The critic for public procurement is once again questioning alleged Liberal favouritism in the awarding of major contracts.

PC MHA Barry Petten says an Access to Information request surrounding renovations to the Health Sciences Emergency shows “a frustrated bidder” calling out the process with “no action taken by government” to address their concerns.

The opposition says a prospective bidder wrote an email to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure on August 16 remarking that the tender was unbiddable and seemed to be tipped in the favour of Marco.

Petten says contractors are afraid to speak out.

He says companies are shying away from bidding on contracts because everything seems to be “weighed in one company’s favour.” He’s been told by various contractors that they are reluctant to come forward “because of fear of reprisal.”

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure says the tender for the Health Sciences ER originally included a clause for liquidated damages at $8,000 dollars a day. That is used as a payment deduction when construction continues beyond the contractual completion date.

As the result of feedback provided to department officials, liquidated damages were reduced to $2,000 dollars per day before the tender closed. According to the department that amendment was includes in the Access to Information file, but was not referenced by the official Opposition.

The Department says four bids were submitted for the project, including one from the bidder referenced by the Opposition.

1. JMJ Holdings: $41,427,007

2. Pomerleau: $41,270,831

3. Olympic Construction: $44,084,053.58

4. Marco Group: $40,503,000