Procurement Ombud releases findings of his review of “Bait and Switch” in professional services contracts: the good, the bad and the unintended
News release
Ottawa, Ontario – October 16, 2025
The Procurement Ombud released a report detailing the findings of his Procurement Practice Review (PPR) of “Bait and Switch” tactics in the replacement of resources in federal professional services contracts. The review uncovered results that were both good and bad, and highlighted the potential unintended consequences of recent policy changes.
When replacing resources whose personal experience and qualifications helped a supplier win the contract, policies and guidelines must be followed to ensure the fairness of the procurement process and that Canada obtains the best-value supplier. OPO reviewed these replacement of resources practices to determine whether they were conducted fairly and transparently.
The review revealed mixed outcomes. The Ombud found that in more than half of the files reviewed, the practice of replacing resources was done correctly and did not impact Canada’s selection of the best-value supplier. However, in some cases, replacement resources did not meet or exceed the qualifications of the original resource proposed to secure the bid, calling into question Canada’s selection of the winning supplier and the fairness of the procurement process. The Ombud also noted how policy changes made by PSPC effectively eliminate the use of ‘Bait and Switch’ tactics from being used, but may bring with them negative impacts to certain suppliers that departments should mitigate.
To address these concerns, the Ombud made 4 recommendations to strengthen the existing controls at Canada’s disposal and to ensure that the replacement of resources in professional services contracts are done in a way that does not jeopardize the fairness of the procurement process or Canada’s obtainment of the best-value supplier.
A follow-up review will be conducted in 2 years to assess whether federal organizations have implemented the Ombud’s recommendations.
Quotes
“While some replacements of resources are understandable and necessary, any switch must be transparent, justified, documented and match or exceed the originally proposed resource’s qualifications. Reinforcing the rules around resource replacements helps keep the process fair and transparent. Strong procurement frameworks are essential to safeguard fairness and make sure Canadians get the best value from every contract.”
– Alexander Jeglic
Procurement Ombud
Quick facts
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A procurement practice review is an independent and objective examination of procurement practices within one or more federal organizations. Through these reviews, OPO assesses the fairness, openness and transparency of the practices under review and makes recommendations for improvement, as appropriate.
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The Ombud reviewed 6 federal organizations including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), National Defence (DND), Shared Services Canada (SSC) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). PSPC was included in this review due to its role as a central purchasing agent.
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The Ombud will conduct a follow-up review in 2 years to evaluate departments’ progress on implementing his recommendations.
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Office of the Procurement Ombud
Phone: 613‑947‑9755
Email: MediaBOA.OPOMedia@boa-opo.gc.ca