GETS (Government Electronic Tendering Service) was Canada's primary electronic procurement platform until CanadaBuys replaced it in 2019. You won't be submitting new bids through GETS anymore, but you'll constantly encounter GETS reference numbers in historical procurement records and award data—which means understanding this defunct system is still essential for anyone doing serious procurement research.
How It Works
GETS functioned as the central hub where federal departments and agencies posted tender opportunities and contract awards. According to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) guidelines, any procurement exceeding $25,000 for goods or $40,000 for services required formal solicitation through methods like RFPs, RFSOs, or RFSAs—and GETS was where these appeared. Suppliers registered on the platform, searched opportunities by category or department, and downloaded bid documents directly.
Here's what made GETS more than just a bulletin board: the platform assigned unique identification numbers to every tender and award, creating a traceable record of government procurement activity. These GETS numbers became the standard reference for specific procurements in everything from standing offer agreements to vendor correspondence. When CanadaBuys took over as the official procurement portal, it inherited this historical database. That's why you'll still see GETS numbers pop up in older contracts and award histories.
In practice, the transition meant all new opportunities now appear at CanadaBuys.Canada.ca, as confirmed in the official Government of Canada Supply Manual. The functionality stayed similar—departments post notices, suppliers respond—but the technology and interface changed completely. If you're researching a department's procurement patterns or tracking amendments to older contracts, recognizing GETS numbers is how you piece together the full story.
Key Considerations
- Historical procurement data uses GETS reference numbers exclusively, so you can't skip this legacy system when conducting competitive intelligence or tracking procurement trends across multiple years
- Contract amendments and standing offer call-ups frequently cite the original GETS number even when the initial tender was posted years ago on the old platform
- Archived procurement documents and PSPC training materials still reference GETS procedures—understanding the transition timeline helps you figure out whether old guidance remains relevant
- The threshold amounts ($25,000 for goods, $40,000 for services) that triggered GETS posting requirements have shifted under different trade agreements, so historical thresholds don't necessarily apply to current procurements
Related Terms
CanadaBuys: The current official procurement portal that replaced GETS. Solicitation: The formal process of requesting bids that GETS facilitated. Tender Notice: The procurement opportunity postings that appeared on GETS.
Sources
- CanadaBuys - Official Government of Canada Procurement Portal
- Government of Canada Supply Manual
- Finding Opportunities on the Government Electronic Tendering Service (PDF)
When you're building a procurement history database or verifying award details, treat GETS numbers as permanent identifiers. They're your breadcrumb trail back to how departments awarded contracts before the current system existed.