Request for Information - Ethical Procurement

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: 

Request for Information - Ethical Procurement

E60PR-170002/A
Contact: Josette Richard
Telephone No. - (613) 462-4128 
Email: josette.richard@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca


Amendment 001 is raised to delete and replace Annex B of the Request for Information. A revised version of Annex B is currently published.

PURPOSE AND NATURE OF THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has developed eight (8) principles related to ethical manufacturing practices of apparel to which we would like bidders to certify compliance. We are requesting feedback from suppliers, industry associations, and other stakeholders of the apparel industry on this approach and its potential impacts. We would also like to understand current supplier practices in terms of ethical procurement. Questions can be found in Annex A of this RFI and the draft certification form constitutes Annex B.

The primary focus of this RFI is to receive input from the apparel industry and related stakeholders; however, PSPC also welcomes input from other industry sectors who have experience with ethical procurement of their products.

The objectives of this RFI are to:

a. Gather information on suppliers’ current obligations with respect to ethical procurement;

b. Gather information on the potential impact to suppliers on the implementation of the proposed certification requirement; and

c. Engage with stakeholders in the development and refinement of the proposed certification requirement.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Government of Canada, through PSPC, has active contracts for the procurement of apparel totalling more than 640 million dollars. This apparel includes uniforms and work wear for the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Parks Canada, Correctional Services Canada, and various other federal departments and agencies.

In recent years, many other countries, jurisdictions, and several provinces have adopted initiatives to support the ethical manufacturing and procurement of apparel. The federal government is concerned about ethically responsible practices in the manufacturing of apparel. As of April 1, 2014, information on the country of origin for apparel procured by PSPC on behalf of the Government of Canada for awarded contracts is published on Buyandsell.gc.ca for greater transparency to the Canadian public. PSPC has been researching and developing an appropriate approach for its apparel procurement practices.

Delivery Date: 24/11/2017

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

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.