The provincial government is looking to create a short list of private sector business teams interested in designing, building, financing and maintaining the new 60-bed long-term care homes in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor.
A request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued, according to a news release from the province on Jan. 5.
A value for money assessment had already been completed that looked at methods for designing, building, financing and maintaining the new homes.
While the new homes will be built and maintained by a private company, resident care will be provided by public sector employees, similar to the arrangement used for the 145-bed long-term care home in Corner Brook.
“I’m glad to see this project moving forward with the issuing of a request for qualifications, which will start the process for selecting a proponent,” Health and Community Services Minister John Haggie said.
“The new homes for Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor will be welcome additions in the region. They will help increase capacity in the health care system, while meeting growing demand in our communities.”
The release indicated a request for proposals will be issued to qualifying companies after the RFQ process is complete. The company that is selected will build both homes under one contract. Construction will start next year.
As well, a RFP to select a design consultant for the 20-bed expansion of the protective care unit at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre in Botwood will be issued in the coming weeks, the release noted.
