JOSHUA ALLAN
The 1019 Report
A new program launched by Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV) aims to help local businesses get their feet wet when it comes to applying for government calls for tenders.
During uncertain economic times, DEV is encouraging businesses to consider the Quebec government as a viable client from which they can secure their next big contract.
“It’s more important than ever that (local businesses) can become a supplier for the government,” said Christine Mariano, a business adviser for DEV.
“In an uncertain economic climate, where governments are seeking to favour local suppliers, this program will enable them to better position themselves and gain access to promising contracts,” said DEV senior director Joël Lessard in a statement issued last month.
DEV’s Public Procurement Access Program (PAMP), launched last month, is set to facilitate the often lengthy procedure of applying to government calls for tenders for businesses that are new to the process.
The program connects businesses with external experts who will work with the companies to collect and submit all necessary forms and documents in their bid for a government contract. The process is complex, Mariano affirmed, and it can take sometimes up to 20 hours to complete a single bid.
“But it’s doable,” she added. “Once you demystify it, it gets simpler. Once it’s done for the first time, then you know how to do the second one, and the third one, and you’re more at ease on bidding.”
The PAMP program covers 50 per cent (up to $2,500) of the costs incurred by businesses working with external experts on a bid. Eligible applicants to the program must be subscribed to the Quebec government’s online tendering system (SEAO) and be applying for a contract of at least $133,800 in services or $34,400 in goods. Companies that have submitted bids for government contracts within the last five years are not eligible for this program.
What types of businesses is the Quebec government looking to employ?
“It really varies,” said Mariano, adding that the calls for tenders cover “a number of industries that could be applicable for (businesses) in Vaudreuil-Soulanges.”
The SEAO website lists hundreds of active calls for tenders, offering details on types of industry the government is looking for, as well as the location of the project and the deadline to apply. Categories include construction, civil engineering, electronics and software, food services, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment and environmental services.
DEV is hosting an in-person training session on submitting bids for government contracts on Wednesday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting is being held in collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy and the Association pour le développement de la recherche et de l’innovation du Québec. Interested businesses can register for this event on DEV’s website.