Public-private partnerships and unsolicited proposals

Overview

We are committed to finding alternative ways to finance and deliver infrastructure projects. This means using a combination of traditional and innovative financing and delivery models, including public-private partnerships (P3) and unsolicited proposals (USP).

The Public-Private Partnership Framework and Guideline, updated in December 2020, increases our options as to what P3 model can be considered for capital project delivery including variants such as design-build-finance and revenue based P3s, such as build-operate-transfer.

• News release: Attracting private investment for public infrastructure

The Unsolicited Proposal Framework and Guideline has been updated to reflect improvements based on industry members’ feedback.

• Read the USP framework fact sheet for a summary of the changes.

Through the USP framework, private sector organizations are encouraged to come forward with creative financing solutions to help provide the facilities and other infrastructure Albertans need.

The updated USP framework clarifies the process for private sector and industry investors and members to submit viable proposals for financing and delivering needed public infrastructure.

Ensuring clearer guidelines and approval processes for these proposals support and attract private investment capital into the province’s economy, create jobs, and ensure Albertans have the public infrastructure they need.

Current P3s

Five new high schools moving ahead through a public-private partnership (P3) will save Alberta taxpayers $114.5 million, support 1,678 jobs and provide about 7,000 new student spaces as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

• News release: P3 schools save money, support jobs and students – September 29, 2021

In September 2021, the Alberta government entered into an agreement with Concert-Bird Partners to design, build, finance and maintain (DBFM) 5 new schools. The schools are anticipated to open in 2024.

Concert-Bird Partners will maintain the schools until May 2054. Concert-Bird Partners’ performance will be monitored by the Alberta government throughout this period.

• Value for Money Report
• Request for Qualifications  – DBFM of 5 New High Schools in Alberta
• Request for Proposals  – DBFM and Renewal of 5 New High Schools in Alberta
• Design Build Finance Agreement

Current unsolicited proposals

We encourage the private sector to submit unsolicited proposals for the financing and delivery of public infrastructure. Details about submitting proposals can be found in the Unsolicited Proposal Framework and Guideline.

In March 2022, the Alberta government approved the first successful unsolicited proposal to help construct the new Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre in Red Deer.

Through the USP, private organizations and government have come together to support this $22.4 million project. This cost includes $19 million in donor funding and equity and $3.4 million from the Alberta government, which will be used to connect utility lines to service the land. The approved proposal includes a land lease from the Red Deer Polytechnic under a 50-year lease agreement at $1 per year. The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre will construct and operate the new centre.

News release: Supporting vulnerable children in central Alberta – March 1, 2022

Previous P3s

Forty new Alberta schools have been built since 2008 under Public-private partnerships (P3) contracts. All of these schools, owned and operated by various school jurisdictions across Alberta, are now in the operations phase and maintained by the P3 Contractor.

The Evan-Thomas Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility in Kananaskis Country was expanded and upgraded using a P3 delivery method. The facility is in the operations phase and operated by the P3 Contractor.

Contact

Connect with Properties Division:

Phone: 780-902-7783
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Alberta Schools Alternative Procurement
6950 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T6H 5V7