Please note that this is an 12 hour course that takes place over 3 days. There is no oppourtunity to re-schedule or for a partial refund if a student cannot attend all sessions. 

You will receive login instructions from the instructor in advance of the workshop. 

There is an Orientation session that will be scheduled a week before the class.  You will receive a calendar appointment from the instructor for the session:

From a team of multi-discipline trainers...

For the first time, we are bringing virtual instructor-led expertise to your office through the synergy of multi-discipline trainers’ decades of knowledge that has only been delivered at conferences.  And it gets better!  In the past, conference presentations have been focused on a one-way exchange of know-how from the speakers to you.  This workshop moves beyond that one-way exchange to allow you to apply what you have learned. 

A team of multi-discipline experts will provide you with exceptional feedback, great insight and actionable strategies.  We look forward to sharing this expertise with you.

Whether you are the:

• Project Owner or P³ Developer seeking qualified contractors or issuing a proposal request,
• Design Consultant creating, reviewing or participating in the process for Design Build or Integrated Project Delivery,
• General Contractor responding to any project delivery method process, or the
• Subcontractor new to the "Party Invitation" activities,

This session will share decades of expertise from a Project Owner, Consultant and Contractor on how to make sure each partner is successful in the pursuit.  

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

In this workshop you will:

• Learn the key ingredients to prepare a successful Request for Qualification (RFQ)
• Understand the Project Owner’s mindset in soliciting a Request for Proposal (RFP) competition
• Identify “homework” to be done prior to responding to the RFQ/RFP
• Familiarize yourself with best practices when successfully responding to an RFP
• Develop a winning RFP strategy
• Recognize the same techniques for successful Subcontractor submissions
• Understand how to prepare for, manage and excel in the Interview
• Learn about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and create ideas on how to demonstrate your CSR Strategy
• Apply learnings to an RFP case study and table your RFP mini proposal to an evaluation panel
• Enhance your presentation skills by participating in an RFP interview simulation

AUDIENCE:

• General Contractors and Subcontractors:
• Construction Company Owners/Managers
• Project Managers
• Superintendents
• Business Development Managers
• Commercial Project Managers
• Project Owners
• Third party Project Managers (for the Project Owner)
• P³ Developers
• Architects and Engineers

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Computer or laptop
   • Windows 10 or Mac iOS is recommended 
2. Internet connection - For best results, you will want to ensure you have an internet connection with an upload/download speed of 3-5 Mbps. You can test your internet speed here. Minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps, but anything below 3 Mbps may result in loss of quality or buffering. Ideally hardwired connection versus wireless for stability - connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, rather than using your home wi-fi.
3. A quiet space with minimal distractions - Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.  
4. Comfortable chair 

Format: 

• Live, Online, Instructor-led training, with a maximum class size of 20 students.
• This workshop is facilitated on the Zoom platform. Access information from the instructor will be provided to you in advance of the orientation and training.
• Orientation Session (30 minutes):
  • Date TBD
• Three (3) morning sessions (4 hours each) over 3 days
• Attendance and participation in all three workshop sessions is mandatory for workshop completion. *Please note that If a student misses a class session, we are unable to transfer registration or provide a partial refund of the registration fees.

This course is delivered in partnership between your local construction association and other associations throughout Western Canada. You’ll be participating in a cohort with industry peers from across these regions. 

INSTRUCTORS:

Mark Scharf, BA Hons, MHA

Mark recently retired from the University of Calgary where he was responsible for the delivery of capital projects across the organization. The annual workload entailed approximately 400 capital and renovation projects per year with an annual project spend of approximately $150M. During his 12- year tenure as Director, the Project Management Office delivered   9 new buildings including multiple teaching and applied research buildings, major infrastructure renewals, new residence halls and a new main library. Mark was actively engaged with procuring design and construction teams and negotiating and overseeing a wide variety of contracts including Design Build, Construction Management at Risk, Lump Sum and performance-based engagements.

Mark brings 30 plus years of public sector experience with both post-secondary and health organizations including the Calgary Health Region and Age Care Senior Communities. Mark takes pride in building strong teams, mentoring the next generation of project professionals and engaging diverse stakeholders in achieving outstanding results.

Bill Chomik, AAA, SAA, OAA, AIBC, FRAIC, RCA

Kasian, Senior Principal, Vice President Institutional. 

A leading Canadian architect and considered a visionary in his field, Bill has 40 years of experience in architecture, overseeing the design and construction of over 750 buildings worldwide. Bill’s accomplishments include the University of Calgary’s Taylor Family Digital Library; National Music Centre, Calgary; Calgary Courts Centre; Guangzhou Planetarium, China; Alder Planetarium, Chicago, Illinois; Grande Prairie Library and Art Gallery, Red Deer Performing Arts Centre and Simon Fraser University Trottier Observatory.  As a Senior Principal at Kasian, he leads the delivery of architectural, strategic planning (master planning and programming), and interior planning and urban planning services.

Elisa Brandts, AAA, OAA, NSAA, FRAIC & Stantec, Managing Senior Principal

Elisa is a Senior Principal and the Business Centre Managing Leader for our buildings group in British Columbia. Her role combines active senior team leadership and financial and studio management with managing significant projects, particularly of large-scale alternate delivery scope, IPD and those integrating Lean process.

Elisa’s accomplishments include Eric Hamber Secondary School Replacement Project, Vancouver; Camosun College Alex and Jo Campbell School of Health Sciences, Victoria; Canalta Centre, (2015)*, Medicine Hat, Alberta; Sault Ste. Marie Event Centre, (2006)*,  Sault Ste Marie, Ontario; Youngstown Convocation Center, (2005)*, Youngstown, OH, USA; Rideau Carleton Raceway, (2000)*, Ottawa.

Bob Hildenbrandt, P.Eng., LEED AP, GSC

A dedicated construction professional with over 40 years of experience in the Alberta marketplace.  Bob has recently retired from Graham Construction where he was Vice-President, Prairies.  He developed and led a regional team of construction groups in Western Canada, focused on performance and client satisfaction.

His prior experience includes leadership roles at Ledcor and PCL with an extensive list of major projects as project manager and executive-in-charge.  He was also part of a significant team executing major projects in Alberta’s Oil and Gas market by developing strategic initiatives.  Bob has an excellent reputation in building teams, motivating staff, and overcoming challenges in the delivery of construction projects.  He has developed strong personal relationships throughout all facets of the industry including Clients, Consultants and Trades.

Bob is a past Chair of the Calgary Construction Association and Alberta Construction Association, and was on the Board and Executive of the Canadian Construction Association, as well as chair of national construction industry organizations focused on BIM and Lean Construction.

FACILITATOR:

Debbie Hicks, B.Sc. DSH Consulting, Kelowna, BC.

With a comprehensive and varied education background, learning has been at the core of her career.   As former President of the Southern Interior Construction Association in BC for 22 years, liaising with the buyers of construction services, architects, engineers and contractors in advocacy and education brings a solid base to her expertise.  In addition, her experience as the owner representative for the construction of the new Clubhouse for the Kelowna Yacht Club has provided additional perspective. She has been fortunate to work with the Alberta Construction Association to facilitate industry dialogue on “Optimizing the Flow of Money” and “Non-Standard Contract Clauses and their Costs”.  Through these experiences, with a lot of passion and enthusiasm, Debbie is able to bring both knowledge and insight into her work and presentations for the construction industry.

CREDITS:

This course has been accredited by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) for 4 credits towards Gold Seal certification for in-class attendance.
 

This course has been approved by BC Housing Licensing and Consumer Services (formerly Homeowners Protection Office) for twelve (12) points towards Continued Professional Development (CPD) for in-class attendance.

This course has been approved by Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) for twelve (12) core units towards AIBC’s Continuing Education System

Fee Includes: Course materials and digital certificate upon completion..

Cancellation & Substitution Policy: Payment is non-refundable for cancellations made within 7 business days of the course, or non-attendance on the day. Complimentary substitution of another member of your company is accepted. 

If VRCA has to postpone or cancel courses due to insufficient enrolment, VRCA will refund the registration fee or, if possible, the attendee may choose to move to an identical session in the future.