[ARCHIVED] Primer: PWGSC Learning Services Standing Offer and Supply Arrangement
[ARCHIVED August 15, 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 (SO) and supply arrangements (SA). In some cases, the use of a standing offer or supply arrangement is mandatory.
Learning Services SO and SA: Design, Development and Delivery of Learning Services across Canada [Closed – SA Refresh scheduled January 22, 2019]
The Learning Services SO (currently closed) and the Learning Services 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
- Stream 3 – Custom and Rapid Learning Product Programming
- Stream 4 – Multimedia Design and Development
- Stream 5 – Training Delivery
- Stream 6 – Training Evaluation Services
- Stream 7 – Project Management
A full listing of all the streams and categories of personnel included in Learning Services can be found in our TPC Overview – PWGSC Learning Services SOSA (2018-01).
Learning Services is an essential contract vehicle to hold if you wish to provide services to the Government of Canada in any of the professional services areas listed above.
To qualify for Learning Services, you must respond to and comply with the Learning Services Request for Standing Offer and Supply Arrangement.
Highlights of the Learning Services Request for Supply Arrangement
The Learning Services Request for Supply Arrangement Refresh was posted on July 18, 2017, and closed April 13, 2018. Bids are evaluated periodically. The next SA Refresh is anticipated:
- January 22, 2019
Key Requirements
- Three years in business
- A minimum dollar value of billed services relevant to each proposed stream (the amount varies, please see TPC Overview – PWGSC Learning Services SOSA (2018-01) for details of stream-specific requirements)
- A reference for each category (role) being offered (organization, client name/title, contact information, contract number and project title)
- Security clearance (prior to SA award)
A proposal requires both a hard copy, 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 Learning Services 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 Learning Services SA Authority (see PWGSC Contact Acquisitions Page for contact information) 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]
The differences between the Learning Services Standing Offer and Supply Arrangement
The Learning Services Supply Arrangement (SA) and the Learning Services Standing Offer (SO) are part of the same Method of Supply. On approximately an annual basis, the Learning Services SA and SO are renewed as part of a single solicitation. New vendors are provided with the opportunity to qualify for both contract vehicles, and existing vendors are required to renew their contract vehicles if they wish to continue providing services.
The Supply Arrangement is used for the provision of services on a best value basis, where technical and financial criteria are used to award contracts. The Standing Offer is used for the provision of services on a low-cost compliant basis, where a ranking of suppliers (created at the time of issuance of the Standing Offers) provides a right of first refusal to the lowest cost vendors.
Additional Information and Support
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the Learning Services 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.
