Get started as a supplier to government: step by step

Although anyone can submit a response to a tender opportunity, government can only award a contract if you're registered and in good standing with Registry of Joint Stock Companies or your home jurisdiction.

Learn about selling to government to better understand the procurement process.

Most tenders are advertised on Nova Scotia Tender Notices and are open to all suppliers. You can also find current standing offers for larger standing offers contracts issued by government departments.

Sign up for tender notifications with the Tender Opportunities Notification Service. Once you’ve signed up, you get email notifications with public sector procurement opportunities that match the goods, services and construction categories you selected.

Create an Ariba Discovery account to submit an e-bid for high value competitions by government departments, Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre.

Read tender documents carefully to make sure you understand what a tender is requesting. It describes the goods or services that government and public sector entities need to purchase and the conditions you need to meet to be an eligible bidder.

Get clarification on any questions you have to help ensure you submit a compliant bid.

Make sure you’re aware of the due date and time for a tender before you bid. You should also know the mandatory requirements for the tender. Late responses or bids that are missing mandatory requirements are non-compliant and are not accepted.

Ask for a bidder debriefing session with a procurement specialist if you’d like feedback on your proposal.

Get paid promptly for your goods or services by making sure your contact information is up to date with government and always include the purchase order number and any other project-specific information on your invoice. You can also sign up for direct deposit by completing the Direct Deposit Authorization for Electronic Funds Transfer Form (PDF).