Any contractor with appropriate experience, liability insurance, who is financially sound and has completed hthe University of Toronto Contractor's Qualification Statement, can bid on University work. If you wish to recommend a firm, the Purchasing Department can analyse a contractor's qualification statement within a week. The list of qualified contractors is updated monthly and is available from Purchasing. The tender or quote is awarded to the lowest bidder unless there are circumstances such as improper documentation, unacceptable completion dates or serious errors in the submission. With formal tenders, the Purchasing Officer within the Purchasing Department makes the decision jointly with the Property Manager or Design representative.
Departments are always welcome to attend and review tender openings.
University Trades are primarily considered an emergency response service. On project work, they bid, just like any contractor, for the work. However, you may always request that your Property Manager seek competitive pricing from other contractors. This process should not take more than a week and the work can then be awarded to the low bidder. It should be noted that you are not charged GST on University Trades labour costs, unlike contractor costs.