Purpose
The purpose of Policy Notification (PN) 130 is to introduce interim clauses in all new requests for standing offers and supply arrangements (RFSOs/RFSAs) in order to inform on the support Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)’s Acquisition Program (AP) in its anticipated transition to an e-procurement solution (EPS).
Effective date and application
This policy notification is effective immediately and applies to all new RFSOs and RFSAs.
Background
To modernize and improve service delivery with enhanced technology, PWGSC has awarded a contract to develop and implement a new EPS. This solution will be a user-friendly, cloud-based platform. It will significantly automate and streamline the procurement process, while also enabling greater access for suppliers to do business with the Government of Canada.
Among its many benefits, this solution will provide the ability for procurement officers to receive and evaluate bids electronically, more intuitive and robust contract authoring, as well as strengthened management capability that is informed by data analytics and reporting. EPS will also allow for the integration of online catalogues, which will provide clients and suppliers with more convenient and rapid access to do business.
As these catalogs will address critical government business lines that may already be covered by existing multi-year standing offers and supply arrangements, wording is being introduced in all new RFSOs/RFSAs, to inform the parties across the potentially affected supply chains on the planned migration to the EPS. With the support of the Department, the clause also conveys the expectation for those suppliers to collaborate on and adopt any related measures that may be necessary for a smooth and effective transition.
Requirements
Procurement officers must incorporate the respective language (clauses) for all new RFSOs and RFSAs.
With a planned release in 2019, starting with a pilot system prior to full implementation, procurement staff as well as suppliers will continue to be kept informed on any future requirements, guidance and support in advance of the rollout.
Standard procurement template changes
In support of PN-130, modifications have been made to the following standard procurement templates published by the Strategic Policy Development and Integration Directorate:
- Request for Standing Offers (RFSO) Template
- Request for Supply Arrangements (RFSA) Template
- Request for Standing Offers (RFSO) Template for the Canadian Collaborative Procurement Initiative (CCPI)
Contact
Questions related to EPS and Procurement Business Modernization, may be sent by email to the following address: PAretroaction.APfeedback@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.
Questions related to this PN and the standard procurement templates may be sent by email to the following address: TPSGC.Outilsdapprovisionnement-ProcurementTools.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.