After Hours Answering Service

The City of Pickering is seeking quotations for an After Hours Answering Service under solicitation Q2026-35. The selected provider will be responsible for managing telephone answering services from 4:30pm to 8:30am on weekdays and 24 hours per day on weekends, with additional requirements during emergencies or unplanned City Hall closures. The primary deliverable is the daily delivery of messages to a designated email address. The contract features an initial one-year term with the option for the City to extend for four additional one-year periods, with an anticipated execution date of October 30, 2026. The award will be granted to the top-ranked respondent based on a weighted scoring system totaling 100 points, following a three-stage evaluation process that includes mandatory submission reviews, technical requirements, and non-price rated criteria. A minimum threshold of 48 points is required for the non-price rated category to proceed. Mandatory requirements for the successful supplier include maintaining comprehensive general liability insurance of at least 2,000,000 dollars and providing a Certificate of Clearance from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Quotations must be submitted via the electronic bidding system by October 5, 2026, and must include pricing for a monthly service package, included minutes, excess minute rates, and statutory holiday fees.