Solely Limited

You might encounter "Solely Limited" in procurement contexts where contracting authorities restrict competition to vendors offering Canadian goods or services. The term isn't formally defined in the Supply Manual—check Chapter 5 (Methods of Supply) and Section 3.3 (Contracting Policy) for the underlying authorities—but it appears in practice when Canadian content requirements effectively narrow the eligible supplier pool to domestic providers only.

How It Works

When you see a solicitation marked as "Solely Limited," the contracting authority is combining two distinct procurement elements. First, there's the limitation based on Canadian content. Suppliers must demonstrate their goods or services originate from Canada, often through documentation verifying manufacturing location, component sources, or service delivery personnel. Second, the competitive field naturally narrows because only those meeting the Canadian Content Policy requirements can bid.

This approach differs from standard limited tendering under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), which permits non-competitive procurement in specific circumstances—statutory monopolies, compatibility with existing equipment, or situations where no conforming tenders were received. The Supply Manual addresses these methods of supply in Chapter 5, where Standing Offers can be issued non-competitively to a single supplier for their full catalogue of goods or services. "Solely Limited" adds that Canadian origin layer on top.

In practice, you'll need to provide origin verification documentation. PSPC and other departments may request manufacturer declarations, bills of materials showing Canadian components, or proof that services will be delivered by Canadian personnel. The requirements vary depending on what you're supplying and which department is procuring. Treasury Board's Contracting Policy establishes the overarching framework, but individual entities like DND or SSC may have additional requirements based on their specific mandates.

Key Considerations

• Documentation requirements catch many vendors off guard. You can't just claim Canadian origin—you need paperwork proving it. Gather manufacturer statements, component source lists, and facility location evidence before bidding.

• The term itself lacks formal definition in policy documents, which means interpretation varies across departments. What PSPC accepts as sufficient Canadian content proof might differ from what SSC requires. Always clarify with the contracting authority.

• Trade agreements limit when Canadian-only restrictions apply. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) text on government procurement states that limited tendering can't be used simply to avoid competition or discriminate against foreign suppliers. Legitimate policy grounds must exist.

• Don't confuse this with sole source procurement. Multiple Canadian vendors can still compete—it's the eligibility criteria that's limited, not necessarily the number of bidders.

Related Terms

Canadian Content Certification, Limited Tendering, Standing Offer

Sources

• Supply Manual - Chapter 5: Methods of Supply

• Canadian Free Trade Agreement - Chapter 5: Government Procurement

• Office of the Procurement Ombud - Standing Offers and Supply Arrangements

Start your documentation early when responding to these opportunities. The Canadian content verification process takes time, and you don't want administrative requirements keeping you from an otherwise winnable bid.