News Release Archive
SUPPLY AND SERVICES--PROCUREMENT POLICY UNVEILED ------------------------------------------------------------ For the first time in its history Nova Scotia has a comprehensive policy that clearly outlines the rules and procedures of government procurement. Supply and Services Minister Gerald O'Malley released the new government policy in the Legislature today. The policy takes effect Jan. 1, 1996 and includes all government departments, boards and agencies and Crown corporations. A draft form of the policy was widely distributed for comment this spring. More than 40 individuals, businesses, civil servants, municipal leaders and industry associations responded to the call for feedback to improve the draft policy. The new policy together with the revised Atlantic Procurement Agreement "are the definitive documents for public sector procurement in Nova Scotia," the minister said. "Our objectives at the beginning of this process were to ensure that the procurement system helped taxpayers receive the best value for their dollars, that the system was fair and open and to ensure that every business have an equal opportunity to do business with government and public institutions," Mr. O'Malley said. "I believe we have met those objectives." Some highlights of the procurement policy are: - The principle of accepting the lowest valid tender is enshrined. "If staff feel for any reason that the lowest tender should not be accepted, approval from the Priorities and Planning Committee will be required," Mr. O'Malley said. "Staff's written rationale for awarding to the non-lowest tender will be available for public review." - The process and dollar thresholds for acquiring goods, services, construction, office space and professional services are outlined. "There are different procurement processes for each stage when staff are acquiring these goods and services," the minister said. - The process for advertising for requirements over $1,000 are also clearly outlined. - Alternative procurement practices are outlined. "Alternative practices would include buying from the only known supplier, emergency situations, and opportunities to support minority businesses and sheltered workshops," the minister said. - The policy includes provisions for unsolicited proposals. Under recent revisions to the Atlantic Procurement Agreement, universities, school boards and hospitals receiving provincial funding will be included in the agreement effective Jan. 1, 1996. In Nova Scotia, these sectors will also be covered by the new provincial procurement policy on June 1, 1996. "These reforms will help ensure that public institutions receiving public funding receive the best possible value and that competition for this business is as open as possible," Mr. O'Malley said. "We will use the time between now and June 1 to work with officials in these sectors to help make a smooth transition to the new process." Discussions are continuing, through the Conference of Atlantic Premiers to include municipalities in the Atlantic agreement. "These procurement reforms are an excellent example of what can be accomplished when working cooperatively with our partners and when there is commitment to effect leading edge reforms of our own practices," Mr. O'Malley said. Copies of the Procurement Policy will be available as of Friday, Dec. 1, 1995, at the Nova Scotia Government Bookstore, 1700 Granville St., Halifax, P.O. Box 637, B3J 2T3; telephone 902-424-7580 or (toll-free) 1-800-526-6575. -30- Contact: David MacNeil 902-424-2933 trp Nov. 30, 1995