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

Learning Services SO and SA: Qualify for contracts for Design, Development and Delivery of Learning Services [OPEN for Renewal – Due Date: October 29, 2021]

The Learning Services SO and SA are the mandatory procurement tools for most purchases of learning services to be provided to locations across Canada. Learning Services includes all aspects of the design, development and delivery of classroom learning, blended learning and eLearning product development. In general, the provision of services involves the development and delivery of government-owned materials.

The Learning Services Methods of Supply are organized into the following streams:

• Stream 1 – Strategic Learning Advisory Services
• Stream 2 – Instructional Design and Development Services
• Stream 3 – Custom and Rapid Learning Product Programming
• Stream 4 – Multi-media Design and Development
• Stream 5 – Training Delivery
• Stream 6 – Training Evaluation Services
• Stream 7 – Project Management

A new directive, the Treasury Board Directive on the Management of Procurement took effect May 13, 2021. This directive replaces two Treasury Board policy instruments:

• Contracting Policy, and
• Policy on Decision Making in Limiting Contractor Liability in Crown Procurement Contracts

Government of Canada departments have until May 13, 2022 to make the transition to the new directive, with the exception of the requirements in Appendix A: Contracting Approvals which became effective immediately on May 13, 2021. During this transition period, departments may choose to follow the requirements of either the new directive, or of the two policy instruments noted above.