How much funding can be received?

Fee-based program helping you win more international public sector contract opportunities through the creation of government to government (G2G) contracts with foreign government buyers.

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This program supports Canadian businesses that aim to sell internationally, with no restriction on eligible geographical areas within Canada. Companies need to have a substantial sales lead and experience selling to government buyers.

Canadian businesses of all regions.

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$120,000

Toronto

Securing contracts with foreign governments for clean energy technologies

$135,000

Vancouver

Developing partnerships with Latin American governments for sustainable agriculture solutions

$150,000

Montreal

Expanding health tech solutions to Middle Eastern government health sectors

$100,000

Halifax

Facilitating international environmental consulting contracts for Canadian SMEs

$90,000

Calgary

Promoting Canadian educational software in African educational institutions

$200,000

Ottawa

Establishing supply chains for Canadian biotech products in Asia

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Eligibility for the International Prime Contractor service is based on the company's experience and capacity to engage in large-scale international government contracts, as well as alignment with certain sectors.

The company must be a Canadian business.
The business should have experience selling internationally and selling directly to government buyers as a usual sales mode.
The sales lead should be relatively large (over $10 million) or potentially lead to a larger deal that will attract attention at senior levels of the buying government.
The company must have a growth strategy that prioritizes international sales.
The company should have local representation in the target markets.
The company needs to have the capacity and financial strength to pursue large deals.
The priority sectors generally include aerospace, clean technology, defence, infrastructure, and information and communications technology (ICT), but can also extend to other sectors like agriculture and health.

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The International Prime Contractor program is accessible to Canadian businesses with experience selling internationally, a mode of sales that includes direct sales to government buyers, and a sales lead of relatively large size, typically over $10 million.

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This grant supports Canadian businesses engaging in international government to government (G2G) contracts. The eligible projects are focused on large-scale, high-value sectors where Canadian companies can offer their expertise and products while enhancing international trade relationships.

Providing aerospace solutions for foreign government needs.
Developing defence systems tailored to international military requirements.
Advancing clean technology initiatives abroad.
Delivering information and communications technology (ICT) solutions to governmental entities.
Undertaking construction and infrastructure projects for international government contracts.
Supplying transportation solutions, including maritime services, to foreign governments.

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There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria include:

Technical expertise to fulfill opportunities in the stated sector
Managerial capability to manage the business for the contract duration
Financial strength to handle the contract scope without undue risk
Compliance with integrity standards and completion of a compliance certificate

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Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
- Ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria for the International Prime Contractor service, focusing on experience with international sales and substantial government contracts.
- Confirm that your project aligns with the sectors prioritized by the program, such as aerospace, clean technology, and defence.
Step 2: Submit a Business Overview
- Prepare an overview of your international business opportunity, including size, sector, and strategic importance.
- Contact the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) to present your business and potential project.
Step 3: Due Diligence Process
- Complete the due diligence questionnaire provided by CCC to assess your technical, managerial, and financial capabilities.
- Undergo a compliance check to certify the integrity and readiness of your business for a G2G contract.
Step 4: Engage in Proposal Development
- Collaborate with the CCC to draft an unsolicited proposal to the target government buyer.
- Leverage CCC's expertise in positioning and strengthening your proposal through government guarantees.
Step 5: Contract Negotiation and Submission
- Engage in negotiations for the G2G contract with the help of CCC acting as the prime contractor.
- Submit the formal proposal and await confirmation of contract establishment.

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Here are additional relevant details for the International Prime Contractor program:

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) acts as the prime contractor, providing a Government of Canada guarantee of contract performance, which is a significant reassurance to international government buyers.
The program includes a rigorous due diligence process to evaluate the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities of the Canadian business, ensuring the business can fulfill the contract obligations.
G2G contracts facilitated by the CCC are well regarded by financial institutions, which may result in favorable financing terms for both the government buyers and the Canadian businesses involved.
CCC helps to mitigate risks related to political instability, corruption, and payment issues during contract execution.
The G2G approach encourages collaboration with the Government of Canada's diplomatic and trade networks to gain insights and facilitate successful contract outcomes.
There is an emphasis on adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices throughout project execution.
CCC facilitates advocacy and troubleshooting support throughout the contract term and beyond to ensure successful execution and follow-up opportunities.
Successful projects under the program often lead to further collaborations and strengthened trade relationships with foreign governments.

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1-613-996-0034

Apply to this program

Supporting Canadian Businesses in International Government Procurement

The grant offers Canadian businesses an opportunity to expand their presence in international government procurement markets by providing a government-to-government contracting service known as the International Prime Contractor. This initiative not only facilitates Canadian vendors in securing contracts with foreign government buyers but also ensures contract performance guarantees backed by the Government of Canada.

Detailed Insights on the International Prime Contractor Service

The International Prime Contractor service is an integral part of the Canadian Commercial Corporation's (CCC) efforts to bolster Canadian trade interests abroad by facilitating government-to-government (G2G) contracts. This service is particularly beneficial for Canadian companies aiming to navigate and secure government contracts in complex foreign markets, including those with political and logistical challenges. By acting as the prime contractor, CCC bridges Canadian businesses and foreign government buyers, mitigating risks and enhancing confidence in contract execution through the Government of Canada’s endorsement.

This G2G contracting approach offers several strategic advantages. For Canadian businesses, it means moving from a traditional vendor selection to a collaborative process where their expertise is critical in designing the best solutions for foreign government needs. The service aids businesses by validating sales leads, performing rigorous due diligence, and executing a memorandum of understanding with the relevant government authorities. Once a Canadian company is selected to proceed, CCC co-develops unsolicited proposals and submits them with ongoing support to address any issue that arises until the contract's conclusion.

An essential component of the service is the Government of Canada’s guarantee of contract performance, providing foreign government buyers assurance that the deliverables will meet the agreed standards. This guarantee not only enhances trust but also makes CCC-facilitated proposals attractive financing opportunities, often resulting in favorable terms from lending institutions.

The program prioritizes sectors that reflect the Government of Canada's trade agenda, including aerospace, defence, clean technology, and information and communications technology (ICT). However, it extends support to broader sectors like agriculture and health, recognizing the substantial economic impact of comprehensive trade relationships.

Success stories under this program highlight the transformative potential of CCC's involvement. From securing significant defence contracts to enabling infrastructure upgrades in international territories, the ripple effects on local economies and bilateral relations are noteworthy. CCC's role doesn’t end at contract signing; it continues to provide advocacy support, manage performance oversight, and explore further collaboration opportunities post-contract.

Engagement with CCC through the International Prime Contractor service ultimately encapsulates a unique opportunity for Canadian businesses. It empowers them not just to compete but to thrive in global markets by leveraging diplomatic relations, strategic partnerships, and the governmental assurance backing their competencies. This service underscores CCC’s commitment to fostering international trade and cementing Canada’s position as a reliable trade partner on the global stage.