SaskTenders
SK, Canada
Opportunities to sell to the Government of Saskatchewan
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMay 17, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Partnering and Collaboration
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Access open tenders for goods and services to find opportunities that your company is qualified for.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, several projects and activities are eligible for this grant under different procurement methods and guides.
- Needs Identification and Problem Definition
- Deciding on a Procurement Approach
- Conducting Competitions
- Evaluating Bids
- Making an Award
- Debriefing Suppliers
- Contract Management
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$20,000
Toronto
Upgrade procurement process for public contracting for community projects
$15,000
Halifax
Develop a transparent procurement process for local food supply
$14,000
Montreal
Enhance supplier debriefing practices for educational service contracts
$18,000
Ottawa
Optimize procurement strategy for healthcare supplies
$18,000
Winnipeg
Implement new risk management framework for construction contracts
$15,000
Vancouver
Streamline evaluation processes for green energy suppliers
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Public entities including Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations, boards, agencies and commissions are eligible for this grant.
- Government of Saskatchewan ministries
- Crown corporations
- Boards
- Agencies
- Commissions
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Procurement Guide does not mention specific eligible types of companies for receiving grants. Instead, it outlines procedures for public procurement and competitive processes for public entities in Saskatchewan.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. They encompass various costs associated with developing and managing the procurement process.
- Development of procurement documents
- Market soundings
- Legal and risk management services
- Supplier consultations
- Evaluation of supplier proposals
- Contract management
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are within the jurisdiction of all Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations, boards, agencies, and commissions.
- Government of Saskatchewan ministries
- Crown corporations
- Boards
- Agencies
- Commissions
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are aimed at ensuring that the procurement process identifies the supplier proposal that provides the greatest overall benefit. This includes considerations of total cost, compliance with technical specifications, and other applicable factors as outlined in the procurement documents.
- Compliance with mandatory elements
- Quality of the solution proposed
- Supplier's previous experience
- Resource availability
- Appropriate risk management plan
- References
- Demonstrations or presentations (if applicable)
- Overall project costs
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Needs Identification/Problem Definition
- Engagement between the end-user and the procurement professional to discuss the objectives.
- Preparation of a requirements and specifications document with assistance from the Scope of Work – Writing Guide if needed.
- Early supplier engagement to discuss high-level solution options, market capacity, and readiness considerations.
- Determination of whether to use a technical specification, performance specification, or a combination of both.
- Consideration of multiple procurement approaches and consultations.
- Step 2: Decide on a Procurement Approach
- Assessment of the objective to secure the best value for public entities.
- Choice of procurement processes such as Invitation to Tender (ITT) or Request for Proposal (RFP).
- Careful selection of evaluation criteria considering factors like corporate experience, methodology, and project scheduling.
- Consideration of a multi-staged approach for larger or complex procurements.
- Step 3: Conduct the Competition
- Public posting of the competition on SaskTenders or other platforms as necessary.
- Provision for suppliers to ask questions and/or attend bidders’ conferences or site visits.
- Post answers to relevant questions on the procurement portal for transparency.
- Include a clear submission deadline.
- Step 4: Evaluate Bids
- Use of predefined evaluation criteria and process as outlined in the RFP document.
- Completion of an evaluation grid before proposal review.
- Consideration of innovation, creativity, and alternative solutions.
- Possibility of conducting presentations or demonstrations by shortlisted suppliers.
- Conducting reference checks and a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) process if included.
- Step 5: Make an Award
- Reach consensus on the preferred supplier.
- Follow internal approval processes to finalize the award.
- Establish a contract with the preferred supplier.
- Step 6: Debriefing Suppliers
- Offering post-award debriefing sessions to suppliers.
- Ensure debriefing helps maintain accountability and transparency.
- Step 7: Contract Management
- Management of contract scope to ensure receipt of deliverables, proper payments, and timelines.
- Appropriate exercising of extension options and evaluation of supplier performance.
- Ensuring compliance with Government policies, trade agreements, and procurement regulations.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This guide provides a comprehensive framework for public entities in Saskatchewan to conduct procurements, ensuring consistency, transparency, and compliance with trade agreements.
- The guide includes detailed steps for conducting a competitive procurement process, from need identification to contract management.
- Focuses on a "best value" approach, considering factors beyond total cost.
- Emphasizes the importance of early supplier engagement and consultations.
- Outlines various procurement tools like ITTs, RFPs, and RFIs.
- Provides guidance on handling specialized procurements such as emergency purchases.
- Requires public entities to follow ethics and conflict of interest policies.
- Includes procedures for supplier debriefing to promote transparency and improve future procurement processes.
- Highlights the need for compliance with multiple trade agreements like NWPTA and CFTA.
Apply to this program
Government of Saskatchewan Procurement Guide Grant
The Government of Saskatchewan Procurement Guide Grant provides a structured framework to guide public entities in the procurement process, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the best value approach. This initiative includes seven key steps, from need identification to contract management, designed to streamline procurement for ministries, Crown corporations, boards, agencies, and commissions.
Detailed Overview of the Government of Saskatchewan Procurement Guide Grant
The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring that its procurement processes are conducted with the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and efficiency. The Procurement Guide, published in January 2022, serves as a comprehensive framework to assist public entities—including all government ministries, Crown corporations, boards, agencies, and commissions—in their procurement activities. This guide not only ensures compliance with internal policies but also aligns with applicable trade agreements and ensures the best value for money spent on public procurement.
The procurement process outlined in the guide is detailed through a seven-step process designed to cover all aspects of public procurement, from identifying needs to managing awarded contracts. Below is an in-depth exploration of the critical elements and principles outlined in the guide:
Step 1: Need Identification/Problem Definition
The first and crucial step in the procurement process is to clearly define the need or problem that the procurement aims to address. This involves the collaboration between end-users and procurement professionals to discuss objectives, define requirements, and address business challenges. Key considerations in this step include:
- Engaging suppliers early to gather insights and market readiness
- Considering various approaches to describe requirements, such as technical and performance specifications
- Being flexible in defining the problem and allowing suppliers to propose innovative solutions
Effective need identification ensures that the scope of work is well-defined, leading to a more successful procurement outcome.
Step 2: Deciding on a Procurement Approach
The guide emphasizes a 'best value' approach to procurement, encouraging the evaluation of factors beyond total cost. Depending on the complexity and value of the procurement, various approaches can be utilized, including:
- Invitation to Tender (ITT): Used for straightforward purchases where the lowest bid meeting all requirements is selected.
- Request for Proposal (RFP): Allows for more flexibility by enabling suppliers to propose different solutions to a problem, judged on various criteria.
- Multi-staged Approach: Recommended for high-value or complex projects to narrow down potential suppliers before a detailed RFP is issued.
A detailed procurement plan is developed, considering all relevant factors to select the most appropriate procurement method.
Step 3: Conducting the Competition
The competition phase involves posting the procurement opportunity publicly, typically on the SaskTenders portal. The process includes:
- Allowing suppliers to submit questions and providing responses that are shared with all participants
- Ensuring transparency by publicly sharing any changes or additional information
Suppliers are required to submit their bids by a specified closing date and time, ensuring a fair and equitable competition.
Step 4: Evaluating Bids
Bid evaluation is conducted in line with the criteria and process detailed in the procurement document. This step may involve:
- Using a pre-established evaluation grid to rate bids against set criteria
- Consideration of both technical and cost elements to determine overall best value
- Incorporating reference checks, presentations, or demonstrations as part of the evaluation
The goal is to achieve consensus on the supplier that offers the greatest overall benefit.
Step 5: Making an Award
Following the evaluation, the preferred supplier is selected, and internal approvals are sought. The contract is then established with the chosen supplier. It is essential for the procurement decisions to be well-documented and justified.
Step 6: Debriefing Suppliers
Post-award debriefing sessions are offered to both successful and unsuccessful suppliers. These sessions aim to:
- Provide feedback to suppliers on their performance in the procurement process
- Foster transparency and accountability
- Offer suppliers an opportunity to provide feedback to the public entity
Debriefing helps build better supplier relationships and improves future procurement processes.
Step 7: Contract Management
The final step involves managing the awarded contract to ensure that all deliverables are received as per the agreement. This includes:
- Monitoring supplier performance and adherence to timelines
- Ensuring payments are made as per the contract terms
- Managing any contract amendments or extensions as necessary
Effective contract management guarantees that the objectives of the procurement are met, maintaining the integrity and value of the procurement process.
Supporting Policies and Trade Agreements
In addition to the steps outlined, the guide highlights the importance of adhering to government policies and trade agreements. These frameworks ensure:
- Open, transparent, and fair procurement processes
- Economic growth and governmental objectives are supported
- Compliance with agreements such as the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, Canadian Free Trade Agreement, and other international agreements
Conclusion
The Government of Saskatchewan Procurement Guide serves as a vital tool for public entities, helping them navigate the complexities of the procurement process while ensuring best value and compliance. By following the structured seven-step process, entities can achieve transparent, accountable, and effective procurement outcomes.
