2017-001 - Business Management Consultant - First Nations Clean Water Initiative

First Nations Clean Water Initiative – Atlantic Region

The First Nations Clean Water Initiative – Atlantic Region (FNCWI-AR) is an initiative led by the APC which will establish a long-term goal, set a course for the future, and will support First Nations to control their water and wastewater systems during the next 25 years. On November 1st, 2013, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act came into force. As the next step, the process for developing regulations has begun across Canada with input from First Nations and other stakeholders. The First Nations Clean Water Initiative – Atlantic Region will help prepare First Nation communities for the implementation of regulations once adopted.

• This initiative will create a community directed Water Authority that will take on the ownership and operation of water and wastewater assets on participating First Nations in the Atlantic Region. The Water Authority will strive to be a stable, credible and recognized organization.
• Once operational, the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) will be responsible for upgrading, operating and maintaining water and wastewater systems on participating First Nations in Atlantic Canada.

• Propose 4 organizational models for the AFNWA that can effectively provide safe water and wastewater to First Nation communities in a responsible and transparent manner for the board;
• For each organization model, the consultant will evaluate organizational costs and balance costs against the perceived benefits provided to the community, the environment, the Board of Directors and other potential stakeholders;
• The consultant will clearly identify the pros, cons and potential risk for each organization delivery model; and,
• Recommended organizational model(s) will be compared against present day management structures for water and wastewater supply to evaluate cost and perceived benefits to the community and the environment.

• For recommended organizational model(s) the consultant will prepare a detailed life-cycle cost analysis, which includes employee recruitment/retention, salary and benefit structures, operational costs and other relevant business expenses; and,
• Life cycle costing of the AFWA should is expected to have a 25-year term.

• Meeting regularly with the project team including scheduled monthly meetings and after key milestones are achieved for the duration of the contract;
• Correspondence between the Business Management Consultant and the project team on planning and potential issues that may arise throughout the duration of the contract;
• Providing draft reports for review; and,
• Final reporting.