TORONTO - The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Ontario have closed the request for proposals stage for shortlisted companies to submit bids to provide driver examination services and upgrade and maintain the IT systems at all DriveTest centres across the province.

The shortlisted operators include DriveON Partners, Forum Social Infrastructure Services, and Serco DES Inc.

Following the withdrawal of a shortlisted operator in August 2012, Serco DES Inc., the next highest ranking operator, was invited to submit a proposal.

The winning operator of driver examination services will be responsible for providing written and driving tests to individuals applying for driver's licences in all classes. The operator will also be responsible for maintaining and operating a network of testing centres, and responding to customer inquiries and complaints. Each year, the existing driver examination services network processes about 575,000 knowledge tests and 675,000 road tests, and exchanges more than 90,000 licences from other jurisdictions.

Over the next several weeks, Infrastructure Ontario and Ministry of Transportation staff will evaluate proposals to select a winning operator. Proposals are based on criteria set out in the request for proposals document. A copy of the document is available on Infrastructure Ontario's website at www.infrastructureontario.ca.

The winning operator is expected to be announced in spring 2013 when the evaluation process is complete.

Find out more about the procurement of this project at www.infrastructureontario.ca.

Infrastructure Ontario is a crown agency of the Province of Ontario that delivers large, complex infrastructure renewal projects on time and on budget. Over the last six years, the province has applied Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement model to 83 major projects valued at approximately $38 billion, saving taxpayers an estimated $3 billion. Infrastructure Ontario also manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and eligible public sector clients with financing to renew public infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to manage major commercial transactions on behalf of the province.

Contacts:

Paulette den Elzen
Infrastructure Ontario
416-327-5764

Bob Nichols
Ministry of Transportation
416-327-1158