Update on RFI for a SaaS Method of Supply (GC Cloud)

Trade Agreement: NONE
Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 

Amendment 001:

Please refer to posting EN578-191593/C for the Request for Information package, inclusive of a Draft Request for Supply Arrangement for comment.

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This notice is issued to inform industry that Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) will be publishing the Request for Information (RFI), including a draft Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA) on October 29, 2018. This release is to facilitate industry in responding to the Shared Services Canada's (SSC) Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) currently on BuyandSell.gc.ca. 

The RFI will formally kick-start the consultation and engagement process with Industry and stakeholders to help inform the design and development of a new SaaS method of supply. The RFI will include initial questions and draft documents for comment and followed by formal industry engagement sessions (e.g. Industry Day and one-on-one sessions).

Primer on the new SaaS Method of Supply:

It is proposed that the new SaaS method of supply utilize PSPC’s Supply Arrangement methodology, qualifying SaaS suppliers for award of Supply Arrangements with SaaS solution catalogues and to enable subsequent simplified solicitation and contracting processes to satisfy individual client requirements. 

The new SaaS method of supply is intended to initially cover requirements with Protected B data, and in the future, may expand to cover requirements with higher and lower data classifications. This new method of supply is part of the Government of Canada (GC) Cloud Services Procurement Vehicle framework, which is envisioned to consist of various methods of supply satisfying both classified and unclassified cloud requirements. The GC Cloud Services Procurement Vehicle framework will help position the GC and public sector partners to leverage the latest digital technologies to achieve better results for Canadians.

The new SaaS method of supply intends to pre-qualify suppliers with SaaS solutions that reside on IaaS and PaaS meeting the GC Security Control Profile for Cloud-based GC Services and associated IT security requirements.

Following the consultation and engagement process that will be detailed in the RFI, the intent is to proceed with a subsequent qualification leading to the establishment of the new SaaS method of supply. 

Procurement Roles:

PSPC and SSC jointly support federal organizations in procuring IT goods and services. With respect to procuring cloud-based offerings, the procurement responsibilities of each organization extends to the various elements of the cloud stack from the infrastructure to the software application layers. The division of procurement responsibilities reflects the procurement mandates of each respective organization in supporting GC clients.

In line with each organization’s mandate, SSC’s procurement role in cloud-based offerings mirrors their responsibilities in managing the GC infrastructure, networks, common workplace technology devices and cyber security (IaaS, PaaS). PSPC’s procurement role is primarily in software application and development space (SaaS), supporting clients in their service delivery and back-office functions (refer to the diagram attached to this notice).

Interested parties should monitor this notice on BuyandSell.gc.ca and may also choose to subscribe to the Tender Notice Updates function to receive updates.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: To facilitate search for industry all future postings will include "GC Cloud" in the title. Please note that vendors can subscribe to tender notice updates (RSS, ATOM, e-mail) using the keyword "GC Cloud".
Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.