Task Authorization (TA)

A Task Authorization (TA) is a structured administrative process in Canadian federal procurement. It allows an authorized client to direct a contractor to perform work “as and when requested” under the terms and conditions of a contract that is already in place. The Supply Manual annexes on CanadaBuys describe the process and assign responsibility for issuing TAs to the authorized client.

A TA is not a separate type of procurement. It is a method of supply. The umbrella contract sets the scope, prices, procedures and limits, and each individual TA authorizes one defined package of work within those boundaries. Suppliers meet TAs most often in professional, information technology, audit, consulting and cloud services contracts.

When a department uses a TA contract

The Treasury Board contracting policy instrument explains that a TA contract is used when a service category or a definite need is known, but the precise nature and timing of the requirement cannot be established when the contract is awarded. Instead of running a new competition for every piece of work, the department awards one contract and then issues tasks against it as needs arise.

Standard solicitation language on CanadaBuys reflects this. Bid documents state that all or part of the work may be performed on an “as and when requested basis” using a TA, and that the work described in each TA must stay within the scope of the contract. The professional services RFP 2025-ADMHRCIV-0020 contains this kind of clause.

Who issues and administers TAs

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and federal client departments both have roles. PSPC or an authorized client may issue TAs against an existing contract, and the client responsible for issuing them must follow the TA process and administration provisions in that contract.

PSPC’s buyer guidance on choosing a method of supply identifies form PWGSC-TPSGC 572, Task Authorization, for PSPC and for clients other than the Department of National Defence (DND). For non-DND contracts, a locally developed and approved form may be used instead. DND is treated separately in that guidance.

PSPC supply arrangement material also states that contracts may, at the discretion of identified users, incorporate TAs, security requirements, options and expenditure or liability limits.

Approvals and checks before a task is issued

Controls begin before the contract is awarded. The approval documents guidance for TAs requires the file to explain why the services suit this method of supply and to justify the proposed financial limits for TAs issued by the client.

Before an individual task is authorized, the contract management guidance requires the issuing organization to confirm that:

• the requirement is within the scope of the contract;
• the estimated cost is within the client’s delegated TA limit;
• the contract period is sufficient for the work; and
• the total liability ceiling of the contract will not be exceeded.

The work, deliverables and schedule must all comply with the contract scope.

What a TA contains and how it changes

Solicitations spell out the content of a TA. The Natural Resources Canada RFP requires each TA to state the activities, the deliverables, the completion or submission dates, and the applicable payment basis and method.

The contractor receives the task description and payment terms, and may be required to provide the proposed level of effort or resources. The TA must carry the signatures required by the contract, including the contractor’s signature where applicable. A revised TA requires the contractor’s agreement, and contracting authority approval is needed when the revised value exceeds the client’s TA limit.

What a TA means for a supplier

Winning a TA contract does not guarantee any particular volume of work. Revenue depends on the tasks the client issues. Read the TA process, the scope statement and the stated limits in the solicitation closely, because every task must fit inside them. Expect each task to define its activities, deliverables, dates and payment basis, and expect to provide level of effort or resource details when asked. Do not begin work until the TA has the required signatures, and agree to any revision in writing.