Contract Award Notice

A Contract Award Notice is the government's formal announcement that it's awarding a contract to a specific supplier. You'll encounter two types in Canadian procurement: the Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN), posted before the contract is signed, and the standard award notice posted after. The ACAN is particularly important because it's how departments justify sole-source or non-competitive contracts while still giving other suppliers a chance to challenge.

How It Works

When a department wants to award a contract to a pre-identified supplier without running a full competition, they need to post an ACAN on CanadaBuys. According to Supply Manual Chapter 3.15.5, this notice must stay up for a minimum of 15 calendar days. During that period, any other supplier who believes they can meet the requirement can submit a Statement of Capabilities. No successful challenges? The contract proceeds and is considered competitive under the Treasury Board Contracting Policy.

The notice itself needs to contain enough detail for suppliers to assess whether they're qualified. We're talking specific technical requirements, delivery timelines, and a clear explanation of why the department intends to sole-source. This transparency requirement isn't optional—the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman has scrutinized poorly written ACANs in practice reviews, finding that vague justifications or missing technical specifications undermine the entire process.

After the contract is actually signed, departments post a standard contract award notice with the supplier's name and contract value. This serves transparency requirements and feeds into databases that track government spending patterns. Different thresholds trigger different reporting requirements, and trade agreements add another layer. For instance, DND requires 22 days for procurements subject to NAFTA or WTO-AGP agreements—nearly a week longer than the standard period.

Key Considerations

• The 15-day minimum is just that—a minimum. Some departments use longer posting periods for complex requirements or high-value contracts. DND's 22-day requirement for trade agreement coverage is mandatory, not optional.

• Your ACAN justification needs teeth. Saying a supplier is "the only one capable" won't cut it if you haven't explained why. Include technical specifications, compatibility requirements, or intellectual property constraints that support your position.

• A Statement of Capabilities challenge doesn't automatically kill your intended award. The department evaluates whether the challenger can actually meet the requirement. If they can't substantiate their claim, you proceed with your original supplier.

• Award notices are public procurement intelligence. Competitors track who's winning what, at what price points. This transparency serves accountability but also helps suppliers understand market positioning and government buying patterns.

Related Terms

Statement of Capabilities, Sole Source Contract, Trade Agreements, CanadaBuys

Sources

• Supply Manual - Chapter 3.15.5: Advance Contract Award Notice

• Office of the Procurement Ombudsman - Procurement Practices Review: Advance Contract Award Notices

• Office of the Procurement Ombudsman - Analysis of Advance Contract Award Notices

Whether you're a contracting officer preparing an ACAN or a supplier monitoring opportunities, understanding the distinction between advance and post-award notices helps you navigate both the competitive and non-competitive procurement landscape.