Frequently asked questions on vendor performance
Learn more about the rollout of the Vender Performance Management (VPM) program.
When will Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) begin using VPM scores as criteria for consideration in future bid evaluations?
During the launch phase, VPM scores will not be used in bid evaluations. The vendor community will be provided 90 days notice in advance of scores beginning to be used to create a vendor’s performance history.
How long will the launch phase last?
The launch phase is expected to last approximately 12 months.
Will the VPM be expanded to other procurement areas beyond professional services?
VPM is being expanded across PSPC in a phased approach, with other goods and services being onboarded throughout the 12 month launch phase period.
What are the impacts to a vendor upon receiving a high or low VPM rating?
During the launch phase, there will be no impact to vendors receiving a high or low VPM rating. Once the launch phase is completed, a higher score will improve a vendor’s overall performance rating, increasing the likelihood of being awarded future contracts.
How will vendors with a poor VPM rating have an opportunity to improve?
As vendors improve their performance on new contracts, this will be reflected in their overall VPM rating.
Will there be a recourse mechanism for vendors who disagree with their rating?
We are currently developing an objection process should vendors disagree with their assigned score. Industry stakeholders voiced preference for a policy that is comprehensive, timely, and impartial. This would involve an escalation process and an authority to make final and binding decisions.
Will reviews of scoring and/or evaluation processes be in place to ensure the long-term fairness of the policy?
The scoring methodology will be reviewed during the launch phase. The results will drive improvement to ensure that scores are fair, transparent, and reflective of actual performance.
Will vendors be able to use their rating as a marketing tool?
Vendors are allowed to use their performance rating however they choose.
How will vendors be made aware of VPM in solicitations? Specifically what should vendors expect?
VPM clauses and scorecards will be included in solicitation documents. After contract award, performance expectations and evaluation dates will be discussed with the vendor. Throughout the life of the contract, client departments will communicate regularly with vendors regarding performance and document all interactions. The federal buyer and the federal client will work closely together to establish a score for the vendor, and publish the scorecard within SAP Business Network for the vendor’s review.
What happens in a situation where only one vendor is available (sole source situation)?
The federal buyer may award a non-competitive contract in accordance with existing federal policy exceptions. In such cases, there is no obligation to consider the vendor’s past performance when awarding the contract. However, the resulting sole-source contract would still be subject to VPM, and the vendor’s performance will be evaluated as usual. The VPM scores from the performance evaluations done on non-competitive contracts can help inform future contracting decisions, including future non-competitive contracting decisions.
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