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Are you missing out on government contracts simply because the bidding process feels confusing or overwhelming? You’re not alone, and that’s exactly why we’re here. At BidWatch Canada , we help Canadian businesses like yours win more public sector contracts with less stress, less guesswork, and a lot more success. Whether you're brand new to bidding or tired of spinning your wheels with no results, our expert team helps you bid smarter, faster, and more competitively. If You’re Serious About Winning, You Need a Proven System Government bids are high-stakes opportunities. But they’re also time-consuming, technical, and often frustrating. Without the right strategy, most businesses: 🚫 Waste time chasing the wrong tenders 🚫 Submit weak or non-compliant proposals 🚫 Lose out to better-prepared competitors With BidWatch , you avoid all that. Why Our Consulting Service Gets Results We don’t just offer advice. We partner with you to turn opportunities into wins. Here’s what sets us...

Canada Bread got toasted for cooking up a price-fixing scheme, and now they’re banned from the federal procurement kitchen for a whole decade. Let’s slice into this scandal and see what it means for suppliers trying to win government contracts. Because in the world of government procurement, it’s not just about having the best recipe, it’s about playing fair, staying honest, and keeping your business fresh and trustworthy. Otherwise, you risk getting burnt just like Canada Bread did. What Happened? Between 2001 and 2015, Canada Bread Company Ltd . colluded with competitor Weston Foods to artificially inflate the price of packaged bread, a staple in Canadian households. In 2023, Canada Bread pleaded guilty and was hit with a $50 million fine, one of the largest corporate penalties in Canadian history for a competition offence. Since 2014, Canada Bread has been owned by Grupo Bimbo, a global bakery company based in Mexico. It now operates in Canada under the name Bimbo Canada. The Pr...

Selling to the Government of Canada can be a game-changing opportunity for businesses of all sizes. With billions spent annually on goods and services, the federal government is one of the largest buyers in the country. And yet, many businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), never submit a single bid. Why? Often, it comes down to misconceptions about the procurement process. In this post, we’re busting five of the most common myths that hold businesses back from exploring this lucrative space. Myth #1: “Only big companies win government contracts.” Reality: While large firms do secure many contracts, the government actively encourages participation from SMEs , Indigenous businesses , women-owned companies , and others. Programs like the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB) and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) exist to help level the playing field. 📌 Tip: Start small. Look for low-dollar-value opportunities or standing offers ...

Welcome to our new product, BidWatch Search , your go-to platform for effortlessly searching and monitoring tenders. Whether you're brand new to tendering or simply exploring what we offer, this updated guide will walk you through everything you need to get started, from creating your account to finding and tracking the tenders that matter most to you. Account Creation Creating an account on BidWatch Search is simple and fast. Getting Started On desktop, click the blue "Sign Up For Free" button in the top-right corner. On mobile, tap the user icon in the top-right, then select "Sign Up For Free." A sign-up widget will appear. Enter the following information: Your email address Your new password Accept the Terms and Privacy Policy After submitting your information, check your inbox for a verification email. Click the link inside the email to confirm your address and activate your account. Returning Users If you already have a BidWatch Search ...

Today, we will discuss the ArriveCAN scandal, a controversy that shocked Canadian taxpayers and raised serious concerns about government spending, transparency, and accountability. This case highlights critical issues within federal procurement practices and serves as a powerful example of why reform is urgently needed. Overview The ArriveCAN scandal has drawn national attention to longstanding issues in Canada’s federal procurement system. At the center of the controversy is GC Strategies, a small consulting firm that received over $19 million in contracts related to the development of the ArriveCAN app, a pandemic-era tool that ended up costing taxpayers more than $60 million. This case has prompted urgent questions about value for money, the role of intermediaries, and the systems meant to safeguard public funds. It highlights how gaps in oversight, transparency, and competitive procurement can erode trust in government contracting. What Was ArriveCAN? ArriveCAN was introduced...

If you’re trying to sell to the Government of Canada, learning procurement terminology is key. This expanded glossary covers the most common acronyms and concepts in federal procurement so you can bid with confidence. ACAN – Advance Contract Award Notice A public notice of intent to award a sole-source contract. Other vendors can challenge by proving they meet the same requirements. Basis of Selection Specifies how bids are evaluated and awarded: lowest price, highest score, or best value. Bidder / Offeror / Proponent Different terms used to refer to the individual or organization submitting a bid. Call-up An order or contract issued under a standing offer. CanadaBuys The federal government’s official procurement portal. Replaces Buyandsell.gc.ca. Contracting Authority / Officer The official responsible for managing the procurement process and signing contracts. eProcurement Online procurement systems. The Government of Canada uses SAP Ariba via the CanadaBuys portal. Evaluation Grid...

Navigating the world of government procurement can be complex, especially when you're faced with unfamiliar acronyms and varying processes. If you're bidding on federal opportunities, it’s critical to understand the procurement methods the Government of Canada uses. Each method has specific requirements, timelines, and levels of competition. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common procurement methods you’ll encounter and what each means for you as a supplier. 1. Request for Proposal (RFP) An RFP is used when the government needs a solution to a problem or a complex good or service . It often involves multiple evaluation criteria, including price, experience, methodology, and innovation. Key Features: Competitive process Weighted evaluation criteria May involve interviews or presentations Usually includes a Statement of Work (SOW) When to Bid: RFPs are best for suppliers who can differentiate themselves based on expertise, approach, and value—not j...