Province extends contracts for south coast ferry service after bidding process fails

Efforts to overhaul ferry services on the south coast of Newfoundland have suffered a serious setback, with the transportation department announcing Tuesday that a request for proposals has been cancelled.

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A spokespersonwith the Department of Transportation and Works confirmed that all bids were "non-compliant" and "unable to provide service on the start date."

The department plans to re-start the process, and the current contracts withPuddister Trading Company Ltd. and Norcon Marine Services Ltd. are being extended so there are no interruptions in service.

Original deadlines extended

The province issued a request for proposals (RFP) in mid-November for the provision of ferry services to seven communities on the south coast La Poile,Francois,Grey River,Gaultois,McCallum,Rencontre East andSouth East Bight.

The RFPwas looking to identify a company "capable of managing and providing passenger and freight services in an efficient and cost-effective manner."

The original deadline for submissions was Jan. 19, with a contract expected to be awarded by Jan. 31, and a new contract to commence on April 1.

But the department extended its deadlines in January, saying bidders had requested more time.

A spokesperson confirmed that communities on the south coast were notified Tuesday that the process had been cancelled.

CBC has asked how many companies submitted bids, and why the bids were deemed non-compliant.

Companies were asked to develop their own service model and "innovative solutions" to serve roughly 720 residents in the seven communities, while providing at least one trip to and from each community each day.

The government made it clear it was looking to save money, with Transportation and Works Minister Steve Crocker referencing the province's fiscal challenges in a Nov. 16, 2017 news release.

The province spent some $8.6 million on south coast ferry services in 2016-17, and thecurrent contracts with Puddister and Norconwere set to expire March 31.