Reference sheet: Defence and security procurement

What is defence and security procurement?

• Procurement of goods and services related to Canada’s defence and security needs.
• Includes specialized equipment and vehicles, as well as goods and services that support federal departments and agencies responsible for Canada’s defence and security.
• May be subject to specific certification requirements (e.g. controlled goods, contract security).

How can smaller businesses participate?

• Contribute to supply chains and provide support services as sub-contractors (e.g. equipment parts, maintenance services), working with prime contractors that supply major government purchases.
• Provide goods and services to support defence and security personnel and infrastructure (e.g. food, clothing, cleaning, training).

How does defence and security procurement work at the federal level?

• The federal government’s defence and security purchases are often subject to two key policy initiatives:
  • Defence Procurement Strategy
  • Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy
• These two initiatives create opportunities for smaller Canadian businesses by leveraging defence and security procurement to generate business activity in Canada.
• The following departments and agencies are the primary buyers of goods and services related to Canada’s defence and security:
  • Canadian Coast Guard
  • Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
  • Canadian Space Agency
  • Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
  • Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF)
  • Public Safety Canada
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• National Defence has the contracting authority to purchase goods and services up to $5 million for competitive contracts and up to $250,000 for non-competitive contracts. It manages over 12,000 service contracts.
• Familiarize yourself with federal security and certification requirements that may apply to the goods or services you provide:
  • Security requirements for contracting with the Government of Canada
  • Controlled goods

How do I find opportunities in defence and security procurement?

• Monitor opportunities posted by federal departments and agencies:
  • The Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) is the official source suppliers should rely on to find Government of Canada tenders.
  • For information about defence goods and services purchased by PSPC, including equipment and supporting services, visit Defence and marine procurement.
• Follow opportunities for innovation in defence and security, including competitions for innovative solutions and networking opportunities:
  • Visit the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) website.
  • Follow Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) on LinkedIn and Twitter (@DRDC_RDDC, #DefenceIDEaS).
• Connect with the industry:
  • Larger companies delivering on major purchases may be looking for sub-contractors. These companies often plan ahead up to several years in advance for upcoming requirements. It can help to connect with them early and let them know of your business capacity.
  • Regional development agencies can assist and provide advice on upcoming defence and security projects and ways to participate. They can also facilitate partnerships between companies in their regions and prime contractors.
  • Industry associations bring together key players at the regional, national and international level. They may present opportunities to connect with other businesses. For more information, consult the list of aerospace and defence associations maintained by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

Electronic procurement

The Government is moving federal procurement online. You may be able to bid on some tender opportunities through the electronic procurement solution. Learn about electronic procurement.

Get assistance

Attend a seminar to learn more about doing business with the Government of Canada.

If you need help understanding the federal procurement process or registering for a procurement business number:

• contact the National InfoLine 1‑800‑811‑1148 (Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET);
• request a callback from Procurement Assistance Canada; or,
• find a regional office near you. We have a network of offices across Canada.