The COVID‑19 pandemic has forced many Government of Canada organizations, including Defence Construction Canada, to revise their policies and procedures to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
While DCC continues to put the safety of its team members, Client‑Partners, Industry and stakeholders first under federal and provincial directives, the Corporation is managing to advance critical infrastructure and environmental projects by remaining as flexible and entrepreneurial as possible.
Operationally-focused
Phillip Stafrace, Team Leader, Construction Services at 8 Wing Trenton, the Canadian Armed Forces' largest air base, says while it's definitely not business as usual due to the pandemic (staff working from home, physical distancing, fewer in‑person client meetings), work is proceeding on critical projects such as:
- an ammunitions depot recapitalization;
- a new accommodation building;
- airfield repairs;
- various roofing upgrades; and
- resumed flights from Trenton to Canadian Forces Station Alert, for critical station improvements.
"There are always challenges in the construction industry, so we are fairly adept at being able to pivot, react and be responsive," says Stafrace.
Communication is key
Stafrace says although face-to-face communication hasn't always been possible, military and civilian operators at 8 Wing, as well as contractors and consultants have all pitched in to work around pandemic restrictions.
"Things are extremely busy because operationally the Wing has to move forward with these projects. But we'll make it through. We always do."
COVID‑19 updates
DCC continues to initiate new procurements across Canada, answer bidder questions and award contracts, with COVID‑19 terms and conditions built into each contract. E-procurement has also streamlined bidding to avoid in‑person submissions and paper handling at a time when Industry is primarily working remotely.
Updates to COVID‑19 protocols are posted regularly on the DCC website.