The Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) is the federal government's official registry of verified Indigenous businesses that qualify for set-aside contracts under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB). If your business isn't listed here, you can't access PSIB set-asides valued at $40,000 or more, regardless of your Indigenous ownership. Contracting officers at departments like PSPC and DND are required to verify IBD registration before awarding these contracts.
How It Works
Registration in the IBD isn't automatic just because you're an Indigenous-owned business. Your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by Indigenous peoples—First Nation, Inuit, or Métis—and you need to apply through Indigenous Services Canada's registration portal. ISC reviews your application and determines eligibility before adding you to the searchable database.
Once registered, your business becomes visible to procurement officers across government who are planning PSIB set-asides. Section 9.35.60 of the Supply Manual specifically directs contracting officers to consult the IBD and Modern Treaty Business Directories when determining Indigenous business capacity for their requirements. In practice, this means buyers search the IBD by commodity code, location, or business name to identify potential suppliers before issuing solicitations.
The verification requirement is mandatory. Before awarding any set-aside contract under PSIB—whether it's $40,000 for services or $100,000 for construction—contracting officers must confirm your business appears in the IBD or the relevant Modern Treaty directories. This verification step happens during the contract award process. No exceptions. No listing means no PSIB contract, even if you otherwise qualify.
Key Considerations
- Registration takes time. Don't wait until you find an opportunity to register. ISC needs to verify your ownership structure and Indigenous status, which doesn't happen overnight. Get listed well before you start pursuing PSIB opportunities.
- The IBD coexists with Modern Treaty directories. Some Indigenous businesses may be listed in treaty-specific directories rather than the main IBD. Contracting officers check both, but you need to know which applies to your situation.
- Registration requires information sharing. When you apply, you're consenting to let ISC share your business information with federal departments for procurement purposes. Your company details become searchable by government buyers looking for Indigenous suppliers.
- The $40,000 threshold matters. PSIB set-asides for goods and services kick in at $40,000, while construction set-asides start at $100,000. Below these amounts, IBD registration isn't mandatory for set-asides, though being listed still helps with visibility.
Related Terms
Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB), Set-Aside, Conditional Set-Aside, Modern Treaty Business Directories, Indigenous Business Incubation Program
Sources
- Supply Manual - Section 9.35.60 - Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB)
- Indigenous Business Directory - Detailed Company Search
- Register for the Indigenous Business Directory
If you're planning to pursue federal Indigenous set-asides, treat IBD registration as a prerequisite, not an afterthought. Your competitors who are already listed have a head start on every opportunity that comes out.