Cape John – Breakwater Betterment, NS

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours program is seeking a qualified contractor to perform comprehensive breakwater improvement works at Cape John Harbour in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, with the contract period extending from award until January 29, 2027. The scope of work includes mobilization and demobilization, demolition and removal of the existing breakwater, careful sorting and reinstallation of usable armourstone and filter stone, and the supply, hauling, placement, and grading of new 4–6 tonne class armourstone to exact specifications. Additional tasks involve restoring and improving the structure, implementing environmental protection and erosion control measures, ensuring navigational safety, and conducting final site restoration and cleanup. All work must be carried out in an active fishing harbour with minimal disruption to ongoing operations, requiring careful coordination. Bidders are strongly urged to conduct a site visit at their own expense to fully understand site conditions, weather exposure, access constraints, and logistical challenges, as no adjustments will be permitted post-bid for unanticipated conditions. The contract is structured around a unit price format with detailed line items for materials, labor, and services, though no pricing values have been filled in, and the total estimated contract value is not specified. Performance is evaluated based on five equally weighted factors—quality of workmanship, schedule adherence, project management, contract management, and health and safety—with a scoring system tied to risk outcomes ranging from low to very high risk, impacting future contract eligibility. The contractor must comply with Canadian standards including the National Building Code, Canada Shipping Act, and provincial safety codes, while adhering to strict material specifications, preservation standards, and environmental safeguards to prevent contamination and invasive species introduction. Marking and labeling requirements align with Canadian Coast Guard and TP 968 navigation standards. Special contractual provisions exclude security clearance requirements and impose modified liability caps on first-party claims capped at $5 million per occurrence or $20 million total, with no cap on third-party liability. Insurance obligations are specified but not detailed, and no options for contract extension are included. Proposals must be submitted electronically via email by August 12, 2026, and must include mandatory certifications regarding ethical eligibility, absence of suspension or debarment, and a valid Business Number. The Departmental Representative retains authority for inspection and acceptance at the site, with final certification conditional on compliance with all technical, safety, and environmental requirements.