Primer: PWGSC Temporary Help Services (THS) Supply Arrangement
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.
Temporary Help Services (THS) Supply Arrangement (SA): Qualify to provide Temporary Help Services in the National Capital (NCR) area [Open for bids indefinitely – Quarterly due dates: last business day of the month in March, June, September and December. The next due date is December 31, 2021.]
The THS RFSA is for the provision of Temporary Help Services to any Canadian Government Department, Crown Corporation or Agency in the National Capital Area.
Temporary Help Services (THS) are services that are provided by a supplier’s employee. There are only three situations in which Temporary Help Services can be used by Designated Users to fulfill their requirements:
- When a public servant is absent for a temporary period of time
- When a requirement exists for additional staff during a temporary workload increase, in which there is an insufficient number of public servants available to meet the requirement
- When a position is vacant and staffing action is being completed
The contract period must not exceed 48 weeks without approval of the THS Authority.
THS is organized according to the following streams, each containing multiple categories:
- Stream 1—Office Support
- Stream 2—Operational Services
- Stream 3—Electrical and Electronics Services
- Stream 4—Mechanical and Machining Services
- Stream 5—Computer Services
- Stream 6—Architectural and Design Services
- Stream 7—Miscellaneous Engineering/Technology Services
- Stream 8—Financial Services
- Stream 9—Procurement Services
- Stream 10—Communication Services
- Stream 11—Library Services
- Stream 12—Human Resources Management
- Stream 13—Policy and Advisory Services
- Stream 14—Health and Scientific Services
These categories are mirrored from the previous THS categories but are spread over 14 streams rather than 5 streams. A full listing of all the streams and categories of personnel included in THS can be found in our TPC Overview – PWGSC THS SA (2020-04).
Note: For a cross-reference from the old category/streams, refer to the Grandfathering streams reference.
The THS SA is an essential contract vehicle to hold if you wish to provide services to the Government of Canada in any of the IT temporary help services areas listed above.
In 2019, THS began piloting two new initiatives. The first is to promote and support greater opportunities for underrepresented groups in federal procurement (indigenous, women, people with disabilities, and visible minorities). The second is to introduce a new “Right-fit” basis of selection that could be used in lieu of lowest priced bid.
The Temporary Help Services for the NCR RFSA was posted for bids on August 8, 2019 and is open for bids indefinitely. Bids are evaluated quarterly and are due on the last business day of the month in June, September, December and March.
Key Requirements
- Minimum of 24 months in business
- Selection of proposed streams and categories. For each stream where three categories are substantiated, a supplier will qualify for the entire stream
- To substantiate a category, the Supplier must demonstrate that they have provided services similar to the category, including:
- One contract where services have been provided within the last five years prior to the refresh closing date
- A client reference who can substantiate the contract information provided
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 THS 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 THS 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.]
Please see our Primers page for information about other Methods of Supply.
Additional Information and Support
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the THS SA, 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.
