The Michipicoten First Nation ("MFN") undertook to build a 1.75 MW hydroelectric generating station at Doré Falls using traditional procurement methods. They were forced to abandon the project when both design-build and conventional tendered prices from four (4) prequalified contractors exceeded a financially viable capital cost for the work.

Chant approached the MFN with an unsolicited project delivery proposal. Key aspects of our program included:

• Conducting a value management workshop with MFN and other project stakeholders to jointly identify project optimization strategies, thereby reducing the capital cost;
  
  
• Implementing a true "Partnering" spirit in the construction of the project which ensures not only maximum employment opportunities to MFN members, but facilitates meaningful knowledge transfer across a broad spectrum of construction trade and project management skills;
  
  
• Maximizing overall community benefits; and
  
  
• Facilitating a competitive financing program based on a guaranteed maximum capital cost and fixed completion date for the project.

As a result of the true partnering spirit between the MFN, ourselves and other project stakeholders, the delivery of the Doré Falls Generating Station is back "on track" and we have been chosen as MFN's delivery partner. In this capacity, working closely with the MFN, we have assembled a comprehensive business plan for the project, obtained the required approvals and permits from stakeholder agencies, finalized the design, are leading the procurement planning for the water-to-wire equipment package and will oversee construction of the work in 2006/2007.

Chant will also respond, on behalf of the MFN, to the Ontario Ministry of Energy and RES tender calls and are advising the community on commercial strategies to move the project forward.