Receiving maximum value is a fundamental objective when procuring goods and services. Value can be measured in terms of quality and process outcomes achieved through supplier competition that results in:
- Quality at optimal pricing
- Reliable service and performance expectations
- Consistent and efficient processes
Obtaining supplier quotations or formal proposals is required to allow suppliers in the marketplace an open, fair, transparent and non-discriminatory opportunity to supply UFV with the goods and services needed for business purposes.
At UFV, competitive procurement for goods and services is a shared responsibility based on type, dollar threshold, documentation and authority as shown in the table below.
Total value/dollar thresholds requiring competitive procurement
| | UFV procurement policy
and procurement directive | NWPTA* | CFTA** | CETA*** |
|---|
| Procurement method |
Informal
(up to 3 quotes) |
Formal
(3 written quotes) |
Open
(Tender call/RFx) |
|---|
| Goods |
$5,000–
$49,999 |
$50,000–
$74,999 |
$75,000+ |
$75,000+ |
$100,000+ |
$365,700+ |
|---|
| Services |
$5,000–
$49,999 |
$50,000–
$74,999 |
$75,000+ |
$75,000+ |
$100,000+ |
$365,700+ |
|---|
| Construction |
$5,000–
$49,999 |
$100,000–
$199,999 |
$200,000+ |
$200,000+ |
$250,000+ |
$9,100,000+ |
|---|
| Procurement authority |
Client department obtains quotes
and forwards to Procurement
Services with SPR.
|
Procurement Services
|
|---|
* New West Partnership Trade Agreement
** Canadian Free Trade Agreement
*** Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
Competitive bidding process
There is a well defined process for procuring goods and services through competitive bidding, which is explained in full in the Guide to Competitive Bidding.
We would advise you to contact Procurement Services as early as possible so that they can assist you in the process, including advising you on any exemptions and exclusions that might apply to your particular situation.
In essence, there are eight steps to the process, outlined below.
Stage I — Information gathering and document creation
Bid resolution process
In the case of disputes over an awarded bid, the unsuccessful bidder must follow a specific course of action.
The first step is to schedule a debriefing with Procurement Services. Debriefings must take place within fifteen (15) business days following notice of the contract award. Requests received after this time frame will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If the matter is not resolved in the debriefing and the unsuccessful bidder still has concerns with a procurement process following a debriefing and wishes to formally dispute the outcome, they must file a written bid dispute notice with the Director, Supply Chain, by registered mail, within fifteen (15) business days of the debriefing.
The bid dispute notice must include:
- The name and address of the bidder
- Reference number and title of the bid solicitation
- Detailed and factual statement of the grounds for the dispute
- Supporting documentation
- Designated contact during the bid dispute process
