How to buy

Standing arrangements are agreements with one or more supplier under which the Province may buy goods or services from one or more of those suppliers over a period specified in the standing arrangement.

One special type of standing arrangement is the Corporate Supply Arrangement (CSA) established by the Ministry of Citizens' Services under which the Province must purchase the goods or services if a CSA is available for such purchase. The Goods and Services Catalogue lists the Province's CSAs.

The Core Policy and Procedures Manual (CPPM) sets out policies governing procurement that all ministries are expected to follow. Ministry procurement specialists are able to advise on whether ministries have their own additional policies and processes.

Ministries must buy goods through a Corporate Supply Arrangement (CSA) if one exists that meets their needs. The Goods and Services Catalogue lists government's CSAs. If no CSA exists for the required goods, ministries are required to follow Procurement Policy for purchasing goods.

Ministries purchasing goods valued at less than $10,000 must attempt to obtain three quotes. For goods valued at $10,000 or over, ministries must engage the Ministry of Citizens' Services Procurement and Supply Division and complete a non-catalog request in iProcurement (CAS), following the instructions found in the iProcurement Sourcing via BC Bid Quick Guide (PDF, 723KB).  Procurement Services will manage the solicitation process and once approved by the purchasing ministry, will issue a purchase order to the lowest-priced compliant bidder.

If the buyer is evaluating bids on more than just price, the solicitation must include the evaluation criteria and contract award must be based on those evaluation criteria. Contact Procurement Services Branch with any questions about how to build specifications for goods.

Information about posting timelines can be found here.

Training is available for government and broader public sector staff who conduct procurements.

Like buying goods, ministries must buy services through a CSA if one exists that meets their needs. If no CSA exists for the required services, ministries may procure services through a variety of means in accordance with Procurement Policy.

The CPPM sets out policies governing procurement that all ministries are expected to follow. Ministry procurement specialists are able to advise on whether ministries have their own additional policies and processes.

Ministries purchasing services valued at over $250,000 or for procurements that meet certain other conditions are required to engage the Ministry of Citizens’ Services Procurement and Supply Division as set out in Section 2 (9) of the Procurement Policy.

Information about posting timelines can be found here.

Training is available for government and broader public sector staff who conduct procurements.

Construction procurement is conducted by government or a public body who has the authority to undertake construction procurement. It uses specialized solicitation processes, including Invitations to Tender, and contract templates. These often have components unique to the industry, such as bid bonds and public openings.

The Capital Asset Management Framework applies to all capital assets with an emphasis on capital construction. It includes best practice guidance for planning, procuring, and managing publicly-funded capital assets.

For any construction tenders, contact the following organizations:

• Building construction or renovations: Real Property Division, Ministry of Citizens' Services.
• Highways, roads, and bridges: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, or Corporate Services for the Natural Resources Sector

The Core Policy and Procedures Manual (CPPM) states, “contracts must not create an employer/employee relationship between government and the Contractor and any Contractor must be independent and operate at arm’s length from government.” But how do both parties know if a contract creates this type of relationship?

Care must be taken in determining if a contract creates an employer/employee relationship as it can affect important things like taxes, insurance and benefit entitlements. Examples are not provided here as there is no single legal test that will provide an answer. Therefore, buyers should get legal advice on each contract to understand the legal implications and risks before establishing a working relationship with a contractor. 

For more information, contact Legal Services Branch.