard practice in the industry; used by Cities,
Regional Municipalities, School Boards and government agencies. Council previously approved
the request/recommendation to prequalify roofing contractors in 2007 (Report Fin 07-080).
Facilities Management wishes to prequalify roofing contractors for several reasons.
The roofing assembly is one of the critical components of our facilities. Roofing is a
complex undertaking where installation errors, although not readily apparent in the short
term, in the long term can be problematic (leaks) or catastrophic (assembly failure). We
need to ensure we have competent and experienced contractors to mitigate as much
risk exposure for the City.
Training of contractors regarding City of Kitchener roofing standards and specifications
takes time on the part of staff. Having a roster of experienced and competent roofing
contractors enlisted for a 3-5 year period allows staff to be most efficient in the area of
training and communications.
Inherent in the roofing industry is the level of risk to workers and pedestrians from work
overhead and with materials of extreme temperature. The City of Kitchener must
practice due diligence to protect the safety of contractors and the safety of city
staff/public. To ensure contractor and staff/public safety, we need to ensure we enlist
experienced roofing companies who are well aware of the dangers inherent in roofing
work and the associated safety procedures.
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Upon an accident investigation, the Ministry of Labour will consider our actions to ensure a safe
working environment and will consider such in issuing fines. We have seen first-hand that
certification with Roofing Associations alone does not guarantee contractor competence.
While prequalification might result in higher costs to the city in the short term, the benefit is in
the longevity of properly installed roofing assemblies and in the higher probability of a safely
conducted project.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Theme: Financial Management
Strategic Direction: Ensure responsible use of public funds within a supportive policy
framework.
The City of Kitchener’s purchasing policies and practices ensure openness, fairness and
transparency in the procurement of goods and services.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Not applicable.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Dan Chapman, Deputy CAO & City Treasurer, Finance and Corporate
Services
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