The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for replacement of Her Majesty’s Penitentiary officially closed on Friday, February 16, and one submission was received from New Avalon Corrections Partners.

The RFQ represents the first stage in a two-stage procurement process for the facility, allowing for identification of bid teams, not a proposal. It also included a provision in the event there was only one proponent, reserving the right to modify the procurement model to ensure best value.

Government will continue the procurement process with the one proponent in accordance with the Public Procurement Act and Regulations. It will also continue to work with its independent advisors who help develop the specifications, guide the procurement and help ensure the proposal will result in the best value for taxpayers’ money.

In January 2024, government re-issued an RFQ for the replacement of the adult correctional facility, as a result of significantly increased construction costs. The parameters of the project were re-evaluated with an aim of procuring a new facility that is fiscally responsible, while also maintaining the new planned programming.

All of government’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) projects are replacing antiquated infrastructure, improving service delivery, providing employment, and providing new infrastructure at a responsible cost to taxpayers. Examples include the new Western Regional Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook; new long-term care homes in Corner Brook, Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor; and the new Mental Health and Addictions Centre currently under construction in St. John’s.

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“Our approach is replacing outdated infrastructure, providing employment and providing new, modern infrastructure at a responsible cost to taxpayers. Through this process, we look forward to a new facility that will meet the needs of the community.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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