[ARCHIVED October 23, 2018 – This page will no longer be updated. Please see https://blog.theproposalcentre.ca//list-of-primers/ for current information on key Government of Canada and Government of Ontario contract vehicles.]

The Government of Canada purchases professional services primarily through contract vehicles such as standing offers and supply arrangements. In some cases, the use of a standing offer or supply arrangement is mandatory.

Task and Solutions Professional Services (TSPS) Task-Based Standing Offer (SO) and Supply Arrangement (SA): Qualify for Contracts for Non-IT Professional Services [Closed – Replacement anticipated for Fall 2018]
The TSPS Task-Based SO and TSPS Task-Based SA are two of several mandatory contract vehicles related to the provision of non-IT professional Services. The other related contract vehicles are the TSPS Solutions-Based SA and the ProServices SA.

Task-based services generally involve the assignment of a resource or group of resources to complete a well-defined set of deliverables/responsibilities on a per diem basis.

TSPS is organized according to the following streams (each containing multiple categories of resources): Read the rest of this entry »

The Government of Canada purchases professional services primarily through contract vehicles such as standing offers and supply arrangements. In some cases, the use of a standing offer or supply arrangement is mandatory.

Task and Solutions Professional Services (TSPS) Solutions-Based Supply Arrangement (SA): Qualify for Contracts for Non-IT Professional Services [Open for bids indefinitely – Quarterly due dates: Last business day of the month in March, June, September and December.  Next  due date is December 31, 2021.]

The TSPS Solutions-Based SA is one of several procurement tools for the purchase of Non-IT professional services. While the better known TSPS Task Based SA and the ProServices SA focus on resource-based contracts (i.e., services provided by individuals), the TSPS Solutions-Based SA is used to procure a complete solution in response to a client business problem. Services are not related to one particular activity or initiative, and suppliers are expected to manage the overall project and accept responsibility for the outcome.

The TSPS Solutions-Based SA is separated into two tiers:

• SA Tier 1: Contracts up to $3,750,000
• SA Tier 2: Contracts over $3, 750,000

The TSPS Solutions-Based SA is organized according to the following streams:

• Stream 1: Human Resource Services
• Stream 2: Business Services / Change Management Services
• Stream 3: Project Management Services
• Stream 4: Real Property Project Management Services
• Stream 5: Technical Engineering and Maintenance Services (TEMS)

Please also see our TPC Overview – PWGSC TSPS Solutions SA (2020-11).

The TSPS Solutions-Based SA is an important contract vehicle to hold if you wish to provide services to the Government of Canada in any of the non-IT professional services areas listed above.

To qualify for the TSPS Solutions-Based SA, you must respond to and comply with the TSPS Solutions-Based Request for Supply Arrangement.

Highlights of the TSPS Solutions-Based RFSA
TSPS Solutions-Based SA was published October 5, 2018 and is currently open for bids. Bids are evaluated quarterly and are due on the last day of the month in March, June, September and December.

Key Requirements:

• Three years in business
• Must have invoiced a gross business volume of at least $1,000,000 (Tier 1)/$2,000,000 (Tier 2) in the past five years.
• Minimum of three projects, and a maximum of five projects,  for each stream proposed:
  • Each project must have been completed within the past five years
  • Each project must relate to the stream and have been for a complete solution involving initiation, planning and execution. This is demonstrated as part of detailed project summary write-ups.
  • In each stream the combined value billed for the projects must be a minimum of $500,000 for Tier 1 or $1,000,000 for Tier 2, excluding all taxes
• Security clearance (prior to SA award)

A proposal requires both an email submission (to be provided when requested) and the entry of data into the Centralized Professional Services System (CPSS).

Government of Canada Security Clearances
In addition to the requirements noted above, suppliers need to obtain a minimum of a Designated Organization Screening (DOS) security clearance. This is an organization clearance, which is separate from personal security clearances.

Suppliers may submit a bid for the TSPS Solutions-Based SA without holding a security clearance, but will not be awarded a supply arrangement until their clearance is granted. As soon as possible (even before submitting a bid), suppliers who do not yet hold a DOS (or higher) organization clearance should request sponsorship from the TSPS Solutions-Based SA Authority to start the clearance process.

[N.B. DOS organization clearance is essential for all firms providing services under government contracts, even for organizations who are subcontractors/independent contractors working for a larger firm]

Relationship to TSPS Task-Based Methods of Supply and ProServices
As noted above, the TSPS Task Based SA and the ProServices SA are other methods of supply for non-IT Professional Services. The TSPS Task-Based SA and the ProServices SA are for “task-based” requirements, which focus on procuring the services of individuals to complete a task. The TSPS Solutions-Based SA focuses on the procurement of complete solutions.

The TSPS Task-Based SA is used for best-value contracts above the CKFTA threshold, while ProServices is used for contracts below the threshold. The TSPS Task-Based SO is used for contracts up to $250,000 awarded based on a low-cost compliant selection method, following a right of first refusal list established with the SO.

Please see our Primers for more information on TSPS Task Based SA and ProServices SA, and other methods of supply.

Additional Information and Support
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the TSPS Solutions-Based Supply Arrangement, doing business with the federal government, or doing business with any public sector organization, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us. We would be very happy to answer your questions. We have even created a special package to support you with your submission. Contact Us today for more details.