Selling to government
Procurement (buying) processes vary depending on the value of the goods, services and construction needed. Government needs to use existing standing offers first when looking for a supplier.
Each year, Government of Nova Scotia buys goods, services and construction. The value of what’s needed determines the buying process that government needs to follow.
Procurement policies
Procedures for buying goods, services and construction are outlined in the Sustainable Procurement Policy (Policy 3.1) and the Procurement Manual. Detailed procurement guidelines also outline procurement protocols and procedures for selling to government and public sector entities.
What government buys
Government of Nova Scotia buys goods, services and construction every year. Government buys most goods and services from businesses in the province.
Tendering process (bidding process)
Most tenders are advertised on Nova Scotia Tender Notices and are open to all suppliers. Each tender is posted for a minimum of 15 days, but the posting may be longer depending on the complexity of the tender.
Notices include tender documents that describe the goods, services or construction to be purchased and the conditions that suppliers need to meet to be an eligible bidder. Documents vary depending on what’s being purchased.
If changes to a tender are required during a tendering period, an addendum is posted with the original tender notice posting. Suppliers are responsible for looking for any addenda, altering their bid accordingly and noting the addendum in their bid.
If changes to a tender are required during a tendering period, an addendum is posted with the original tender notice posting. Suppliers are responsible for looking for any addenda, altering their bid accordingly and noting the addendum in their bid.
Evaluating bids
Bids are evaluated on purchase price and lifecycle cost, but also environmental considerations, social considerations, delivery, servicing and the capacity of the bidder to meet other criteria as stated in the tender documents.
Alternative procurement practice
Government of Nova Scotia uses alternative procurement practices in urgent, specialized or exceptional circumstances. It doesn’t use alternative procurement practices to avoid competition between suppliers or to discriminate against specific individuals or groups of suppliers.
Awarding contracts
After bids are evaluated, the successful supplier is notified and a contract is awarded (issued).
Training and support for suppliers
Procurement provides training and support to help suppliers sell to government.
How to sell to government
Add your business and construction products to the Innovative, Sustainable Construction Products DirectoryBusinesses can request that their business information and the types of sustainable construction products they sell are added to the directory.
E-procurementHow e-procurement (electronic procurement) works including e-bidding and e-bonding.
Find alternative procurement award noticesSearch and view alternative procurement award notices from Government of Nova Scotia and public sector entities.
Find current standing offersList of standing offers from Government of Nova Scotia and public sector entities.
Find public tender noticesSearch and view tender notices from Government of Nova Scotia and public sector entities.
Low value and high value purchases: procurement processProcurement process for low value and high value purchases for government and public sector entities.
Sign up for tender notificationsGet email notifications with tender notices by signing up with the Tender Opportunities Notification Service (TONS).
Standing offersStanding offers provide government and public sector entities with access to commonly purchased goods, services and construction at predetermined prices or discounts during a particular period of time.