SEAO electronic tendering system
QC, Canada
Quebec public contracting opportunities for entrepreneurs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Québec (SCT)
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get access to government contracting opportunities from Quebec public agencies, including municipalities. Register to get additional information, advanced keyword searches and email notifications.
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$50,000
Quebec City
Set up a community kitchen to address food insecurity
$60,000
Montreal
Develop a telemedicine platform to improve healthcare access
$20,000
Ottawa
Create a digital literacy initiative for seniors
$40,000
Halifax
Open a new organic grocery store
$35,000
Toronto
Launch a recycling education program in schools
$100,000
Vancouver
Expand a solar panel manufacturing facility
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To access the SEAO, users must recognize and agree to the terms and conditions outlined on the SEAO platform.
- Users must confirm their agreement by accessing the SEAO website.
- The terms and conditions apply to various users, including "Fournisseurs abonnés" (subscribed suppliers) and "Fournisseurs non abonnés" (non-subscribed suppliers).
- Payment terms and monthly subscription fees for suppliers, both subscribed and non-subscribed, are mandatory.
- Authorization is required for valid credit card payments (AMEX, MasterCard, or Visa) or checks where applicable.
- The SEAO may suspend or terminate user access for non-payment or other breaches of the terms.
- Users must maintain the accuracy of personal and address information provided to SEAO.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, specific types of companies are eligible to use the SEAO system as described in the conditions of use. These include a range of public and private entities in Quebec.
- Government ministries and public administration bodies
- Education network organizations, including school boards, CEGEPs, and universities
- Health and social services network organizations, including hospitals and local community service centers
- Municipalities and other municipal bodies
- State-owned enterprises with commercial or industrial purposes
- Non-profit organizations
- Private enterprises
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers a range of eligible expenses related to public markets in Quebec. These include costs associated with obtaining and managing public procurement documents through the SEAO platform.
- Subscription fees to the SEAO platform.
- Fees for acquiring procurement documents.
- Costs associated with submitting tenders through SEAO.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are various regions in Quebec as per the SEAO system. These include government ministries, educational institutions, health and social service organizations, municipalities, and other municipal entities.
- Government ministries and public administration organizations
- Educational institutions such as school boards, cegeps, and universities
- Health and social service organizations, including hospitals, CHSLDs, CLSCs, and social service agencies
- Municipalities and other municipal entities
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant focus on ensuring that applicants meet specific qualifications and project requirements. The criteria are designed to assess the potential impact, feasibility, and alignment of the project with the grant's objectives.
- Relevance to the grant objectives
- Feasibility of the proposed project or initiative
- Qualifications and experience of the applicants
- Potential impact and sustainability of the project
- Clarity and quality of the project proposal
- Budget adequacy and justification
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Create an account on SEAO (Système électronique d'appel d'offres) website. Ensure to choose whether you will be a "Fournisseur abonné" or a "Fournisseur non abonné".
- Step 2: Pay the applicable subscription fee if you choose to be a "Fournisseur abonné". They will bill you in advance every month on the subscription anniversary date. Make sure your payment details are up to date.
- Step 3: Search for available grant opportunities by browsing through the various "Avis" on the SEAO platform. Use the search functionalities and possibly the "Jumelage d'avis" to identify relevant opportunities.
- Step 4: Purchase the necessary "Documents" related to the "Avis" of the grant application you are interested in by paying the applicable fees in advance using a valid credit card. Download the documents immediately as orders are final and non-refundable.
- Step 5: Review any "Addenda" that might be published after your initial document purchase but before the closing date of the "Avis". Ensure you incorporate any updates into your application.
- Step 6: Prepare your grant application adhering strictly to the requirements outlined in the official Version Electronique of the documents.
- Step 7: Submit your "Soumission" (bid) before the specified deadline, ensuring all required documentation and information is included according to the guidelines provided in the "Avis".
- Step 8: Await the outcome of the public opening of submissions or contract award notifications on SEAO.
- Step 9: If your application is successful, coordinate with the Organisme public for acceptance and implementation of the grant terms.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The SEAO provides a centralized electronic platform for public tender notices in Quebec, aiming to ensure transparency and accessibility for suppliers interested in public markets. The usage of SEAO is governed by a set of comprehensive terms and conditions.
- The SEAO is operated by CGI and Médias Transcontinental under a contract with the Treasury Board Secretariat.
- Suppliers must pay applicable fees and can subscribe to receive notifications for specific types of tenders.
- Documents ordered are non-refundable but may include addenda issued up to the date of the order.
- Users must ensure the accuracy of their contact information and report any changes promptly.
- SEAO prioritizes the electronic version of tender documents over printed versions, which are offered for convenience only.
- Confidentiality of transmitted information cannot be guaranteed by the SEAO.
- Some supplier information may be disclosed to other users and potentially published on the Quebec Government's open data site.
Apply to this program
SEAO: The Electronic Tendering System Overview
The SEAO (Système électronique d'appel d'offres) is an internet-based platform mandated by the Quebec government for the publication of public market notices. It centralizes notices from various public bodies, providing a transparent and efficient means for suppliers to access public procurement opportunities.
Understanding the SEAO Electronic Tendering System
The SEAO, or Système électronique d'appel d'offres, plays a pivotal role in streamlining the public procurement process in Quebec. Approved by the Quebec government, SEAO stands as a comprehensive electronic platform designed to facilitate the publication of public notices from a wide array of public organizations. This includes ministries, public bodies within the government administration, educational and healthcare networks, municipalities, and other municipal organizations.
The primary function of SEAO is to gather and disseminate various market public notices, allowing suppliers interested in public markets to easily consult these notices and procure the associated documentation as needed. Below is an in-depth exploration of the various facets of SEAO, emphasizing its definitions, usage, and practical applications.
Key Definitions and Elements of SEAO
Addenda
Addenda refer to documents that detail or modify the content of a notice issued by a public organization after its initial publication but before its closure. These updates are crucial as they reflect the latest changes and are made available for consultation on SEAO upon their release.
Notice (Avis)
A notice, or "avis," is a summary of information pertinent to a public market issued by a public organization. This term encompasses various types of notices, such as:
- An invitation to tender (public or private) soliciting bids for contract awarding.
- Interest notice for exploring new public markets to gather information from providers.
- Qualification notice to create a list of qualified service providers or contractors for future invitations to tender.
- Product homologation notices to approve products that meet specified criteria for limited bidding.
Document
In the context of an SEAO notice, a document refers to all materials published by a public organization related to that notice. These documents are essential for suppliers looking to respond to invitations to tender or other public market opportunities.
Public Organization (Organisme public)
Public organizations utilizing SEAO include but are not limited to:
- Government ministries and agencies.
- Educational institutions, including school boards, colleges, and universities.
- Healthcare organizations such as hospitals and local community service centers.
- Municipalities and other municipal bodies.
- State-owned commercial or industrial companies and non-profit organizations.
SEAO Operator
The SEAO is operated by Conseillers en gestion et informatique CGI Inc. (CGI) in partnership with Media Transcontinental s.e.n.c. They manage the platform as per the contract with the Treasury Board Secretariat (SCT).
Supplier
A supplier is defined as any company capable of acting as a contractor to conclude a contract with a public organization. Suppliers can register on SEAO as "subscribed" or "non-subscribed" to access and respond to public notices.
Subscription and Payment Information
Subscribed Supplier
Subscribing to SEAO as a "subscribed supplier" entails a monthly subscription fee charged in advance. This subscription is automatically renewed monthly until canceled. Subscribed suppliers are billed for services utilized through SEAO, with payments made via valid credit cards (AMEX, MasterCard, or Visa).
Non-subscribed Supplier
Non-subscribed suppliers must prepay any ordered documents via a valid credit card. The rates and fees applicable to these services are outlined on the SEAO website.
Document Orders
When suppliers order documents related to a notice, they bear the costs. However, if addenda are issued after the documents are ordered, the public organization bears the cost of these updates. It is crucial to note that document orders are final and non-refundable. In cases where a tender is canceled before the submission deadline, suppliers must contact the issuing public organization for reimbursement.
Service Support
SEAO offers customer support from Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Assistance is available via phone or through the messaging system on the SEAO site.
Confidentiality and Security
The SEAO operator cannot guarantee the confidentiality or authenticity of information transmitted via the internet. Users are advised to safeguard their passwords and immediately report unauthorized usage. The operator may suspend or terminate access if misuse is suspected. Links to third-party websites found on SEAO do not imply endorsement by the operator.
User Information Disclosure
The SEAO can disclose certain information about users, such as names or business names, when required by law or regulation, particularly for transparency in procurement processes. This information may also be made available on the Quebec government's open data site. Information used for mailing lists or other unrelated purposes is kept confidential unless required by anti-corruption authorities.
Change of Address
Users must ensure the accuracy of their contact information and report any changes to SEAO. Incorrect or outdated information can lead to service delivery issues for which SEAO is not responsible.
Modifications to Terms of Use
SEAO reserves the right to modify the terms of use with the prior authorization of the contract manager. Such changes will be reflected in the updated terms available on the SEAO website.
Termination of Agreement
SEAO Operator's Rights
The SEAO operator can suspend or terminate user access for non-payment or any reasonable cause.
User's Rights
Users can terminate their subscription at any time by contacting SEAO customer service. Post-termination, all payment obligations remain applicable, and access to services ceases immediately.
Liability limitations
SEAO operators (CGI and Media Transcontinental) do not assume responsibility for the accuracy of documents provided by public organizations. The electronic versions of tender documents are the official ones, with paper versions provided for convenience only. In case of discrepancies, the electronic version prevails. Users' sole remedy for damages due to service issues is limited to a refund of the service fee paid for the related notice.
Governing Laws
The terms of use are governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec.
Force Majeure
Force majeure events include acts beyond the operator’s control, such as natural disasters, war, government actions, and other unforeseen circumstances, which can impact service delivery.
Prior Agreements
These terms supersede any previous versions, being effective from the last update date.
