Electronic Bidding (e-procurement)

Electronic bidding (in French, invitation électronique à soumissionner) is a procurement method used by the Government of Canada. The Crown publicly posts a procurement opportunity on an approved electronic information service, or uses another method approved by the Treasury Board. The goal is to promote supplier access and transparency and to help the Crown obtain best value.

The method also covers proposed directed procurements. When a department intends to award a contract to a specific supplier, it can publicize that intention through an Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) so that other suppliers can see it and respond. Electronic bidding is therefore distinct from sourcing through a bidders' list. The term is defined in the Treasury Board policy glossary.

How federal policy frames electronic bidding

The Treasury Board's procurement policy instrument describes electronic bidding as public notice of procurement opportunities through an approved electronic information service. It also describes it as publicizing proposed directed procurements through an ACAN. Both forms put the opportunity in front of the supplier community instead of limiting it to suppliers a buyer already knows. The wording is set out in the Treasury Board policy text.

From GETS and Buyandsell to CanadaBuys

The Government Electronic Tendering System (GETS) was the former approved national electronic bidding and information service. Buyandsell later served as the federal source for tender notices. On September 19, 2022, CanadaBuys replaced Buyandsell as the official source for Government of Canada tender and award notices, as recorded in PSPC briefing material.

CanadaBuys also provides access to bidding opportunities for the broader Canadian public sector. That includes provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Crown corporations, schools and hospitals. A supplier watching one service can see opportunities from many types of buyers.

Publication requirements and solicitation channels

Contracting authorities must publish notices, solicitations, invitations to tender and bid documents on the Government of Canada-approved electronic tendering system when applicable trade agreements require it, unless an exception applies. The requirement appears in the Treasury Board contracting instrument.

The channel can vary with the buying arrangement. Under PSPC professional-services supply arrangements, a solicitation may be posted on CanadaBuys or another Government of Canada web-based electronic procurement tool. Depending on the selection methodology, it may instead be sent directly to suppliers. The details are in the PSPC supply arrangement page.

International bodies publish opportunities online too. NATO describes its competitive procurement as open to eligible vendors from participating nations and lists centralized opportunities on its procurement opportunities page.

What electronic bidding means for a supplier

• Monitor the approved electronic tendering service, such as CanadaBuys, for opportunities and ACAN notices that match your business.
• Obtain the solicitation documents from the channel the buyer names.
• Submit your bid through the method and channel specified in that solicitation, since the submission steps are set by each solicitation.
• Read every ACAN closely. If you can meet the stated requirements, the notice is your opportunity to respond before a directed contract is awarded.

Missing a posting means missing the opportunity, so a routine for watching notices is as important as the bid itself.