Helping small and medium enterprises in federal procurement

Goal

Use evidence-based data to develop policies and strategies that help reduce barriers faced by small and medium enterprises (SME) when doing business with the federal government. This includes businesses owned or led by Canadians from under-represented groups and social enterprises.

Description

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is increasing the participation of bidders in its contracts, particularly businesses owned or led by Canadians from under-represented groups, such as women, persons with disabilities and visible minorities. The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises is now Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC). As part of PSPC, PAC is actively engaging with smaller businesses to understand and try to reduce barriers that impede SMEs from participating in federal procurement.

Status

In progress. In 2018, PAC received survey responses from approximately 3,000 suppliers identifying specific barriers to participating in federal procurement.