PROC

PROC isn't actually a standard acronym you'll find in Canadian government procurement documentation. What you're seeing is probably informal shorthand for "procurement" itself, or maybe a misreading of references to procurement processes overseen by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. The Treasury Board acts as the policy authority that sets the rules everyone else follows when buying goods and services for the federal government.

How It Works

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat develops policies, provides guidance, and serves as the general steward of procurement across federal departments. According to CanadaBuys, this oversight ensures consistency in how departments approach contracting. The cornerstone of this framework is the Treasury Board Policy on Government Contracts, which sets out the complete policy framework for managing procurement of goods, services, and construction.

Here's the thing: Treasury Board doesn't actually do the buying. That's where Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC, formerly PWGSC) comes in as the main contracting arm. But TB establishes the mandatory requirements. In 2005, the government made a significant shift when it became mandatory for all departments to purchase certain high-volume goods and services through Standing Offers and Supply Arrangements managed by PSPC. The Procurement Review notes that these commodities specifically mandated by TB must go through designated vehicles—departments can't just contract independently for them.

Treasury Board oversight touches everything. From approval authorities to financial management standards, their influence runs through the entire procurement process. The Supply Manual references Treasury Board throughout, particularly in sections dealing with procurement approval authorities and adherence to the Financial Administration Act. Sections 32, 33, and 34 of the FAA establish the financial controls that TB monitors.

Key Considerations

• Policy versus execution: Don't confuse Treasury Board's policy-making role with actual procurement execution. TB sets the rules; individual departments and PSPC conduct the actual procurements within those boundaries.

• Mandatory instruments: Since 2005, certain goods and services must be procured through TB-mandated Standing Offers or Supply Arrangements. You can't opt out of these even if you think you've found a better deal elsewhere.

• Financial oversight extends beyond contracts: Treasury Board's mandate covers all government expenditures, not just procurement. The approval thresholds and financial controls apply across spending categories.

• Policy updates matter: TB policies evolve. What was acceptable practice five years ago might not meet current standards, so checking the latest policy versions on the Treasury Board Secretariat website is essential.

Related Terms

Standing Offer, Supply Arrangement, Contracting Authority, Financial Administration Act

Sources

• CanadaBuys - How Procurement Works

• Treasury Board Policy on Government Contracts

• Government of Canada Supply Manual

If you're seeing "PROC" in government documents, double-check the context—it's likely just an abbreviation for procurement processes, not a formal program or system name. The real authority behind those processes is Treasury Board.