Primer: PWGSC TSPS Task-Based 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.
Task and Solutions Professional Services (TSPS) Task-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. The next due date is December 31, 2021.]
The TSPS Task-Based SA is one 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):
- 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)
- Stream 6: Health Services
A full listing of all the streams and categories of personnel included in TSPS can be found in our our TPC Overview- PWGSC TSPS Task-Based SA (2021-01).
The TSPS Task-Based SA is an essential 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 Task-Based SA, you must respond to and comply with the TSPS Task-Based Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA) .
By qualifying for TSPS Task-Based SA, your firm becomes eligible to provide task-based services to the federal government for contracts valued over the CKFTA threshold ($100,000 until December 31, 2021). There are two tiers for the TSPS Task-Based SA:
- Tier 1: Contracts from $100,000 to $3,750,000
- Tier 2: Contracts over $3,750,000
Note: The TSPS Task Based Standing Offer (SO) method of supply has been discontinued and expires May 31, 2021.
Highlights of the TSPS Task-Based RFSA
The TSPS Task–Based SA Refresh was posted on December 1, 2020 and and is open for bids indefinitely. Bids are evaluated periodically and are normally 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 in sales of at least $500,000 (Tier 1) or $1,000,000 (Tier 2) over the past five (5) years
- A reference client contact (no project write-up necessary) for categories you have supplied in the past five (5) years and that you wish to qualify for
- Streams 1 to 5: Minimum of two categories for each stream proposed for Tier 1 of the Supply Arrangement, and a Minimum of four categories for each stream proposed for Tier 2
- Stream 6: At least one category demonstrated in the stream for either Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 of the Supply Arrangement
- 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 a TSPS Task-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 Task-Based SA Authority to start the clearance process.
Suppliers may submit a bid for a TSPS Task-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 Task-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]
Other Related Contract Vehicles (ProServices, TSPS Solutions-Based)
The following contract vehicles are closely related to the TSPS Task-Based SA:
- ProServices SA: The ProServices Supply Arrangement is a mandatory procurement tool for most purchases of professional services under the CKFTA threshold. The non-IT streams and categories included in the ProServices SA mirror the TSPS Task-Based SA
- TSPS Solutions-Based SA: The TSPS Solutions-Based SA includes the same streams of service as the TSPS Task-Based SA. Solution-based opportunities involve the provision of a complete solution, where the client specifies the problem and vendors are required to propose a complete solution, manage the overall project and accept responsibility for the outcome.
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 TSPS Task-Based 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.
