Open

When you see "Open" stamped on a Government of Canada solicitation, it tells you something specific: the contracting officer has determined there aren't two or more Canadian suppliers capable of meeting the requirement. This classification opens the door to all suppliers—domestic and international—without requiring Canadian content certification. It's less common than you might think, but when it appears, it signals a fundamentally different competitive landscape.

How It Works

Most federal procurements start with an assumption that Canadian suppliers exist and can compete. But sometimes—particularly for specialized equipment, niche services, or emerging technologies—that assumption doesn't hold. When a contracting officer at PSPC or another department determines that fewer than two qualified Canadian suppliers are available, they classify the solicitation as Open. This removes the Canadian content requirements that would otherwise apply under trade agreements like the Agreement on Internal Trade.

The solicitation itself still follows standard competitive procedures. You'll find it posted on the Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS), which serves as the primary platform for publicly advertised opportunities. According to the Supply Manual Chapter 3, your bid must arrive on time, come from an eligible bidder, and satisfy all mandatory requirements to be considered acceptable. For procurements covered by NAFTA or the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, you're typically looking at a minimum 40-day bidding period. The process remains open and fair—the Treasury Board Contracting Policy demands nothing less—but the playing field includes international competitors without the usual Canadian preference mechanisms.

In practice, Open solicitations tend to cluster in specific sectors. Defence procurement through DND, for instance, frequently encounters situations where specialized military equipment has limited Canadian manufacturing capacity. Same with Shared Services Canada when they're sourcing cutting-edge data centre technology. The classification doesn't lower standards or reduce competition. It just acknowledges market reality and adjusts the rules accordingly.

Key Considerations

• Don't confuse "Open" with "open competition"—they're different concepts. Every competitive solicitation should be open and fair, but the Open classification specifically relates to Canadian supplier availability and content requirements.

• The $25,000 goods and $40,000 services thresholds still apply. Below these amounts, departments can use non-competitive methods regardless of classification. Above them, you're into competitive territory where the Open designation becomes relevant.

• International suppliers should watch for these opportunities. When you see an Open classification, you're competing on equal footing without Canadian content barriers. This levels the playing field considerably compared to standard competitive processes.

• The contracting officer's determination matters. If you believe there are actually two or more qualified Canadian suppliers, you can challenge the classification through the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman. These determinations aren't arbitrary—they require justification based on market research.

Related Terms

Canadian Content Certification, Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS), Trade Agreements

Sources

• Supply Manual - Chapter 3: Acceptable Bids

• Treasury Board Contracting Policy

• Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS)

If you're tracking federal opportunities and spot an Open classification, dig deeper into the technical requirements. These solicitations often signal specialized or emerging technology procurements where unique capabilities matter more than geographic origin.