ARCHIVED - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Department

Points to Address

Department’s Input

1. Role played by procurement and contracting in delivering programs

The purpose of procurement and contracting activities in Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is to obtain the necessary goods and services required to deliver programs and conduct business.   These activities are conducted in a manner that enhances competition, transparency and fairness, and ensures that the department receives best value for the money spent.

Additionally, WD makes every effort to source goods and services, whenever possible and practical, from businesses in Western Canada and to encourage contracts with Aboriginal businesses.

2. Overview of how the department manages its contracting function

WD’s contracting authority is decentralized and each regional office is responsible for a wide range of purchasing activities.  Whenever practical, WD follows a competitive process using standing offers, supply arrangements and multiple bids.  In addition, WD has a rigorous process for the review of non-competitive contracts through the Contract Review Committee.

Before managers receive delegated contracting authority they are required to complete Canada School of Public Service training, including completion of an online assessment.  This training, and accompanying assessment process, ensures that managers have the required knowledge to initiate purchases and enter into contractual agreements on behalf of the department.

3. Progress and new initiatives enabling effective and efficient procurement practices

WD continues to strengthen procurement procedures to ensure departmental procurement practices comply with contracting regulations, policies and procedures.  The Contract Review Committee continues to reviews all non-competitive contract proposals over $10,000.

In addition the department is an active participant in the government-wide proactive disclosure initiative, and publishes all contracts over $10,000 on its public website on a quarterly basis.