The Office of the Procurement Ombud (OPO) has launched a procurement practice review to examine how often the resources identified in a winning bid actually don't end up doing any of the work, a practice commonly referred to as "bait and switch". OPO will specifically review practices related to the replacement of resources in professional services contracts to ensure the processes were conducted fairly and transparently, and supported Canada's selection of the best value supplier.
This review stems from issues identified in previous reviews conducted by OPO, as well as a request from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO).
As part of this procurement practice review, 5 federal departments were selected based on the value and volume of their procurement activities under specific contracting vehicles to acquire professional services. These five departments are:
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- National Defense (DND)
- Shared Services Canada (SSC)
- Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)*
*Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is also included in this review due to its role as a central purchasing agent.
The procurement practice review was initiated on September 24, 2024, and according to OPO's regulatory timeline, it must be completed within one year.
