Standing offer: Office paper

United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC): 14111500—printing and writing paper

National Master Standing Offer (NMSO)

What do we buy

Public Services and Procurement Canada seeks to establish a NMSO for the government of Canada departments, agencies, Crown corporations, and organizations participating in the Canadian Collaborative Procurement Initiative (CCPI) across Canada, with the exception of comprehensive land claims agreement (CLCAs) areas.

This procurement tool is used for the purchase and delivery of office paper, including multipurpose and high run ability copy paper which contains post-consumer recycled fibers at 30%, 50% or 100%, and agricultural waste fiber at 100%. In addition, 65lb and 80lb card and cover stock are available. The standing offer (SO) includes 1 level of service with respect to delivery and distribution.

How do we buy

• Office paper is procured by submitting a call-up against the SO
• Offerors are either manufacturers or distributors
• The request for standing offer (RFSO) is a competitive process
• 2 solicitations are posted to CanadaBuys for this requirement
• Offerors compete by offering prices for papers listed by size, weight, and  fiber
• Prices are provided based on volume: 1 package, 1-39 boxes, 40-79 boxes and 80 boxes or more
• Prices offered where subject to an item by item evaluation and every offeror is given a prorated score based on unit prices
• The qualification process involves mandatory technical criteria
• Paper supplied meets or exceeds technical performance requirements based on industry standards and methods
• SOs are issued to the highest qualified scoring offer on a region-by region-basis
• The duration of the SO is for an initial period of 1 year, with the option to extend the offer by 3 additional 1 year periods

Socio-economic aspects

• Green procurement: Environmental considerations and environmentally preferred packaging will be part of the RFSO‘s mandatory technical evaluation criteria.
• Green House Gas: Disclosure of Green House Gas Emissions will be part of the RFSO‘s mandatory technical evaluation criteria.
• Small and medium-sized enterprises: This opportunity is open to all bidders through an open bidding process and awarded on a region-by-region basis to allow participation by small and medium enterprises.
• Set-aside for Indigenous businesses: An Indigenous Stream is open exclusively to Indigenous-owned businesses, promoting opportunities for Indigenous suppliers across Canada.

Value / Savings / Considerations

By leveraging the consolidated business volume through the use of SO's, CCPI participants benefit from quicker access to office paper, while also achieving economies of scale and cost-efficiency.