The City of Prince George (City) is seeking proposals from qualified Consultants who can demonstrate the appropriate experience, knowledge and availability needed to provide a Region-Specific Hydrogen Opportunity Assessment.

To align with CleanBC commitments and targets, set out by the Province of British Columbia to reduce emissions by 2030, Prince George has been identified as one of the regional hydrogen hubs across B.C. to foster the co-location of hydrogen supply and demand. 

There are existing Federal and Provincial financial supports for the development of hydrogen hubs including grants and tax incentives for businesses. There is significant interest from Indigenous communities in and around Prince George to support hydrogen projects, such as the proposed $5-7B hydrogen facility announced by the McLeod Lake Indian Band. 

As the main service centre for central B.C., and at a significant transportation crossroads, Prince George is well situated to distribute that fuel across 70% of the provincial landmass. The term “central” includes communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, located in the Northeast, Cariboo, Nechako, and North Coast regions of B.C. These regions are highlighted due to their significance for moving goods such as hydrogen and ammonia from Alberta, through B.C., to the Port of Prince Rupert. As well, these sites have production capacity, desire to grow the value chain and available land. 

An international airport, CN Intermodal terminal, and direct rail connection to the Port of Prince Rupert all offer ready export access. To support these potential benefits, the City requires a better understanding of the competitive advantages that exist locally and regionally to accurately represent Prince George and Prince Rupert in promoting the region as choice locations of business for these sub-sectors.

This RFPQ is intended to pre-qualify up to three (3) Respondents for a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) or Invitation to Tender (“ITT”) process (posted separately on the Bidding System at a later time), which in turn may ultimately lead to Contract negotiations, or to the creation of a Contract without negotiations.  The City also reserves the right to proceed directly to Contract negotiations without an RFP or ITT, if this RFPQ process leads the City to conclude that only one Respondent is qualified to perform the Work, for example. The City plans to apply certain desirable criteria to evaluate the submissions received in response to this RFPQ, primarily concerning the capability of each Respondent in relation to the Work as set out in further detail in this RFPQ.  In addition, certain Mandatory Requirements will apply. The evaluation results from this RFPQ will be incorporated into the evaluation during the RFP process.