Integrity verification response

When you submit a bid to the federal government, the Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance (OSIC) checks whether you or your key personnel have any integrity issues that could disqualify you from receiving a contract. This is the integrity verification response—the government's assessment of your eligibility based on the names you've provided. It's mandatory. It happens before every contract award.

How It Works

Section 13 of the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy requires you to submit a List of Names for Integrity Verification before PSPC can award you a contract. For private corporations, that means naming all directors plus any individuals or entities holding 5% or more of your shares. OSIC then cross-references these names against their records to determine if anyone appears on the list of ineligible or suspended suppliers.

Here's the thing: this requirement applies regardless of your current standing. Even if you're confident no one in your organization has integrity issues, you still need to submit the form. The verification happens behind the scenes after you provide the names, and the contracting authority receives OSIC's response confirming whether you're clear to proceed or if there's a problem that needs addressing.

In practice, most suppliers submit the List of Names form as part of their bid package. If you can't certify full compliance in your initial submission—maybe you're aware of a past infraction or legal issue—you'll need to complete an Integrity Declaration Form explaining the circumstances. For individual subcontractors at the first tier, there's a separate Subcontractor Integrity Verification Request Form that captures their information. The process ties directly to your supplier registration and affects your ability to maintain an active Procurement Business Number.

Key Considerations

• The 5% ownership threshold catches many suppliers off guard, especially those with complex corporate structures or multiple investors. You need to track beneficial ownership, not just what appears on basic corporate documents.

• Changes in your corporate structure between bid submission and contract award matter. If you acquire a new director or someone crosses the 5% ownership threshold, you may need to update your list before the contract can be finalized.

• The verification isn't instantaneous. Build extra time into your contract award timeline to account for OSIC's review process, particularly if your corporate structure is complicated or involves individuals with common names requiring additional clarification.

• Past infractions don't automatically disqualify you, but failing to disclose them does. The Integrity Declaration Form exists specifically to let you explain circumstances and demonstrate corrective action you've taken.

Related Terms

Supplier Registration, Procurement Business Number, Standing Offer Agreement

Sources

• Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance (OSIC) - Public Services and Procurement Canada

• Forms for Supplier Integrity Compliance - Public Services and Procurement Canada

• List of Names for Integrity Verification (PDF) - Defence Construction Canada

Keep your corporate records current and know who holds what percentage of your company. When you receive a solicitation, getting this form right the first time prevents delays that could cost you the contract.