Canada Free Trade Agreement Procurement
The Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) is a comprehensive agreement between the Canadian federal government and the provinces and territories that aims to remove barriers to internal trade. It has been in effect since July 1, 2017, and has led to significant changes in government procurement practices.
One of the most significant changes under the CFTA is the requirement for procurement opportunities to be advertised on a central online portal, making it easier for businesses across the country to access information about available contracts. This portal, called the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Procurement Portal (CFTA-PP), is a one-stop-shop for government procurement, with all opportunities conveniently listed in one place.
Under the CFTA, procurement opportunities must be open and transparent to ensure that all businesses, regardless of their size or location, have fair and equal access to government contracts. This means that tendering processes must be competitive, and contracts must be awarded based on merit, rather than on arbitrary factors such as geography or company size.
The CFTA also includes provisions for businesses to challenge the procurement process if they feel it was unfair or biased in any way. This process, known as a bid challenge, allows businesses to dispute the awarding of a contract and request that the process be reviewed by an independent authority.
The CFTA has had a positive impact on procurement practices in Canada, making it easier for businesses to participate in government procurement and ensuring fair and open competition for contracts. By leveraging the power of technology through the CFTA-PP, businesses across the country have greater access to opportunities and a more level playing field when bidding for contracts.
In conclusion, the Canada Free Trade Agreement Procurement has revolutionized the way in which the federal government procures its goods and services. By promoting transparency, fairness, and open competition, the CFTA has made it easier for businesses of all sizes to participate in government procurement and has helped to ensure that taxpayers` money is spent wisely.