[ARCHIVED] Primer: PWGSC TSPS Solutions-Based Supply Arrangement
[ARCHIVED November 7, 2016 – 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 Primer for the new TSPS Solutions-Based Re-Compete will be posted on November 8, 2016]
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 [Next renewal is anticipated for June 2016]
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, TSPS Task-Based SO, 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 $2,000,000
- SA Tier 2: Contracts over $2,000,000
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-Based SA (2016-05).
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
The TSPS Solutions-Based SA renewal was posted on July 16, 2015 and is now closed. The TSPS Solutions-Based renewal is anticipated to take place in June 2016.
Key Requirements (Streams 1, 2, 3, and 5)
- Three years in business
- Minimum of five projects for each stream proposed:
- Completed within the past five years
- A minimum dollar value for each project of $20,000 (Tier 1) or $300,000 (Tier 2). The professional services component of the projects must be at least 70% of these minimums.
- Must have been for a complete solution involving initiation, planning and execution. A Work Plan must be provided.
- Security clearance (prior to SA award)
Key Requirements (Stream 4)
- Three years (Tier 1) or five years (Tier 2) in business
- Minimum of five projects (from at least three different real property projects) related to the stream:
- Completed within the past five years
- Each Real Property Project must have a minimum value of $5,000,000 (Tier 1) or $10,000,000 (Tier 2)
- The Real Property Services portion of each project must have a minimum dollar value of $50,000 (Tier 1) or $500,000 (SA Tier 2). The professional services component of the projects must be at least 70% of these minimums.
- Must have been for a complete solution involving initiation, planning and execution. A Work Plan must be provided.
- 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 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 SO, TSPS Task-Based SA, and ProServices SA are other methods of supply for non-IT Professional Services. The TSPS Task-Based SO/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 NAFTA 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 SO/SA, 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.
