Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.

What success looks like

The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.

Government's narrative on progress

**Supporting participation of small and medium enterprises in federal procurement** PSPC is fostering the participation of bidders in federal contracts, in particular businesses owned or led by Canadians from under-represented groups, such as women, persons with disabilities and persons from visible minorities. The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises has increased its outreach activities to target under-represented businesses across Canada. PSPC has consulted with industry about approaches to incorporate social procurement measures in the temporary services method of supply and in the selection method for architects and engineers. PSPC is conducting a number of pilots and is planning to launch more. For example, there are now two pilots for catering services in the National Capital Region and the Atlantic Region. These pilots have created a list of under-represented suppliers and social enterprises that can provide catering or hospitality services. At the same time, the Department is developing guidelines and policies (taking into account trade agreements) on how to conduct social procurement. **Opportunities for Indigenous businesses** PSPC is also supporting the participation of businesses owned or led by Indigenous groups in its contracts. PSPC is leveraging federal procurement to support Indigenous businesses by providing them with increased opportunities to access the federal government market. To further help stimulate Indigenous economic development, requirements for benefits for Indigenous Peoples and businesses are being increasingly incorporated into federal procurement. The contract for the administration of the Canada Student Loans Program, for example, awarded by PSPC on behalf of Employment and Social Development Canada, stipulated that a portion of the services needed to be delivered by an Indigenous sub-contractor. In collaboration with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, PSPC is also encouraging departments that procure more than $1 million annually to find ways to increase the value of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses. In addition, departments have been asked to aspire to an Indigenous procurement objective of 5% by the end of the next 5 years.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.