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 that don’t require massive capacity to fulfill.
Myth #2: “The process is too complicated.”
Reality:
Yes, procurement has rules, but they’re designed to ensure fairness and transparency. The Government of Canada has simplified many aspects in recent years, including the launch of CanadaBuys. To make things even easier, we developed BidWatch Search, a web app that aggregates relevant open opportunities currently available and streamlines the search process.
📌Did You Know? We also offer consulting services at BidWatch to help you get started with government procurement, from registration and bid writing to strategy and compliance.
Myth #3: “You have to be on a pre-approved list to bid.”
Reality:
Many government tenders are open to the public. While some contracts require pre-qualification or security clearance, others are accessible to any vendor who meets the criteria in the request for proposal (RFP).
📌Fact: Being on a standing offer or supply arrangement helps, but it’s not always required. There are plenty of open opportunities you can go after right now.
Myth #4: “You need to offer the lowest price to win.”
Reality:
Price matters, but it’s not the only factor. Government buyers often use a weighted evaluation process that includes quality, experience, innovation, and sustainability. Sometimes, the lowest-priced bid loses if it doesn’t meet technical requirements.
📌Pro Tip: Focus on value, not just cost. Tailor your proposal to show how you meet or exceed every evaluation criterion.
Myth #5: “If I lose once, it’s not worth trying again.”
Reality:
Bidding is a learning process. Most successful vendors didn’t win on their first try. Each submission gives you insight into what works, what evaluators expect, and how to improve. Plus, you can request a debrief to understand why your bid didn’t succeed.
📌Action Step: Treat every bid as a stepping stone. Use feedback to build stronger future proposals and position yourself for success over time.
Conclusion:
Government procurement is more accessible than many believe. By overcoming these myths, your business can unlock a whole new stream of revenue, credibility, and growth.Conclusion:
✅ Need Help?
Our team at BidWatch can support your success with:
- Supplier registration
- Compliance with procurement rules
- Proposal writing and bid strategy
👉 Contact us today if you want one-on-one guidance or to explore our bidding support packages.
- BidWatch Canada Team