IT contracts with the Government of Canada: how opportunities are structured
Federal IT work is bought in several ways, from open tenders to supply arrangements that pre-qualify suppliers. Knowing which route a requirement uses tells you whether you can bid now or need to qualify first.
Reviewed October 2026 against the official sources listed below. Independent guide, not affiliated with the Government of Canada. Rules and programs change, so confirm details in the official notice.
Two main methods for professional IT services
PSPC describes two methods of supply for informatics professional services. Task-Based Informatics Professional Services (TBIPS) covers specific, time-limited needs with defined tasks and deliverables. Solutions-Based Informatics Professional Services (SBIPS) covers cases where the supplier defines and delivers a solution and takes responsibility for the outcome.
PSPC describes both as mandatory for federal informatics professional services requirements at or above the applicable trade-agreement threshold. Suppliers get onto them by responding to the solicitations on CanadaBuys and registering in the Centralized Professional Services System, which requires a Procurement Business Number.
Other IT opportunities
- Open tenders for software, hardware, licences, hosting and support services.
- Standing offers and supply arrangements for goods and services departments buy repeatedly.
- Innovative Solutions Canada, a program that connects departments with Canadian firms developing new technology.
Security requirements
Some IT contracts require personnel or organization security screening. A business cannot apply for organization screening on its own: it must be requested by an approved sponsor, usually the contracting authority. The notice states whether a security requirement applies.
Before you bid
- Check whether the requirement is open to all bidders or limited to holders of a supply arrangement.
- Match your team's experience to the mandatory and rated criteria.
- Plan for references, résumés and certifications the evaluation will ask for.
- Keep each notice's deadline, questions date and checklist together.
Frequently asked questions
- What are TBIPS and SBIPS?
- They are PSPC methods of supply for informatics professional services: task-based (TBIPS) and solutions-based (SBIPS). Check PSPC's current pages for how suppliers qualify.
- Can a small software company bid on federal contracts?
- Yes, where the notice allows it and the company meets the requirements. Some work is limited to suppliers already qualified on a supply arrangement.
- How do I get a security clearance for my company?
- You cannot request organization screening yourself. An approved sponsor, such as the contracting authority, requests it when a contract needs it.
Keep your shortlist in one place
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Official sources
- PSPC – Professional services (informatics methods of supply)
- PSPC – Organization security screening: sponsorship process
- CanadaBuys – tender opportunities (Government of Canada)
This guide is general information, not legal or procurement advice, and does not promise that any business will win a contract. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.