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Service Provider Toolkit

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a Vendor of Record?

To become a Vendor of Record, service providers must be prequalified through SWIFT’s Request for Prequalification (RFPQ) process which requires interested applicants to share information about the exact location of their existing infrastructure and known service gaps. Applicants are also required to provide details pertaining to their business structure and financial capabilities. Only service providers who have met the requirements of the prequalification phase will be eligible and invited to submit network designs and proposals to address broadband connectivity challenges within underserved communities across Southwestern Ontario, Niagara and Caledon. Interested service providers who did not participate in the RFPQ process may contact [email protected] for more information regarding application for placement on SWIFT’s Vendor of Record list.

Where can I view bidding opportunities?

SWIFT will issue and post all upcoming Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on bids&tenders™, an electronic tendering service which provides information on bidding opportunities for eligible funding areas within the project region.

How are projects selected?

Prequalified service providers will be invited to submit network designs and proposals to address service gaps in eligible funding areas throughout Southwestern Ontario, Niagara and Caledon. A team consisting of SWIFT staff and a municipal representative will evaluate all compliant proposals against the assessment criteria to identify high-quality projects that maximize outcomes. SWIFT will then select and award funding to the projects that scored the highest based on the evaluation process.

What are the funding contributions?

SWIFT brings together private and public-sector organizations to optimize the cost of broadband infrastructure and maximize its connectivity reach to underserved areas and operates on a cost-sharing basis. SWIFT will offer funding up to 2/3 (equal funding amounts from the federal and provincial governments) of the total project cost with service providers required to contribute a minimum of 1/3 towards the awarded project(s).

Will SWIFT fund only fibre projects?

When evaluating service providers proposals preference will be given to scalable technologies, however the project is technology agnostic, meaning SWIFT will allow proposals that include any standards-based technologies so long as it can deliver reliable and consistent broadband speeds of at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload (50/10), the Universal Service Objective established by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Is there a formal RFP process for contractors?

SWIFT will not be issuing RFPs for contracting or sub-contracting services. Contractors or sub-contractors interested in participating in funded projects should contact the service providers on SWIFT’s Vendor of Records list directly.

Who should I contact to find out more information?

If you have additional questions related to SWIFT’s procurement process, please contact [email protected] for more information.