The second return, Mr. Speaker, it I may, is a reply to a question asked by Mr. Rabesca on February 20th, regarding the award of brush-clearing contract at Frank's Channel.
Mr. Speaker, the request for bids to conduct brush clearing along 34 kilometres of the Snare transmission line was advertised for the first time in News/North on January 29, 1996, with a closing date of February 16th.
On February 7th, the Rae band sent a fax to the Power Corporation head office in Hay River requesting the tender documents be sent by bus. The documents were sent that same day.
Two bids from qualified registered NWT businesses have been received and they are currently being evaluated. The contract has not been awarded yet. The target date for awarding a contract is February 29th.
Mr. Speaker, the process used is consistent with all Power Corporation tendering procedures. The level of security bonding requested is consistent with standard Power Corporation contract requirements. The corporation can adjust bond requirements, depending on the nature of the work. In future, contracts of this nature will be reviewed to assess the necessity of posting bonds, and tenders will be designed accordingly.
The Northwest Territories Power Corporation endeavours to increase local employment and business opportunities wherever practical and cost effective. It is committed to obtaining goods and services at the most economical rate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.