PSPC launches construction management RFP for Block 2
The federal government is pushing forward with the next step to redevelop a key piece of real estate in Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct.
On August 30, Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced that the feds had launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for construction management services as part of the Block 2 redevelopment project.
Block 2, which is bounded by Metcalfe, Wellington, O'Connor and Sparks streets, sits directly across the street from Parliament Hill. The government has zeroed in on the block as a key component of its long-term vision and plan for the Parliamentary Precinct.
The project aims to transform a mix of aging buildings and two vacant parcels of land into an innovative complex that will meet the needs of Parliament and the public.
The redesigned block is intended to provide office space for the Senate and the House of Commons to allow for the rehabilitation of the East Block and the Confederation Building. In the long term, it will act as permanent space to allow for the future consolidation of parliamentary accommodations. It will also include renovated retail space on the Sparks Street mall.
The RFP is open to all construction management companies. The government wants to hire a construction manager to analyze and develop the project implementation options, and manage the deconstruction, construction and heritage conservation for the project.
It expects to award the construction management contract in early 2024, with preliminary construction activities expected to begin later that year.
"The Block 2 redevelopment project will transform the Parliamentary Precinct into an innovative, accessible and modern complex that will better serve Canadians and meet the needs of Parliament,” said Duclos. “This Request for Proposal for Block 2 is an important step toward modernizing this historic area."
In May 2022, Public Services and Procurement Canada awarded the architectural and engineering services contract for the Block 2 project to Toronto’s Zeidler Architecture Inc. in association with London, England-based David Chipperfield Architects.
PSPC has established a target of 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for the Parliamentary Precinct by 2030.