The Procurement Ombud Examines the Concept of Best Value in Procurement
News release
Ottawa, Ontario – May 21, 2025
The Office of the Procurement Ombud (OPO) published a new research study that examines the important and often misunderstood concept of Best Value in procurement. Traditionally focused on either lowest price or the highest combined score of price and technical merit, Best Value has evolved to include broader government objectives such as reconciliation, diversity, and environmental sustainability by considering full life-cycle costs and non-financial objectives. At its core, Best Value is now about securing the right goods and services at a fair price while advancing public policy goals.
This report explores the origins of the concept of Best Value, its importance, and best practices in Canada and internationally. The report also provides recommendations to procurement practitioners and policy makers on how to effectively face the challenges linked to the implementation of Best Value in Canada.
As Canada is committed to an fair, open and transparent procurement process, Best Value considerations in procurement help guarantee sound stewardship of taxpayer funds and achieve other broader public benefits and strategic policy goals.
Quotes
“Adopting modern Best Value considerations and improving practices around Best Value procurement can help Canada build more supply chain resiliency and realize greater financial and non-financial benefits from public procurement. Best value is not just about the lowest price, it is about making smart, responsible decisions that serve Canadians today and in the future. It means considering quality, sustainability, and the broader impact of every procurement.”
Alexander Jeglic
Procurement Ombud
Quick facts
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The Office of the Procurement Ombud was established to promote fairness, openness and transparency in federal procurement.
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In 2018, the Office launched the Knowledge Deepening and Sharing initiative to provide better understanding of key issues in procurement.
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OPO has published 11 reports to date, including the latest one on Best Value Procurement.
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OPO is set to release a study on Negotiated Requests for Proposals (RFP) in its effort to keep making recommendations to improve the federal procurement system.
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Contacts
Media Inquiries
Office of the Procurement Ombud
Phone: 613‑947‑9755
Email: MediaBOA.OPOMedia@boa-opo.gc.ca
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