The Canadian government buys more than 17,000 different products and services annually! Did you know that the acquisition of goods and services in Canada by public and parapublic proceedings is over 100 billion dollars a year for more than 80,000 transactions?
From a simple pencil to armoured vehicles, from translation services to those of a Buddhist priest, and even construction, there is no end to the diversity of the products and services. Basically, it’s almost impossible for the federal government, provincial government, municipalities or school boards not to be interested in what you have to offer.
Source: www.freedigitalphotos.net
Unfortunately, several (if not the majority) of companies turn a blind eye to tenders as a selling option. Why?
Is it because we’re under the impression that governments know who we are? The fact is that companies that want to do business with governments should first be registered in their supplier database. Each level of government and its various components have their own base. So it’s important that you register so they can get to know you. You’re the one that’s contacting them, not the opposite!
Or is it because only big companies get any profit from public tenders? Not so, as many SMEs perform quite well. So why are you waiting to get started and get those contracts?
Too complicated? There’s help.
OSME
The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) and its six regional offices are there to assist you with the various procedures in order to facilitate your entry into this world of opportunities.
Info Opportunités
According to the experts, there are more than 35 sites in Canada that cover all public and parapublic contracts in the country. Overwhelmed? Since 1997, Info-Opportunités has been supporting Canadian companies in their wish to acquire new contracts by public and parapublic tenders. They’re available to support you in finding contract opportunities, registering in the supplier database and even bidding on tenders.
Starting June 1st, MERX will be replaced
MERX is known in the sector as being one of the largest tender publication sources. It’s important to note that starting on June 1, 2013, many tenders will be available on a new system directly operated by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) and called BuyAndSell.gc.ca.
BuyAndSell.gc.ca is now the Canadian government’s official source for the procurement process subject to trade agreements or government policies whose value is inferior to the limits of the trade agreements. Details on their website.
Other important sites
Tenders from the Quebec government
Are you familiar with the SEAO? This is an acronym for “Système électronique d’appel d’offres” (Electronic Tendering System). This is a primary source of tenders from the Quebec government.
Municipalities and school boards
At the municipal level, consult the website of the city in question. The school boards also have their own system.
Start now
Public and parapublic procurement deserves your attention. Take some time to get informed and follow training programs on the topic. Until then and during this pre-summer period, prepare for your autumn by registering your company in various supplier databases. The process requires investment, but the return on investment could be very high. After completing the qualification process, you will certainly be glad to be accepted as a supplier and the opportunities that come with it: to bid on, and win, tenders. And there are tenders all year long. Be on the lookout!
