Modernize Procurement

Way Forward Commitment:

Building on our commitment from Phase 1, our Government has modernized the public procurement framework and expanded opportunities for local businesses. Our Government introduced public procurement legislation last fall, which provides increased transparency, consistency and flexibility within our procurement practices and ensures an open and competitive bidding process. In 2017-18, our Government will introduce regulations under the new Public Procurement Act that will increase bidding thresholds to align with trade agreement commitments. An increase in thresholds will provide greater opportunity for acquisitions below this value to be sourced locally within Newfoundland and Labrador. Local suppliers will also realize benefits through increased opportunities to bid on Government services that were once excluded from procurement legislation. This new legislation will build demand for the products and services of local businesses.

What We’ve Accomplished:

  • The Public Procurement Act received Royal Assent on December 14, 2016 and was proclaimed on March 24, 2018; additional provisions related to supplier debriefs, complaints and supplier performance came into effect September 24, 2018.
  • Most professional services previously not included in the Public Tender Act are subjected to greater oversight.
  • The Act shifts the focus from getting the best price to the best value for money.
  • Regulations have been published in the NL Gazette.
  • On July 29, the Provincial Government announced that a contract has been awarded to Merx Network Inc. to implement and manage an electronic procurement solution for e-bidding. The new e-procurement system, which is expected to be implemented by March 2020, supports the ability to build, view, respond and evaluate public tenders online. The system will be a “one-stop” single site of procurement opportunities in the public sector by improving access to other opportunities that are posted outside government departments.

News Releases

Minister Introduces New Act Respecting Procurement by Public Bodies

New Public Procurement Act to be Proclaimed Next Month

New Procurement Act Now in Effect

Additional Provisions of Public Procurement Act Now in Effect

Key Milestone Achieved in Procurement Modernization