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B.C. a leader in public procurement

Re: “Links abound in awarding of B.C. contracts,” Sept. 17. Dermod Travis of IntegrityBC is incorrect when he casts doubt on the integrity of the provincial government’s procurement process for major infrastructure projects.
Re: “Links abound in awarding of B.C. contracts,” Sept. 17.

Dermod Travis of IntegrityBC is incorrect when he casts doubt on the integrity of the provincial government’s procurement process for major infrastructure projects.

Provincial construction contracts are awarded after a rigorous and impartial procurement process, directed by public servants, overseen by fairness advisers and protected from improper influence such as political contributions.

Procurement decisions are made by a team of public-sector employees and advisers who have relevant expertise. Proponents’ proposals are evaluated in accordance with established criteria that follow a technical qualification process. Evaluators are screened by a conflict-of-interest committee and must be cleared prior to evaluation. The competitive selection process is monitored by an independent fairness adviser, who has access to all documents, meetings and information related to a project. During and following a project’s procurement process, the fairness adviser’s reports are made publicly available.

B.C. is an international leader in public procurement, and at Partnerships B.C., we are always looking for opportunities to improve. Whether it’s working with our industry stakeholders or implementing the recommendations of the B.C. government’s Crown corporation review, our practices are constantly evolving.

Since 2002, Partnerships B.C. has participated in more than 40 infrastructure projects, including transportation projects linking communities around the province, and health-care facilities in Abbotsford, Fort St. John and Victoria. As taxpayers, we can all celebrate that every project to date has been delivered fairly, on time and on budget.

Amanda Farrell, president and CEO

Partnerships B.C.