Work with us: contractors and vendors

Our pre-qualification process

All contractors, vendors or suppliers interested in working on FortisBC projects, including projects listed on our Talking Energy website, are required to provide us with information about their business including a description of their services, experience and areas of interest.

To be considered for work classified as low-risk, contractors can begin by completing our online contractors and vendors form. Examples of low-risk work include, but are not limited to, photography, classroom training, audit/appraisal services or delivery/transportation services where there is no physical connection to FortisBC equipment.

To be considered for work classified as moderate to high-risk, contractors can begin by registering with ISNetworld^®, FortisBC’s primary contractor pre-qualification system.

Moderate to high-risk work involves work on FortisBC sites where such access, and the nature of the work performed, creates the reasonable potential for harm to workers, the public, assets, the environment and archeological interests, regardless of size. 

Examples of high-risk work include, but are not limited to, powerline/pipeline construction, directional drilling, LNG facility/equipment construction or repair or geotechnical engineering/seismic sampling.

To confirm the risk level of your work, please contact [email protected].

How to apply through ISN

If your company is a current ISN member/subscriber, there is no additional fee to connect to hiring clients within the system; however, please ensure your company has connected to FortisBC and completed the requirements specific to FortisBC. If your company is new to ISN, there is an annual fee to subscribe to this service.

Once connected to FortisBC, your company is required to submit information in ISN including the following:

• company profile
• occupational health and safety questionnaire
• sustainability and environmental questionnaire
• Indigenous relations questionnaire
• incident statistics
• quality management plan
• safety programs
• WorkSafeBC documentation including rate statement, account status, insurance and applicable safety certificates such as certificate of recognition (COR) and small employer certificate of recognition (SECOR)

Benefits of ISN

ISN provides FortisBC with oversight on contractors’ safety, environmental and sustainability policies. This information helps us select contractors whose policies align with our strict worksite safety and environmental practices and implement inclusivity in their hiring practices.

With FortisBC’s baseline safety requirements clearly outlined, contractors and vendors can see how their safety practices align with FortisBC and where they may need to make adjustments.

An ISN subscription streamlines the process for contractors interested in working for FortisBC. It also offers contractors the potential to connect with other client companies in the ISN system.

Working with Indigenous businesses

Collaborating with Indigenous communities to develop business and employment opportunities is an important priority for FortisBC and is identified in our Statement of Indigenous Principles. As a Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Progressive Aboriginal Relations silver level member, we’re committed to continuing to work towards improvement in our leadership actions, business development, employment and community relationships.

One of the ways we integrate sustainability into our business practices, including strengthening relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities and businesses, is through our contractor pre-qualification process. ISNetworld^® is FortisBC’s primary contractor system for moderate to high-risk work. The ISN pre-qualification process includes questions and considerations related to sustainability and Indigenous-owned or affiliated business participation.

FortisBC defines an Indigenous-owned business as a company that’s wholly or partially owned or controlled by one or more Indigenous individuals, businesses or communities. FortisBC also defines an Indigenous-affiliated business as one that is wholly non-Indigenous-owned, but has a formal arrangement with an Indigenous community or individual(s) to provide business, economic, employment, training opportunities or services in British Columbia.

The application process

Contractors or vendors who wish to be considered for work classified as low-risk can begin by completing FortisBC’s online contractors and vendors form. For those who wish to be considered for work classified as moderate to high-risk, the pre-qualification process begins by registering with ISN, FortisBC’s primary contractor pre-qualification system. 

ISN Application Support

If you are the owner of an Indigenous, or Indigenous-affiliated, business, and you have questions regarding the ISN subscription process and costs, or require further support, please contact us at [email protected].