The OSTTC Information Exchange Program—now operating under the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME)—gives you a chance to sit down with federal departments before they release a formal solicitation. These meetings let you understand what's coming down the pipeline and position your company accordingly. If you're tired of finding out about opportunities only after the RFP hits the street, this program exists to change that.
How It Works
Federal departments know what they'll need to buy months before they issue a formal tender. The OSME facilitates structured meetings between suppliers and departmental procurement teams to discuss these upcoming requirements. You're not bidding yet—you're learning about project scope, technical specifications, timelines, and evaluation criteria while the department is still shaping its approach.
The process typically starts when a department identifies a significant procurement on the horizon. OSME coordinates an information session where procurement officers and technical experts present the requirement. You get to ask questions about everything from delivery schedules to performance standards. In practice, this early engagement helps departments refine their specifications based on market realities, and it helps you decide whether to invest resources in preparing a bid.
According to the Supply Manual, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) encourages this type of pre-solicitation engagement to improve competition and ensure requirements reflect what's actually available in the marketplace. The exchange works both ways. Departments get market intelligence. You get advance notice that can shave months off your business development cycle.
Key Considerations
- These sessions are informational only—you can't negotiate terms or submit proposals during an exchange meeting. The formal competitive bidding process comes later, and everyone gets the same information through official channels.
- Participation doesn't guarantee you'll win the contract or even that the procurement will proceed as described. Departments can change requirements, cancel projects, or adjust timelines based on budget realities or shifting priorities.
- What you learn in these meetings is typically shared with all registered suppliers through buyandsell.gc.ca eventually, but attending gives you time to prepare your response strategy and identify potential teaming partners.
- Major departments like National Defence, Shared Services Canada, and Treasury Board use these exchanges differently. Some hold large industry days with hundreds of attendees; others prefer smaller technical discussions with pre-qualified suppliers.
Related Terms
See also: Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN), Request for Information (RFI), Industry Engagement
Sources
- Government of Canada Supply Manual - Official federal procurement policy and procedures
- Canada Buys - Procurement Portal - Federal government procurement information and opportunities
- Buy and Sell - Federal government tender opportunities
If you're serious about federal contracts, register with OSME to receive notices about upcoming exchange sessions. The information you gather in one hour-long meeting can save you weeks of guesswork when the formal solicitation finally drops.