Registry, Appraisal and Qualification System (RAQS)

INVITATION: Hot Mix Asphalt Regression Method and Recovered Asphalt Cement Testing for Plant-Produced Asphalt Mixes

The Materials Engineering and Research Office will be hosting a series of webinars to MTO staff and stakeholders including industry, consultants, and service providers. 

The first webinar of this series will provide information related to the “Hot Mix Asphalt Regression Method”. The second webinar will provide information related to “Recovered Asphalt Cement Testing for Plant-Produced Asphalt Mixes”.

The Webinars will be held as follows:

·   Hot Mix Asphalt Regression Method on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 11:00 AM – 12:00pm.

·   Recovered Asphalt Cement Testing for Plant-Produced Asphalt Mixes on Thursday, October 24, 2019 from 11:00 AM – 12:00pm.

Due to the limited capacity of the webinar platform, we ask that only one registration be created for each location where practical.  Where applicable, this registrant will become the designated host for the location. Multiple participants are encouraged to attend under one registration where possible.

To register to each webinar, please use the links below:

·   Hot Mix Asphalt Regression Method – Please register by End of Day October 18 

·   Recovered Asphalt Cement Testing for Plant-Produced Asphalt Mixes – Please register by End of Day October 22

Registrants will be provided with further instructions.

The ministry is undertaking a review of the OPSS 127 rates. The ministry plans to update the rates for Spring 2020, in line with any resultant change to the rate calculations.

The Ministry of Transportation’s Registry, Appraisal and Qualification System (RAQS) for Engineering Services Providers (ESP) is moving to an electronic tendering platform which will make it easier for the ESP firms to do business with the ministry. The new RAQS ESP platform is also operated by MERX.

Effective June 3^rd, 2019 registered ESP firms will be able to view and bid electronically on contract opportunities advertised on the RAQS ESP e-tendering bulletin board.

To register or view opportunities on the new RAQS ESP portal, please go to https://www.raqsesp.merx.com/

Should you have any questions please contact the MERX customer service team at 1-800-964-6379 or by email at raqs@merx.com, Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time.

The Ontario Government has automated the mandatory Tax Compliance Verification (TCV) process for businesses bidding on provincial contracts valued at $25,000 or above.

Effective September 14, 2018, service providers registered with the Ministry of Transportation’s Registry, Appraisal and Qualification System (RAQS) are required to confirm compliance with provincial tax obligations, including those federally administered for Ontario, using a new self-serve portal. The TCV portal replaces the existing Tax Compliance Declaration Form and allows service providers to check their compliance status at any time online, and obtain a TCV number to provide to procuring ministries.

Service providers in RAQS are required to complete a TCV at the time of registration and on an annual basis.  Tax compliance verification is required to be eligible to bid on MTO contracts.

Getting a Tax Compliance Verification (TCV) Number

Before you can verify your tax compliance status, your business will need to have a One-key ID. Visit One-key Account Registration to set up an account.

1. To get your TCV number: Register for E-Services
2. Select e-Services from My Services
3. Select or Add a Business on the e-services page
4. Select TCV (you will be redirected to the portal)
5. In the portal, select Request TCV Number on the TCV page
6. If necessary, attach the  Filing and Balance Confirmation (FBC) Letter (if required) and select Next
7. Select View Summary to review compliance summary
8. Download TCV Certificate (optional)
9. Provide your email to receive alerts about your account status

After completing the steps above, service providers can submit their TCV number and a copy of their FBC letter to MTO Qualification Control as part of their RAQS initial registration or annual renewal. 

For more information about the TCV program visit the Supply Chain Ontario website. 

For MTO specific inquiries, contact MTO Qualification Control by email at QualificationControl@ontario.ca, or by phone at (905) 704-2144

Contractors who are successful bidders on MTO contracts with a Total Tender Price of $500,000 or more are required to provide the ministry with the Labour & Material Payment Bond and Performance Bond as per requirements of the Construction Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.C.30, as amended. Each bond shall provide a coverage limit of at least 50% of the Total Tender Price and must be issued on the prescribed form that can be found at https://www.raqs.merx.com/public/main/guideAndProcedures.jsf

The bonds shall name Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Transportation as an obligee and must be issued by a surety company that is an insurer licensed under the Insurance Act to write surety and fidelity insurance.