Get started with procurement as a public sector entity: step by step

How to get started with procurement as a public sector entity if you’re using the Government of Nova Scotia’s procurement process.

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  1. 1

    Check what entities need to operate under the Public Procurement Act

    Any public sector entity can use the Government of Nova Scotia’s procurement processes, but public sector entities that are included under the Public Procurement Act are required to follow the procurement processes to buy goods, services and construction.

    Public sector entities under the Public Procurement Act
    List of public sector entities that operate under the Public Procurement Act.

  2. 2

    Role and responsibilities of public sector entities

    Find our about the role and responsibilities of public sector entities (YouTube) in the procurement process.

  3. 3

    Learn about procurement policies

    The Public Procurement Policy (Policy 3.1) and the Procurement Manual outline procedures for buying goods, services and construction. Procurement guidelines describe procurement protocols and procedures for selling to government and public sector entities.

    Public Procurement Policy (Policy 3.1): 300 common services manual
    Policy and procedures on the procurement of goods, services and construction.

    Procurement manual: protocols
    Protocols and guidelines to support government’s procurement process.

    Procurement guides
    Collection of procurement guidelines for the government, public sector entities and suppliers.

  4. 4

    Learn about trade agreements

    Find out about trade agreements that impact how public sector entities buy goods, services and construction.

    Trade agreements for procurement
    Collection of trade agreements that impact how Government of Nova Scotia and public sector entities buy goods, services and construction.

    Trade agreement thresholds and posting timelines that impact procurement
    Domestic and international trade agreements that impact public sector entities when procuring (buying) goods, services and construction.

    Setting time periods for tenders under international trade agreements
    Time periods that public sector entities need to follow during the procurement process for goods, services and construction.

  5. 5

    Posting tenders and alternative procurements

    Most tenders are advertised on Nova Scotia Tender Notices and are open to all suppliers. Alternative procurement practices are used in urgent, specialized or exceptional circumstances. Public sector entities need to use procurement’s online services to post tenders and alternative procurement notices.

  6. 6

    Training and support for public sector entities

    Procurement provides training and support to help public sector entities understand the procurement process.

  7. 7

    Procurement Advisory Group

    The Procurement Advisory Group provides advice and recommendations to help improve the procurement process.