Hon. Titus Allooloo's return to Question W29-12(2), asked by Mr. Nerysoo on March 25, 1992: The following response is provided to the questions asked by Mr. Nerysoo concerning the awarding of ice road contracts in the Mackenzie Delta and the provision of permits required for government contracts.
1) A tender call was not issued for construction and maintenance of this year's ice roads between Inuvik, Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk.
2) Executive Council approval was given to waive tendering and to negotiate this year's contract for construction of the Mackenzie Delta ice roads directly with the Inuvialuit Development Corporation. By combining the previous three contracts, the Department of Transportation was able to achieve more efficient use of equipment and to consolidate its contract administration. The single contract for the winter roads in the Mackenzie Delta reduced the department's costs.
3) Under the terms of the Department of Transportation contracts, provision of permits and licences is generally the responsibility of the successful contractor. This includes business licences, Workers' Compensation Board registration, highway operating authorities and vehicle licences.
Some permits, such as federal land use permits, are obtained by the department on behalf of the contractor to avoid delaying the project because of lengthy application processing time. In this case, the contractors competing for work are advised of the terms and conditions of the permit as part of their tender package. Upon award of the contract, the successful contractor is authorized by the department to operate under the authority of the permit.