Government of Canada Announces New Accessibility Procurement Initiative
January 06, 2018
The Government of Canada is committed to improving the accessibility of its online services and to making its procurement process simpler and less burdensome for small businesses.
The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, today announced a new opportunity in the Government of Canada's agile procurement initiative. The government is seeking to improve online accessibility for Canadians, including those with disabilities, searching and applying for jobs in the public service, and individuals seeking documents released on the Open by Default Pilot Portal.
Through the Call for Proposals issued in December, industry will take part in a challenge-based procurement process that will include a pitch event in March 2018 with a contract being awarded in the spring. The Pitch will be similar to last year's successful collaboration with industry, when a Dragon's Den style competitive process was held. Businesses are encouraged to submit bids and attend the upcoming webinar to get more information about requirements for this process.
This simplified procurement could be adapted and extended to larger procurement processes in the future and represents a step forward in government transparency.
Quotes
"As we improve online government services, we must make them more easily accessible to all Canadians, including those with disabilities. Working with industry experts to find solutions to the specific challenges we are facing is the best way to improve services in a cost-efficient way that promotes innovation."
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board
"With initiatives like this simplified procurement process, the Government of Canada is demonstrating that it is serious about supporting small business, strengthening its digital capabilities, and improving services to Canadians."
- The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for St-Maurice-Champlain and Minister of International Trade
"Our government is committed to modernizing procurement processes to increase value for taxpayers, while decreasing the burden for businesses. This initiative is a prime example of a modern, efficient procurement process that respects the principles of openness, fairness and transparency."
- The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
"The Public Service Commission is always looking for innovative solutions to further reduce barriers to employment in the federal public service. Exceeding current online accessibility standards will help federal organizations build a workforce that is more representative of the Canadian population."
- Patrick Borbey, President of the Public Service Commission
Quick Facts
- Agile procurement is a pilot project between the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). Through this process, industry is invited to solve a specific problem rather than respond to a lengthy Request for Proposals.
- A Call for Proposals for the Accessibility Procurement Pilot was posted on Buyandsell.gc.ca on December 21, 2017, and will close on January 31, 2018.
- A Letter of Interest was released on November 23, 2017, to inform industry of the upcoming contracting opportunities and to outline the procurement process.
- A webinar will be held on January 9, 2018, to allow potential bidders to ask questions.
- This challenged-based procurement approach allows for effective engagement with creative developers and technologists, and for streamlined procurement processes, which reduce the time to evaluate and award a contract.
- Starting 2017-18, The Government of Canada also launched the Innovative Solutions Canada, a new procurement program modelled on the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research program. The program supports early-stage research and development, late-stage prototypes, and other goods and services for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs.
Source: Cision