The CAA recommends that during the procurement phase of a project, clients should keep the number of proponent firms in the short-list to a workable minimum (often just 3 to 5 proponents).

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In our discussion with other industry partners, municipal and provincial owners, we have learned that the best long-term results for the owners come when the short lists are consistently restricted to 3 to 5 proponents. In consideration of the cost of compensating unsuccessful proponents, and the effort required through the pursuit phase in Design-Build and P3 projects, CAA recommends 3 proponents.