Thank you.
In the contract we have with ProFac, we outline the methodology they must use for securing contractors. ProFac use a rotational list for projects under $25,000. They pre-qualify contractors.
For jobs greater than $25,000, they call tenders, again from a qualified list of companies. Any company can register with ProFac at any time. There's a predetermined form for registration, and anybody can get on the ProFac registration list, provided they meet the qualifications.
In the real property industry--and these stats come from the Construction Sector Council--over 90% of firms are small and medium enterprises within the industry itself. So the industry lends itself to small and medium enterprises.
Does ProFac operate coast to coast? Absolutely. The other specific thing about ProFac is that the small and medium enterprises we're using in the delivery of those services are very localized, so they use the contractors from those specific communities where the buildings are located.
In terms of audit and verification, we work in a key performance indicator approach where ProFac must submit their performance indication to us on an annual basis. We have the right to go in and audit their books at any time, based on the contracts. Very few complaints have come through to our department as a result of our contract with ProFac and subcontractors since ProFac has undertaken the work on behalf of Public Works over the past year.