Prequalification of General Contractors for Freeport Tank Recoating and Asset Renewals

The Region of Waterloo has issued Request for Prequalification PQ2026-25 to identify experienced general contractors for the rehabilitation, upgrade, and repair of the Freeport Tank, a 7,000 cubic meter composite elevated water supply tank in Kitchener, Ontario. The project scope includes interior and exterior recoating, welding upgrades, scaffolding, and electrical system upgrades, with an estimated value of 5,500,000 dollars. The contract is expected to be awarded on January 4, 2027, with a mandatory requirement that the tank be returned to service by September 1, 2027. To qualify, proponents must meet strict mandatory requirements, including providing a signed statutory declaration, a financial institution reference letter, and proof of comprehensive and automobile liability insurance of at least 5,000,000 dollars each. Additionally, contractors must demonstrate the capacity to obtain 50 percent performance bonds and 50 percent labour and material payment bonds. Technical qualifications are critical, requiring lead coating QA/QC personnel to hold AMPP Level 3 certification with seven years of experience, and all welders to be CWB certified. All materials in contact with potable water must be NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certified. Submissions must be made electronically by October 23, 2026, as hard copies will not be accepted. Evaluation is based on the quality of information provided, with proponents needing to meet minimum point thresholds and a total score of 68 to avoid exclusion. The Region may also conduct meetings to verify capabilities and will score references based on schedule adherence, safety, and subcontractor management. Site-specific health and safety plans for confined space entry and working-at-heights are required, and proponents must be capable of supporting day and night shifts during coating and welding phases.