The City uses prequalification as a method to develop and maintain a list of Prime Contractors who meet the minimum standards to be considered for City construction work in various work categories.
What is a prime contractor
A prime contractor is an employer who:
- has a contract with the owner of a project or job
- has the expertise/experience to take full responsibility for its completion
- undertakes to complete the entire contract and may employ and manage one or more subcontractors to carry out specific portions of the contract
- is responsible for the management of the entire contract, including but not limited to safety considerations for the contract, thereby assuming liability for the project
Who should be prequalified
Contractors interested in working for The City as a Prime Contractor for major constructions projects must be prequalified in order to bid on future opportunities. The prequalification is not for vendors or suppliers of goods and general services.
Categories of construction that require prequalification are specified in the prequalification document. Requirements for categories of construction that are not listed in the prequalification document are advertised on The City's website (see Bid Opportunities) and the Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) as business needs arise.
The City does not have a prequalification for sub contractors at this time.
How to become prequalified
Contractors must respond to The City's Request for Prequalification (RFPQ) for Prime Contractor for Construction Projects. For more information on the RFPQ, see 
#12-010 Prequalification for Prime Contractor for Construction Projects.
Once responses are evaluated, Contractors who meet the minimum standards specified in the document will be will be notified by The City of their prequalification status.
Compliance requirements
Contractors who have applied for Prequalified Prime Contractor for Construction Projects status are evaluated on four elements of compliance:
- Commercial (e.g., WCB, safety certification, bonding, etc.)
- Safety
- Environmental
- Technical - requirements will include previous experience working as a Prime Contractor, references, past experience within the applicable scope of work.
Validity period for prequalification
The validity period for prequalification based on RFPQ #12-010 is three (3) years from the date of notice of prequalification; however, The City may, at any time during the prequalification period, re-evaluate or require further information from the prime contractor to maintain their "prequalified" status.
Prequalification presentation
On January 17, 2012, The City of Calgary’s Supply Management group made a presentation to members of the Calgary Construction Association (CCA):
City of Calgary prequalification for prime contractor presentation
Prequalification presentation questions and answers
