Topic:"Procurement Practices" in M12663

- 20 IESO Nova Scotia's procurement budget is classified into two categories: capital and operating. - 21 The capital projects which involve site development for sale to a successful proponent are expected & lt;sup>15 More Access to Energy...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia's procurement budget is divided into capital and operating categories. Capital costs are reimbursed by successful proponents and not recovered via revenue requirement. Operating costs include managing competitive procurements, RFPs for additional capacity, and future procurement plans aligned with the Clean Power Plan and IRP.

21 Further details regarding the expenses budgeted as part of this cost category are as follows: - 1 Capacity Contract: This amount includes the costs of managing an anticipated agreement 2 for additional capacity through 2026/2027, includ...

AI summary The text outlines budgeted expenses for capacity contracts, procurement department contractors, and capacity procurements, including costs related to managing agreements, RFP processes, and procurement for additional capacity and storage through 2026/2027.

12 Comparison to 2025/2026 Budget 13 The costs in this category have reduced slightly as the capacity contract is anticipated to move to 14 the project execution stage and the 300MW fast acting generation RFP gets closer to being 15 awarde...

AI summary Costs in the category have slightly decreased due to the capacity contract progressing to the project execution stage and the 300MW fast-acting generation RFP nearing award. However, this is offset by additional procurement costs for capacity/storage in 2026/2027, including technical experts, legal, communications support, and a procurement consultant.

2 Procurement Category Cost Category 2025/2026 Budget ($) (Millions) 2025/2026 Annualized Expenditures ($) (Millions) (A) 2026/2027 Proposed Budget ($) (Millions) (B) Difference ($) (Millions) (increase)/decrease (A-B) Procurement 0.99M 0....

AI summary The document outlines budget changes for various procurement categories between 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, including reductions in capacity contracts and increases in additional capacity procurement, with detailed figures for each category.

RAPID DELIVERY EXPECTED With the Kingston class already in the process of being retired, Topshee wants it fast. five years." That's for a first vessel. And in navy shipbuilding that would be very fast, especially considering no design has...

AI summary The text discusses urgent shipbuilding needs for new corvettes, with Ontario Shipyards pushing to join the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Concerns are raised about expanding beyond the original three shipyards, while Irving Shipbuilding highlights its capacity. The federal government faces political and economic pressures in deciding where to build the corvettes, with Halifax and Irving Shipbuilding being key contenders.

REDACTED 20 specific barriers IESO NS anticipates may interfere with its ability to implement sooner or 21 at least on time. 22 23 Response IR – 1 24 25 (a) IESO Nova Scotia retained IBM Canada Ltd to undertake this work at a cost of 26 27...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia conducted a procurement process to select a vendor, resulting in IBM Canada Ltd being chosen over another proponent due to stronger technical capabilities and experience, despite equal scores. The RFP was publicly posted, and nine proposals were received.

Procurement Guidelines Last updated: July 23, 2025

AI summary The document outlines procurement guidelines, last updated on July 23, 2025, providing a framework for procurement processes within the energy sector.

These Interim Procurement Guidelines are established to guide the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO) through ethical, transparent, and accountable purchasing decisions during its foundational start-up phase. In this pe...

AI summary The NSIESO has established interim procurement guidelines to ensure ethical, transparent, and accountable purchasing during its start-up phase. The guidelines aim to balance agility with diligence, supporting timely decisions while maintaining public trust, fiscal responsibility, and legal compliance until a more comprehensive policy is adopted.

The Interim Procurement Guidelines offer a streamlined, standardized process aimed at promoting consistency, transparency, and fairness. Step Description 1. Plan • Define the procurement need, confirm budget availability, and obtain approv...

AI summary The Interim Procurement Guidelines provide a structured, standardized process for procurement, emphasizing consistency, transparency, and fairness. The process includes planning, evaluation, awarding, and managing contracts.

Procurement Methods Estimated Value (for the life of the contract) Method Minimum Requirements Less than $10,000 Direct One quote, direct purchase. $5,001 - $25,000 Informal Informal competition with minimum 3 written quotes. $25,001 - $10...

AI summary The document outlines procurement methods based on contract value, specifying direct, informal, invitational, open, and sole source methods with corresponding requirements. It also mentions a Flexibility Clause, though its details are not provided.

Please use the supporting Procurement Checklist & Evaluation Form to support your evaluation. Criteria Weight Price 25% Vendor location (preference for Nova Scotian and Canadian vendors) 15% Relevant experience and references 15% Delivery...

AI summary The text provides a procurement evaluation criteria checklist with weighted categories including price, vendor location, experience, delivery timelines, and technical capabilities. It also mentions an evaluation threshold of over $25,000.

Contract All contracts must be reviewed and approved with the knowledge and concurrence of the CEO, Executive Sponsor and/or Board Chair. Only members of the Board are authorized to sign contracts on behalf of NSIESO. Delegation of contrac...

AI summary All contracts require approval from the CEO, Executive Sponsor, and/or Board Chair, with only Board members authorized to sign on behalf of NSIESO. Delegation of contract management is permitted with prior approval. The Procurement Checklist & Evaluation Form is referenced for contract award support.

Performance Contracts must be actively monitored to ensure that deliverables are met, timelines are adhered to, and performance remains on track. The assigned contract manager is expected to promptly flag any issues, particularly in larger...

AI summary The text emphasizes the need for active contract monitoring to ensure deliverables, timelines, and performance alignment. Key issues to flag include scope changes, accelerated burn rates, and deviations from plans. Amendments require original agreement approval processes, and executed contracts must be securely stored centrally.

All extensions must: - Remain within the original scope of work or new scope under a threshold of $25,000 - Be supported by written justification - Be pre-approved by the Chair - Be documented and included in procurement records Extensions...

AI summary Extensions must remain within original or new scopes under $25,000, be justified in writing, pre-approved by the Chair, and documented in procurement records. They should not be used to avoid competition or exceed thresholds without proper approval.

4.6 Transition Planning and Roadmap Development IBM will translate the selected strategy into a detailed, phased transition plan supported by an integrated IT, OT, and cybersecurity roadmap. This activity is composed of the following tasks...

AI summary IBM is developing a multi-year transition plan and integrated IT/OT/cybersecurity roadmap for Nova Scotia's energy system, including tasks like defining control centre architecture aligned with NERC CIP zones, interconnection points, cost models, and procurement artifacts.

11.2.1 IBM Consulting Advantage a. IBM is providing to Client access to IBM Consulting Advantage (ICA, IPSC 694970X) (and its Assets, associated user guides, training materials, and documentation (collectively, ICA)). ICA is an IBM AI serv...

AI summary IBM provides access to its AI platform, IBM Consulting Advantage (ICA), under a non-exclusive, revocable license. The Client is permitted to use ICA for specific services, with restrictions on copying, modifying, or sublicensing the tool. IBM retains ownership of ICA and associated assets, while the Client is responsible for licensing fees and protecting IBM's intellectual property. A note from Swaroop suggests removing licensing details and withholding ICA from the client.

Appendix A: DPA Exhibit - RFP (Consecutive Negotiations) Page 22 of 47 - RFP (Consecutive Negotiations) Page 23 of 47 - RFP (Consecutive Negotiations) Page 25 of 47

AI summary Appendix A of the DPA exhibit includes pages from an RFP (Request for Proposal) under a Consecutive Negotiations process, with image placeholders indicating missing content. The document references pages 22-47 of the RFP, though specific details or arguments are not visible in the provided text.

ence to, precautions to prevent its employees or agents from providing or offering gifts or hospitality of greater than nominal value to any person acting on behalf of or employed by IESO Nova Scotia; "Intellectual Property" means any inte...

AI summary The text defines key terms for a regulatory or contractual framework, including intellectual property, personal information, proceedings, and records. It emphasizes compliance measures, such as gift restrictions, and references legal protections for data and intellectual property rights.

ARTICLE 7 – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

AI summary The document section titled 'ARTICLE 7 – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY' is part of a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding. However, the provided text contains no substantive content, arguments, or details regarding intellectual property provisions. Further information would be required to analyze specific provisions, claims, or regulatory considerations related to intellectual property in this context.

7.01 IESO Nova Scotia Intellectual Property The Supplier agrees that all Intellectual Property and every other right, title and interest in and to all concepts, techniques, ideas, information and materials, however recorded, (including ima...

AI summary The agreement stipulates that all intellectual property and related rights provided by IESO Nova Scotia to the Supplier remain exclusively owned by IESO Nova Scotia.

7.02 No Use of IESO Nova Scotia Insignia Neither Party shall use any insignia or logo of the other Party except where required to provide the Deliverables, and only if it has received the prior written permission of the other party to do s...

AI summary Section 7.02 prohibits parties from using each other's insignia or logos without prior written permission, except when required for Deliverables. Additional sections (7.03, 7.06, 7.07) address intellectual property ownership, third-party IP, and survival of obligations post-contract termination.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 21 • Corporate Administrative – Insurance costs were revised lower based on the actual 22 premium costs for policies bound in 2025. 23 • Corporate Administrative – Office costs were added to the 2026/2027 revenue requireme...

AI summary The document outlines various cost adjustments and assumptions for 2026/2027, including revisions to insurance, office, governance, legal, procurement, facilities, finance, and transition costs based on actual 2025 results and expected future activities.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 80 arrangements, employment contracts, and collective agreements. This anticipated work for 81 the 2026/2027 fiscal year will require lawyers with varying skillsets. 82 83 The following is a non-exhaustive list of the area...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia outlines legal support needs for 2026/2027, including assuming responsibilities from NS Power, transferring grid operations, and managing labor transitions. Key areas involve corporate/commercial matters, Phase II transition challenges, and labor/employment issues related to personnel transfers and collective agreements.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 13 2 Reference: Exhibit B-2 (page 22, lines 13-17, Procurement) 3 IESO Nova Scotia states that "The costs in this category have reduced slightly as the capacity 4 contract is anticipated to move to the proje...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) is responding to Doane Grant Thornton LLP (DGT) information requests regarding procurement costs for 2026/2027, including budgeting methodology, variances, and new subcategories for additional procurement expenses.

7 2025/2026 2025/2026 2026/2027 2025-2026 2026-2027 Budget per 2025- Budget per Proposed Nomenclature Nomenclature 2026 Revenue 2026-2027 Budget ($) Application Revenue (Millions) Application (B) $0.89M Procurement Procurement $0.99M $0.99...

AI summary The document presents a table with budget figures for various procurement and project management activities under the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) for the years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. It also mentions responses to information requests from The Industrial Group (IG).

NON-CONFIDENTIAL Additional Capacity Procurement 10 The reason for the change in amount of the "Other Capacity Contracts/Capacity Contracts" 11 line in the 2026-2027 revenue application is to correct a rounding error in the 2025-2026 12 re...

AI summary The document explains a correction to the 2026-2027 revenue application, attributing the change to a rounding error in the prior 2025-2026 revenue application. It involves the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO-NS) responding to information requests from The Industrial Group (IG).

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 20 With regards to the additional capacity RFP, please refer to NSEB IR-16(a) for the 21 anticipated timing of the launch of that process. Beyond indicative launch timing, schedule 22 milestones have not yet been developed...

AI summary The document references the anticipated timing of an additional capacity RFP, directing readers to NSEB IR-16(a) for details. No schedule milestones or spending have been established for this procurement process yet.

IESO Nova ScotiaFinancial Forecast - Summary April 1 2026 - March 31, 2027 Apr -26 Ma y-2 6 Jun -26 Jul- 26 Aug -26 Sep -26 Oct -26 No v-2 6 Dec -26 Jan -27 Feb -27 Ma r-27 202 7 4 Legal egula and R tory rd Ap plicat Energ y Boa ion 250,0...

AI summary The document presents the IESO Nova Scotia financial forecast for the period April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. It outlines legal and regulatory expenses, including a $250,000 legal application fee in December 2026 and an annual assessment of $50,000. Additionally, it details procurement-related costs, including capacity expenses and a 300MW Nova Scotia RFP additional capacity cost of $474,000.

Financial Forecast - Procurement April 1 2026 - March 31, 2027 ІТЕМ 'otal Estimate REOI Additional Capacity _ 18,000 54,000 90,000 90,000 54,000 18,000 66,000 30,000 36,000 18,000 _ 474,000 Capacity Contract 18,928 14,688 2,688 2,688 2,688...

AI summary The document presents a financial forecast for procurement activities from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, including estimates for REOI Additional Capacity, Capacity Contracts, a 300MW Nova Scotia RFP, and consulting services for the Procurement Department. The table outlines various financial figures and estimates over the forecast period.

Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Information Requests 21 (a) Please refer to Attachment 1. For additional clarity, some milestones and expected 22 completions da...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia provided responses to the NSEB's information requests, outlining preparatory work for its inaugural Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), including a Request for Proposals for qualified consultants and outreach efforts to engage stakeholders in the IRP process.

Project Work Plan and Schedule Date: March 10, 2026 Project Key activities Estimated Completion MAEA Objects Procurement: Fast Acting Generation -Develop RFP, Tolling Agreement, and supporting documentation -Launch RFP process; submit Toll...

AI summary The Project Work Plan outlines key procurement activities, including the development of an RFP for Fast Acting Generation and the conclusion of Definitive Agreements for New Brunswick Capacity Purchase. These activities are subject to oversight by the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) and are governed by the MAEA.

9 Please refer to Attachment 1 for the organization chart. VP Planning Grid Integration & Procurement December 31 2025 – 1 filled March 31 2026 – 1 filled March 31 2027 – 1 filled Sr. Eng Specialist, Transmission Planning December 31 2025...

AI summary The text outlines staffing requirements and vacancies for various positions within the Planning, Grid Integration & Procurement department, detailing the number of filled and vacant positions as of specific dates up to 2027.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 16 2 Regarding Exhibit B-2, page 21, "In addition, IESO Nova Scotia has plans to commence a 3 subsequent procurement for additional capacity additions and/or storage beginning in the second 4 half of 2026/20...

AI summary The document discusses IESO Nova Scotia's plans for future capacity procurements, noting that additional RFPs for capacity and/or storage will not begin until after the 2026/2027 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) results are available. The response confirms that the Clean Power Plan update being used is under consideration for future capacity contracting RFPs.

35 (b) Yes. IESO Nova Scotia has retained program and project management and change 36 management consulting support. Barrington Consulting Group was initially retained 37 effective May 1, 2025 through a competitive process. The firm was s...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia has retained Barrington Consulting Group for program and project management and change management consulting support, effective May 1, 2025, following a competitive selection process.

20 4.3.7 Procurement 21 The following table details the breakdown of procurement costs by sub-category for 2025/2026B, 2025/2026A, and 22 2026/2027B.

AI summary The text references a table detailing procurement costs by sub-category for fiscal periods 2025/2026B, 2025/2026A, and 2026/2027B. No specific cost breakdowns, arguments, or entities are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

24 ($ millions) 2025/2026B 2025/2026A 2026/2027B 2025/2026A vs 2025/2026B % change 2026/2027B vs 2025/2026B % change 2026/2027B vs 2025/2026A % change Capacity contract 0.44 0.44 0.07 - 0% (0.37) -84% (0.37) -84% Procurement 0.19 0.19 0.22...

AI summary The table outlines procurement costs for various energy-related activities, including capacity contracts, procurement, and the 300 MW RFP, with changes in costs between different fiscal periods. The IESO Nova Scotia used an activity-based methodology for costing electricity procurements.

27 Based on the table above, we note the following observations: • 2026/2027B is 10% lower than 2025/2026 budget and 10% lower than 2025/2026A . IESO Nova Scotia explains that this is caused by the decrease in the capacity contract and 300...

AI summary The 2026/2027 budget is 10% lower than the 2025/2026 budget due to decreased capacity contract and 300-MW RFP sub-categories. IESO Nova Scotia provided detailed breakdowns of the budget, including legal, technical, and project management costs, as well as contingency allocations for each sub-category.

olling agreement established following the RFP will be an energy resource supply contract, the costs of which are recoverable from ratepayers upon application to the Board under section 30 of the Act. The inquiries that ECEL has received f...

AI summary The document discusses the NS IESO's application for recovery of procurement costs related to an energy resource supply contract following an RFP, as well as the regulatory pathways for approval of these costs. It also references concerns raised by ECEL regarding procurement decisions and regulatory requirements.

Suggested Approach to Deliverables Proponents are expected to leverage workshops to encourage consensus building and drive key decisions, working closely with the IESO Nova Scotia team and NSP. Proponents are expected to surface key decisi...

AI summary Proponents are expected to collaborate with NSP and IESO Nova Scotia to develop effective solutions for the RFP. They should conduct a discovery stage to understand current operations and recommend efficient work structures. Key stakeholders like the NPCC may be involved.

Anticipated Work - Appropriately bundling capabilities and logically phasing their deployment - Develop architecture and processes as appropriate to show interconnections between IESO Nova Scotia and NSP while achieving all regulatory, cyb...

AI summary The anticipated work involves bundling capabilities, developing system architecture, ensuring compliance with regulatory and cybersecurity standards, identifying milestones and dependencies, estimating timelines and budgets, and developing a procurement approach with detailed SOWs to accelerate implementation.

Expected Deliverables - Transition Plan - Strategy Decisions made - IT, OT and Cybersecurity Roadmap with defined target operating model, process and architecture - Overall roadmap for IESO Nova Scotia to deliver Phase 2 and beyond - Estim...

AI summary The expected deliverables include a transition plan, strategy decisions, IT and cybersecurity roadmaps, cost and timing estimates, regulatory compliance plans, risk summaries, success metrics, and procurement strategies, all to be completed by 31 March 2026.

Proponent Qualifications & Instructions Proponents are permitted (even encouraged) to form partnerships, where appropriate. Proponents must ensure the engagement team collectively demonstrates the following capabilities and experience: - P...

AI summary The document outlines qualifications and instructions for proponents participating in a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Key requirements include experience in control center builds, strategic assessments, system integration, and compliance with NERC CIP standards. Proponents must also demonstrate cybersecurity expertise and the ability to work with local resources.

Proponent Response Requirements Proponents are required to structure their proposals to clearly demonstrate an understanding of IESO Nova Scotia's objectives, proposed approach, and ability to deliver the services described in this RFP. Th...

AI summary Proponents must structure their proposals to demonstrate understanding of IESO Nova Scotia's objectives, approach, and ability to deliver services outlined in the RFP. Submissions should be logically organized for evaluation against criteria.

Evaluation Process and Controls Each response to this RFP will be evaluated by IESO Nova Scotia to determine the degree to which it responds to the requirements set out. This RFP and the procurement process are governed by the Nova Scotia...

AI summary The RFP evaluation process by IESO Nova Scotia prioritizes local resources and considers experience, proposal approach, cost, and regional capability. Additional information may be requested from proponents before selection, and public and third-party information may be considered in the evaluation.

Information in RFP; No Exclusivity IESO Nova Scotia makes no representation, warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy of the information contained in this RFP or issued by way of addendum, including the value or volume of work to be acquir...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia disclaims responsibility for the accuracy of information in the RFP and states that agreements resulting from the RFP will not be exclusive. Prospective proponents are responsible for using all available information to prepare their proposals.

1 Request IR-19: - 2 Reference: N-1(i), Exhibit B-2, pdf p.21-23 indicates procurement OPEX is expected to

AI summary The document references procurement OPEX expectations as indicated in N-1(i), Exhibit B-2, pdf p.21-23. It discusses operational expenditures related to procurement.

14 Request IR-20: - 15 Reference: N-1(i), Exhibit B-2, pdf p.21-24 (Procurement) and Table 10 include footnotes - 16 noting renamings/roll ups from the 2025/26 Application (e.g., "other capacity contract"; - 17 300 MW RFP consolidation). -...

AI summary The document outlines requests for reconciliation and explanation of procurement cost changes between the 2025/26 and 2026/27 fiscal years, including the shift from a 300 MW RFP to additional capacity procurement, with a request for timelines and spending details.

decommissioning dates, data handover etc.? If so, please provide. If not, on what basis can the Board and ratepayers be confident of the transition and avoidance (or minimization) of cost duplication? Reference: N1(i), Exhibit A-1, pdf p.4...

AI summary The text raises questions about the IESO-NS's decommissioning plan, cost duplication, and procurement timelines. It also seeks clarification on the IESO’s staged plan, financial timelines, and the process for securing cost-recovery for new capacity procurements, including ratepayer involvement and prudence review requirements.

ts to ensure reimbursement is received. 3. In what scenarios would reimbursement not be obtained and, in such scenarios, what portion would be excluded from rate recovery versus included in the DVM? Reference: N-1(i), Exhibit B-2, pdf p.21...

AI summary The text outlines several questions related to procurement and IT expenditures, including reconciliation of procurement categories between 2025/26 and 2026/27, explanation of shifts in funding from 300 MW RFP to additional capacity procurement, and details on IT software and services for Phase I and II of the IESO-NS. It also requests information on duplication and cost implications if Phase II is delayed.

Questions: - a) For each of the three identified sub-categories in Table 4 please describe the basis on how the estimate of the costs for each category were developed. - b) Has IESO Nova Scotia already retained either a change management o...

AI summary The proceeding asks for explanations on cost estimation methods for three sub-categories in Table 4 and whether IESO Nova Scotia has retained consultants for change management or program/project management, including if an RFP was used. References to page 34 of the Application are included.

9 Request IR-7: 10 11 Reference: Application page 22, “For the 2026/2027 budget, the procurement costs include 12 technical experts, legal, communications support, and a procurement consultant.” 13 14 Questions: 15 1. a) Please confirm whe...

AI summary The document references a request (IR-7) regarding procurement and legal costs for the 2026/2027 budget, specifically asking whether legal costs are in addition to those already listed, if in-house procurement staff have been hired, and if not, the reasons for not hiring them.

Request IR-13: on this variance. - Reference: Exhibit B-2 (page 22, lines 13-17, Procurement) - IESO Nova Scotia states that "The costs in this category have reduced slightly as the capacity - contract is anticipated to move to the project...

AI summary The document discusses the 2026/2027 procurement budget, noting a 10% decrease from the previous year, primarily due to reduced costs from the capacity contract and 300 MW RFP. A new subcategory, 'additional procurement,' is introduced with a budget of $0.48 million, requiring further details on roles and costs.

lized amounts? 6. Why is the "communications" subcategory expected to decrease by 43% from 2025/2026 budget and annualized amounts? Reference: Exhibit B-2, page 20 (lines 11-13, Legal and regulatory) IESO Nova Scotia states that "This cost...

AI summary The document discusses the anticipated changes in 'legal and regulatory' and 'procurement' costs for IESO Nova Scotia, including budgeting methodology, supporting calculations, and the factors influencing cost changes related to the Phase II transition and procurement processes.

ent process for additional capacity and/or storage in 2026/2027. For the 2026/2027 budget, the procurement costs include technical experts, legal, communication support, and a procurement consultant." 1. Please provide the budgeting method...

AI summary The document discusses the 2026/2027 budget for procurement and facilities and technology costs, including a 10% decrease from the previous year's budget and a new subcategory for 'additional procurement' costs. It requests details on budgeting methodology, cost variances, and new subcategory expenses.

Request IR-10: - On page 8 of its application, IESO Nova Scotia states it will incur capital-related costs and expects - to incur costs associated with future energy resource procurement. - a) Please describe the nature of the capital-rela...

AI summary Request IR-10 seeks clarification from IESO Nova Scotia on capital costs, competitive procurement obligations under the More Access to Energy Act, cost recovery mechanisms, and regulatory pathways for new cost categories. It questions IESO's authority to own energy resources, revenue allocation methods, and timelines for NSEB review of additional costs.

Request IR-16: - Regarding Exhibit B-2, page 21, "In addition, IESO Nova Scotia has plans to commence a - subsequent procurement for additional capacity additions and/or storage beginning in the second - half of 2026/2027 as defined by the...

AI summary Request IR-16 seeks clarification on IESO Nova Scotia's plans for capacity procurement beyond 2026, including RFP timing post-2026 IRP results and the Clean Power Plan vintage used for future capacity contracting. The IESO references 2026/2027 procurement timelines and annual RFP processes.

and timelines” issued, when was the contract awarded and to whom? 4. Please indicate when in 2026 the deliverable plan, appropriate target date and budget will be available to be filed with the Board. On page 6 of the application, IESO Nov...

AI summary The document includes questions regarding the timeline and award of a contract, the availability of a deliverable plan and budget in 2026, discrepancies between actual and proposed expenditures in Matter M12412, compliance with reliability standards, and the IRP process transition from NS Power to IESO Nova Scotia.

or conducting an IRP analysis. On page 8 of its application, IESO Nova Scotia states it will incur capital-related costs and expects to incur costs associated with future energy resource procurement. 1. Please describe the nature of the ca...

AI summary The document outlines questions regarding IESO Nova Scotia's capital-related costs, procurement strategies, cost recovery methods, and regulatory pathways for cost categories. It also references Table 3 on page 12 of the application.

number of employees and salaries as currently planned by the end of 2025/2026.” Regarding Table 5 on page 18 of the application, please provide a version adding a column for actual 2025/2026 to date. Regarding Table 6 on page 19 of the app...

AI summary The text requests additional columns in multiple tables of an application to include actual 2025/2026 data. It also seeks clarification on the timing of RFP processes for capacity and the Clean Power Plan vintage being used, as well as the responsibility for IT software costs between IESO Nova Scotia and NS Power.

tional timeline for Phase II implementation is Q2 of the 2027 calendar year; however, work in early 2026 is required to be completed to provide a deliverable plan, appropriate target date, and budget. 1. Please provide the name of the cons...

AI summary The text outlines requests for information regarding the implementation timeline, consultant selection, procurement process, and revenue requirement adjustments for IESO Nova Scotia's Phase II implementation. It also requests details on updated assumptions affecting revenue requirement submissions.

1. IESO NS indicates that for the purposes of preparing its budget, it has “assumed that the 23 employees responsible for functional management and administrative matters are fully employed during the 26/27 fiscal year.” Please confirm whe...

AI summary The text outlines a series of questions directed at IESO NS regarding its budget assumptions, staffing, compensation, fringe benefits, salary increases, turnover rates, stakeholder engagement, procurement processes, office costs, and governance expenses for the 26/27 fiscal year.

c. Procurement and Energy Resource Costs Should Not Be in the s.29 Application The Industrial Group submits that the operating costs incurred by IESO-NS in running its energy resource procurement processes, including RFP management costs,...

AI summary The Industrial Group argues that procurement and energy resource costs incurred by IESO-NS should be recoverable under s.30 of the MAEA, not the general revenue requirement under s.29. They highlight inconsistencies in categorizing these costs and warn of potential double-recovery or regulatory gaps if not properly addressed.

4. PROCUREMENT PRACTICES ARE CURRENTLY INADEQUATE The IESO-NS currently has no comprehensive procurement guidelines. That gap creates risks to ratepayers, particularly given the scale and significance of the procurement activity now underw...

AI summary The IESO-NS lacks comprehensive procurement guidelines, leading to risks for ratepayers. The current Interim Procurement Guidelines were created without formal approval and include a Flexibility Clause with unclear usage and oversight, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

14 M12633 Transcript, June 25, 2026, pages 120 - 122. 297 Undertaking U-7. 298 299 The not-for-profit nature of IESO Nova Scotia is a significant factor that must be taken into 300 account. If IESO Nova Scotia does not have the funding to...

AI summary The not-for-profit nature of IESO Nova Scotia is highlighted as a critical factor in its ability to fulfill its mandate. The document emphasizes that without adequate funding, the IESO cannot effectively perform its duties in energy system planning, resource procurement, and electricity supply reliability. Mr. Johnston affirms the importance of accurate forecasting.

17 M12633 Transcript, June 25, 2026, pages 223 - 226. 420 As such, IESO Nova Scotia submits that the compensation ranges and budgeting approach are 421 prudent and reasonable. 422 423 IESO Nova Scotia continues to work towards improving th...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia argues that its compensation ranges and budgeting approach are prudent and reasonable, and outlines its plan to use a third-party consultant to improve its compensation benchmarking. It also explains that operational procurement costs are included in its 2026/2027 revenue application and would be reimbursed via the Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism if procurement contracts are successful.

Exhibit N-3 - CA IR lb)-Attachment #1, Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator Procurement Guidelines, Page 5, Procurement Methods. 19 M12663 -Transcripts June 17, 2026, Page 144, Lines 18-19

AI summary The document references Exhibit N-3, which is an attachment related to the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator's Procurement Guidelines. It specifically mentions Page 5, which discusses Procurement Methods, and cites Transcript M12663 from June 17, 2026, Page 144, Lines 18-19.

1 5 PROCUREMENT COSTS - 2 Intervenor submissions provided comment on the inclusion of procurement related costs in the - 3 Application. The SBA provided the following: 4 IESO-NS should follow appropriate accounting policy and rules for ide...

AI summary The document discusses procurement costs in the context of revenue requirement applications under the Maritime Electric Act of Nova Scotia. The SBA and IG raised concerns about the inclusion of procurement-related operating costs, while IESO Nova Scotia defended their inclusion under section 29, emphasizing transparency and future reimbursement from successful procurement proponents.

60 IESO Nova Scotia Quarterly Report (M12859), May 15, 2026, p.5. 61 https://www.ieso-ns.ca/procurement/ 1 resulted in changes to the RFP documentation, ensuring the final Tolling Agreement and the 2 overall process achieved an appropriate...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia submits that its procurement process for fast-acting generation capacity appropriately balances ratepayer and industry interests, and that the Maritime Electric Act does not require NSEB review of energy procurement policies. The submission references prior documentation and a closing submission.

16 Procurement Guidelines and Flexibility Clause : - 17 Intervenor closing submissions include comments regarding IESO Nova Scotia's procurement - 18 guideline and the flexibility clause. The SBA provided the following: - 19 The SBA acknow...

AI summary The SBA comments on IESO-NS's procurement guidelines and flexibility clause, expressing concern that the clause allows purchases up to $100,000 to bypass the guidelines, potentially undermining the transparency and accountability of procurement decisions.

1 early stage, vacancies and external support costs must be understood together, as IESO Nova 2 Scotia requires flexibility to carry out its mandate while continuing to recruit and work toward 3 steady-state operations. 4 5 IESO Nova Scoti...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia emphasizes the need for flexibility in its operations and the proper inclusion of procurement-related costs in the Application. It also supports the approval of the DVM as an extension of the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account, aligning with prior Board direction in M12412.

e by IESO-NS under a 10-year contract with NB Power. If the judicial review succeeds and a new hearing is ordered, the status of that contract and IESO-NS's obligations under it will become uncertain. - 3. The NB Auditor General's findings...

AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) raises concerns about IESO-NS's procurement practices and governance in the RIGS project, highlighting risks to ratepayers and the need for pre-approval mechanisms. It also calls for IESO-NS to report on the judicial review outcome as part of its quarterly reporting obligations.

LIST OF UNDERTAKINGS NO. PAGE NO. 14 including capital and procurement. It has also been 15 renamed the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account. 16 The SBA understands that the creation 17 of a new IESO NS, where there has never been one be...

AI summary The text discusses concerns regarding the establishment of the IESO-NS, including questions about debt, spending transparency, potential duplication of effort with NS Power, and the proper assessment and assignment of risks related to procurement and contracts. It highlights the need for clarity and accountability in financial and operational matters.

IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 139 Cr-ex, (Murphy) 1 province. 2 Those are all my questions. Q. 3 Thank you to the panel for your time. Appreciate it. 4 THE CHAIR: Thank you, Mr. Murphy. 5 Small Business Advocate? 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1...

AI summary The text contains a cross-examination by Melissa MacAdam on behalf of the Small Business Advocate, focusing on the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO NS) Procurement Guidelines. The guidelines, last updated in July 2025, were created by Barrington Consulting Group for the Board and are listed as a to-do item for review by IESO NS.

IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 155 Cr-ex, (MacAdam) 1 [12:10:19] Okay. But you do reference Phase Q. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 The term 'capital-related costs' refers to (1) activities to support the procurement of future energy resources as contemplated...

AI summary The discussion revolves around capital-related costs associated with the New Brunswick Power 100-megawatt contract. The witness clarifies that no capital costs were incurred in the 2025/26 fiscal year and that only minor legal costs were included in the 2026/27 Application under the procurement cost category. There are no expected capital costs related to this matter at this time.

IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 167 Cr-ex, (MacAdam) 1 talks about procurement fast-acting generation. And the 2 submission there is Q1 2026/2027. Is that still on 3 schedule? 4 (Milligan) Yes, we're currently A. 5 tracking to launch the RFP proces...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the procurement of fast-acting generation, with a focus on the timeline for launching an RFP process by the end of Q1 2026/2027. The RFP was previously circulated in March, and comments were received on March 30. The work carried out includes site assessments for potential development, such as geotechnical exploration and environmental assessments.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 we have been through a thorough process on the 2 cybersecurity role and going back to market. On the 3 operational oversight, the VP of System Planning and Grid 4 Integration, I am p...

AI summary The discussion outlines the hiring process for key roles in operational oversight and market operations, including the VP of System Planning and Grid Integration, and the ongoing interviews for the Director of Operational Policy and Market Operations.

IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 215 Cr-ex, (MacAdam) 1 50 of 79, IR-19. And this talks about it indicates 2 procurement one of the exhibits: 3 4 5 6 7 8 indicates procurement OPEX is expected to be reimbursed by successful proponents but until reim...

AI summary The text discusses procurement costs and reimbursement scenarios related to the IESO Nova Scotia Panel. It mentions that procurement OPEX is expected to be reimbursed by successful proponents, but if a Tolling Agreement is not signed, there is a risk of a $1.5 million cost.

IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 351 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 I can give you a moment to read Q. 2 over that, but essentially the Consumer Advocate was 3 asking for particulars on the competitive solicitation 4 process, and if possible, to provide a cop...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate is inquiring about the competitive solicitation process and the procurement policy used by the IESO NS. The IESO provided a copy of the procurement guidelines created by Barrington Consulting Group, which have not undergone formal internal review or approval. There are no other procurement guidelines currently in use aside from these interim ones.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 forward. Is IESO NS adopting the procurement the 2 process from the Procurement Act? 3 A. (Johnston) So I think we've 4 committed to review our procurement policy and update it 5 by...

AI summary The discussion centers on whether the IESO is adopting the procurement process from the Procurement Act. It is noted that while a review of the procurement policy is underway, no commitment has been made to adopt the Procurement Act process at this time.

IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 361 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 procurement policy. So that seems like the same question. 2 Q. Well, I thought there was two 3 separate policies. 4 A. (Milligan) So you're asking 5 specifically on energy resource procuremen...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the procurement policy for energy resources, with the IESO confirming that it has not adopted the Procurement Act as part of the current process and does not intend to do so at this time. The conversation also references a fast-acting generation RFP in draft form.

IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 363 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 PDF page 21. 2 MR. FUREY: Mr. Chair, I apologize. 3 Before we move on, I wondered and I don't know the 4 practice here, I wondered if the document that was 5 referred to would be marked for i...

AI summary A proceeding involving the IESO Nova Scotia Panel discusses the marking of a document related to an IT and OT Cybersecurity Roadmap as Exhibit N-17. The discussion involves confirming the procurement budget categories of capital and operating, and the need for clarification on the application.

IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 371 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 Q. So this is a table of spending by 16 here you're saying that that includes capital that 17 those numbers include capital in operating. And can you 18 provide a "for example" context for me...

AI summary The discussion centers on the allocation of costs between capital and operating expenses in the context of an RFP process. The IESO NS explains that costs directly attributable to projects, such as permits and environmental approvals, are classified as capital costs, while planning work with consultants is considered an operating expense. These operating expenses are expected to be refunded to the successful proponent.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 referring to there. That was the cost to put that 2 agreement in place. 3 Q. So okay. 4 And so then the IESO is taking the 5 position that none of the RFP costs would be included 6 u...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the interpretation of section 30 regarding the inclusion of RFP costs in the procurement process. The IESO argues that these costs are not included under section 30 until a contract is executed, while the witness seeks clarification on this interpretation.