Requirements in respect of the Official Languages Act

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As part of the Acquisitions Program’s transformation agenda, PSPC is planning to archive and migrate the SACC manual to the CanadaBuys website. The SACC manual will continue to be available on the BuyandSell website to ensure continuity of service during this transition period. At this time, an initial version of the archived version of the SACC has been posted on CanadaBuys. We encourage you to go visit the site and get comfortable with the new format of the SACC at the following:

Archived - Standard Acquisition Clauses and Conditions Manual | CanadaBuys

We appreciate your continued feedback and cooperation during this transition.

Item Information

Purpose

The purpose of Policy Notification (PN)-48R1, is to update the obligations for acquisitions Program (AP) contracting officers in respect of the Official Languages Act (OLA).

Effective date

PN-48R1 will come into force on May 13, 2022 and replaces PN-48 in its entirety.

Overview

The Government has the legal obligation to serve and communicate with the public in both official languages, pursuant to the OLA and all regulations thereunder including the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations.

This PN includes new and updated provisions to ensure that all procurement notices and related tender documents posted on the Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) are in both official languages. The French and English content must be of equal quality and be published at the same time.

Revisions to the Supply Manual

The Supply Manual has been revised to reflect this PN. For more details, refer to the Affected Supply Manual sections listed below.

Revisions to the Standard Acquisition Clauses and Conditions Manual (SACC)

The SACC Manual has been revised to reflect this PN. For more details, refer to the Affected SACC Manual sections listed below.

Revisions to the Standard Procurement Templates

There are no changes to the Standard Procurement Templates.

Contact information

For questions about this PN, including official languages requirements for posting notices and related tender documents, please send an email to: tpsgc.paspspublications-apspspublications.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca with “Official Languages” in the subject line.

Affected SACC Manual sections