Memorial University has cancelled the major construction tender for its Core Science Facility (CSF) because the bids received for this work were higher than expected.

The university is now working with the project’s chief consulting firm to rework the package with a view to re-tender.

The major contract for the construction of the CSF is the CP-3 package, which was put to tender on April 15, 2016. Bids were opened on June 23, 2016, in the presence of interested bidders.

“The situation that occurred here is not unusual,” said Ann Browne, associate vice-president (facilities). “Public institutions working within strict budget parameters do encounter circumstances where all bids exceed estimate and budget.”

It is expected that this complex tender package will be revised and re-issued as soon as possible.

“Memorial remains committed to building a high-quality Core Science Facility that meets the needs of the university community and the province. The goal is to achieve construction within budget,” Ms. Browne said. “Memorial takes seriously its responsibility to deliver an on-budget project, which is why we are taking these steps at this stage of the project.”