The government of British Columbia has received six proposals in response to the Negotiated Request for Proposals (NRFP) for the privatization of the Liquor Distribution Branch's warehousing and distribution services.

The due date for proposals was Friday, June 29, 2012. Submissions were received from:

• ContainerWorld Forwarding Services Inc.

• Exel Canada Ltd.

• Hillebrand Westlink Inc.

• Kuehne + Nagel Ltd.

• Metro Supply Chain Group Inc.

• Schenker of Canada Ltd.

The proposals will be evaluated according to government procurement policy and procedures by a committee of experienced executives from the Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government and the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Liquor Distribution Branch).

The government of B.C., through the NRFP, wants to put in place a better service delivery model that is more predictable and cost effective for existing liquor stores and other warehouse customers. The B.C. government is currently exploring what might be possible and will only move forward if a better service delivery model can be provided by the private sector.

It is anticipated that the private sector can distribute liquor more cost effectively than government. Any new system would have to demonstrate itself to be fair, more effective and efficient, and lower overall costs to government. Liquor pricing is not a part of the NRFP. Pricing and collection of revenue for liquor in B.C. remains in the hands of the government of B.C. - not the distributor.

Based on the submissions received, the NRFP evaluation committee will create a shortlist of up to three of the most qualified companies by July 20, 2012. The shortlisted companies will then have an opportunity to refine their proposals based on discussions with the government evaluation team. The committee will determine which of these refined proposals best meets government's objectives, and in the event it is established a better service delivery model can be achieved, will announce the successful company in October 2012. A services agreement would then be negotiated with the successful company by March 2013.

The NRFP process is publicly available on the BCBid website. The process will be conducted according to government policy and using proper government procedures, methodology and safeguards.

A fairness monitor has also been put in place to ensure a fair and transparent process and will prepare a publicly available fairness summary of the procurement process. The monitor was selected through a competitive procurement process and has been involved from the early stages of the project.

To read more about the Liquor Distribution Branch privatization process, visit: http://ow.ly/bZFHe

Read the NRFP at: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/open.dll/submitLogin?disID=22322759

Contact:

Jason Macnaughton
Communications Director
Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government
250 387-3134