Madeleine Plouffe, Team Leader, Green Procurement, Acquisitions Branch, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Caroline MacIntosh, Acting Director, Policy Development Directorate, Office of Greening Government Operations, Corporate Services, Policy and Communications Branch, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Frances Edmonds, BSc.(Hons), Dip H&S, CRSP, Director, Environmental Programs, Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co.

Addressing greenhouse gas emission reductions, sustainable buildings, green procurement, paper reduction, e-waste management and more in Canada necessitates that focused, deliberate sustainable development strategies and plans are in place for both public and private sector organizations. In this presentation, participants will learn about the Sustainability Development Strategies from two perspectives. Firstly, the obligations associated with the Federal Sustainability Development Strategy (FSDS) tabled in parliament in October 2010 which impacts twenty-eight departments and agencies and secondly, the perspective of Hewlett Packard, a federal supplier with long standing sustainable development practices or “green in its’ genes”. Join this presentation to hear about the important role of materiel managers, procurement officers, information technology enablers and all employees in the development and implementation of strategies to meet the sustainable development targets in the FSDS and gain insight as to how to move the yardstick forward in sustainability through the adoption of leading versus lagging sustainable development practices.

 

John Jordan, Senior Policy Advisor, Digital Engagement, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Roger Houde, Director of Contracting Division, Administration Directorate (AD), Finance and Administration (FAB), Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The presentation will focus on demonstrating how the web can be a powerful tool to deliver better service and to build trust with stakeholders. The two presenters will discuss their experience in using the web to build a new foundation to improve the delivering of procurement services and talk about future directions. The first presentation will provide a high level overview of some of the directions being taken by the federal government and the second presentation will then focus on Synergy, a tool developed for CRA to support the business process from the regular procurement world (like ABE at PWGSC) as well as “e-procurement”. The presentation will discuss the usage of on-line catalogues (office supplies, long-service awards, translation services and others), collaboration work (new) with 13 Suppliers of IT Consultants and also supporting the capture of data elements related to acquisition card transactions to improve data analysis and reporting.

 

John Hale, Director General, Military Engineering Division, Director Corporate Architecture and Engineering Directorate, Department of National Defence

The BIM evolution is happening! BIM is taking foothold within the Real Property and Construction industries and it will have a significant impact on us. From a public owner’s perspective, this presentation will provide an overview of the BIM process and its impact on stakeholders throughout the industry.

Yvan Bastien, P. Eng, PMP, Director, Programs, Project Management Institute – Ottawa Valley/Outaouais Chapter

This session will explore the project management framework of the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) and how it applies to procurement specialists.

The session will explore the roles and responsibilities of the procurement specialist as an integral member of a project team.

To accomplish these goals, the critical aspects of the PMBOK will be presented including: key definitions, process groups, knowledge areas, and processes with emphasis on procurement processes.

Shawn Casemore, CSCMP C.P.M.

The field of materiels management continues to evolve in both the public and private sectors. The continued development of technology has increased the accuracy and speed at which materials can be receipted, handled and issued; however, often the most effective solutions are those that are the most simplistic. This session will touch on best practices in materiels management in both the public and private sectors, allowing participants to gain a better understanding of the potential solutions that can be integrated into their day-to-day operations.

 

Derek M. Leschinsky, Senior Associate, Borden, Ladner, Gervais LLP

Vince Mazzone, Director, Justice and Regulatory Portfolio, Auditor General of Ontario

Canadian common law does not impose obligations on public institutions to use competitive tenders to procure goods and services. The common law has rather traditionally regarded government institutions as being no different than any other party that wishes to make a purchase. Obligations with respect to sole-sourcing arise rather by virtue of statutes or other legislation implementing international trade agreements. This presentation will review sole-sourcing obligations at the federal, provincial and municipal level under the applicable trade agreements.

 

Emilio Franco, Supply Team Leader, New Methods of Supply, Software and Shared Systems Procurement Directorate, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Gabriele Mathieu Monger, Supply Officer, Public Works and Government Services Canada

It’s a new day in software procurement with the Software Licensing Supply Arrangement (SLSA), a new approach that makes buying software faster, better and less expensive. Learn about the software procurement changes and the recently launched procurement vehicle that will replace the DISOs.

 

Madeleine Plouffe, Team Leader, Green Procurement, Acquisitions Branch, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Caroline MacIntosh, Acting Director, Policy Development Directorate, Office of Greening Government Operations, Corporate Services, Policy and Communications Branch, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Frances Edmonds, BSc.(hons), Dip H&S, CRSP, Director, Environmental Programs, Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co.

Moving green procurement and the greening of government operations forward requires the development of effective strategies, actionable plans, and practical tools to support procurement activities, operations, and decision making. This session will focus on tools, solutions and approaches, related to specific goods and services as well as total cost of ownership, that are available to assist the procurement and materiel management community in supporting their organizational requirements to achieve improved green procurement performance.

 

Robb Flemming, Senior Director, Crown Assets Distribution, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Michel Violette, Manager, Operations, Eastern Canada Division, Seized Property Management Directorate, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Gatineau Quebec

The Crown Assets Distribution Directorate (CAD) of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is the mandatory disposal agent for surplus moveable assets belonging to the Federal Government, however it does much more than that. It also supports the disposal of seized assets and proceeds of crime. The Seized Property Management Directorate (SPMD) of PWGSC manages assets seized or restrained under specific sections of the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Proceeds of Crime (Money-Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.

This session explores the synergies between CAD and SPMD and how both groups work closely together in providing an efficient and effective disposal process for seized assets and proceeds of crime.

 

Paul Emanuelli, General Counsel and Managing Director, The Procurement Office™

Featuring new content from the forthcoming 3rd edition of his Government Procurement textbook, Paul Emanuelli’s Government Procurement: Due Diligence in the Tendering Cycle distils the latest trends from a diverse portfolio of procurement projects and delivers leading-edge insights to help you manage your procurement process. Leveraging the latest case studies and legal developments, this interactive lecture will:

•	survey twenty-four due diligence indicators to help you assess your existing practices in the areas of institutional governance, project management, template development, document drafting, bidding risks and contract administration;
•	introduce the Good Governance Compliance Checklist, a quick-reference guide aimed at accelerating your procurement processes while managing legal risks; and
•	cover major procurement policy developments, including the latest news from international trade treaty negotiations.

Garry McDonell, MSM, FCIP, FIRM, CRM, CRSP, National Director, Aon Risk Consulting Services

Andy Akrouche, Managing Partner, Strategic Relationships Solutions Inc., General Manager of FedBid Canada

Contract Risk Management is about achieving expected outcomes. It is about bringing a higher degree of “certainty” to a project by employing assurance methods at every phase of a contract(s) life cycle. At the core of this added “certainty” lies advanced sourcing strategies, dynamic governance and continuous alignment.

 

Virginie Ethier, Director, Procurement Renewal Directorate, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Vincent Robitaille, Senior Director, Professional Services Procurement Directorate, Public Works and Government Services Canada

The strategy for professional services represents an important component of the modernization of PWGSC's service delivery. Vincent Robitaille will describe how PWGSC intends to improve the procurement process for clients and increase access to SMEs by standardizing its processes, providing better support tools and focusing on usability

Public Works and Government Services Canada is putting in place a more modern approach to procurement. Virginie Éthier will present how PWGSC is reducing barriers to doing business with the Government of Canada (GC); improving access to online procurement tools; increasing outreach to suppliers and other government departments to make the procurement system more effective.

Frank Brunetta, Procurement Ombudsman

On January 4th, 2011, Mr. Frank Brunetta became the federal Procurement Ombudsman. With his first 100 days in office completed, Mr. Brunetta will speak to us about what can be concluded from the Office’s first three years of operation. Applying the legislation that created the Office and the Regulations that guide it, his Office works with all those involved in federal procurement, using whatever approach is best suited to the circumstance, to improve federal procurement for all stakeholders. On behalf of all Canadians, the Office ensures that federal procurement is fair, open and transparent, thus helping strengthen our trust and confidence.

 

Cathryn Kallwitz, Director, Operations, RFP Solutions Inc.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is one of the primary tools used to do business in government.

•	It helps form the basis of the resulting contract, needing clear articulation of the requirements, and understandable, enforceable and mutually agreeable terms between buyer and seller to administer any ensuing agreement;
•	It provides the basis for "picking the winners", needing strong, relevant criteria, process and logical basis of selection;
•	During the solicitation process, the RFP also become the means of communication – between the buyer and potential suppliers, industry at large, and even the media and broader public.

This one document must serve multiple purposes, and, like procurement more broadly, needs to balance competing issues to achieve the buyer’s objectives.

This session provides practical tips and techniques for developing RFPs; aimed at responding to these diverse challenges. Focus will be placed on planning, developing and administering the RFP process, in the context of the relationships involved – those between Contracting Authority and Project Authority; between departments and agencies; between the buyer and all potential bidders; and finally, with the successful contractor(s).

Gerry H. Stobo, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Privilege clauses have been a long-standing feature in procurements, giving owners – both in the public and private sectors – wide discretion in determining how bids will be evaluated and protecting those owners from financial consequences and liability when things go wrong. In 2010, the Supreme Court of Canada ("SCC") struck down an attempt by a provincial government to rely on a privilege clause in order to limit its liability. In a divided decision, the SCC said that an owner’s discretion, when relying on privilege clauses, has limits. And, while courts and bid challenge agencies do grant considerable deference to owners when relying on privilege clauses, they will find a way to nullify the effects of those clauses when procurements cross the line. But, the question for owners now is: where is that line drawn? How should owners write privilege clauses to ensure the greatest discretion possible – does some wording work better than others?

 

Giselle Valdez Soc, Supply Specialist, National Team Co-Lead (Non-NCR) Printing Acquisitions Branch Winnipeg, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Marlene Hall, Supply Specialist, National Team Lead (Non-NCR) Printing Acquisitions Branch Winnipeg, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Al Garlinski, A/Manager, Acquisitions Branch, Western Region, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Printing requirements can be complicated. To help materiel managers and end-users make sense of it all, the PWGSC National Commodity Printing Team (Non-NCR) have introduced a New Generation of National Master Supply Arrangements and Standing Offers for Printing Services intended for federal departments and agencies in the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario (except NCR), Western, and Pacific Regions.

To get the word out, an interactive workshop will be presented, showcasing these new procurement tools, along with other training and resource materials – all developed for materiel managers and procurement personnel to assist their end users with the various printing requirements. The workshop will also include a “how to” guide outlining the process in determining the most appropriate procurement tool (standing offer or supply arrangement) to use. A display of printed samples (brochures, posters, newspapers, business cards, and workbooks) will also be on display for workshop attendees.

 

Rosa Paliotti, Acting Senior Director, Procurement, Materiel Management and Real Property Communities Management Office, Office of the Comptroller General, Treasury Board Secretariat

Come join this highly interactive session to learn more about the key initiatives being planned to enhance the TBS Certification Program for Procurement and Materiel Management functional specialists, including an update on the work underway to develop Level II Certification. This is an opportunity to share your views as we strive to strengthen the Certification Program and professionalize our workforce to serve the current and future needs of the Public Service.

Jean Lacelle, Owner, JL Procurement Consulting Services

Carolyn Montague, Partner, Perfocus Management Inc.

Discover the way to improve your negotiation skills in contracting through:

•	Latest best practices and tips;
•	Suggestions on when, how and why to negotiate with contractors;
•	Interactive question and answer session with participants and panelists.

Brian P. McGee, Lieutenant-Colonel, Project Manager, Project Management Office, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Materiel Group, Department of National Defence

Camil Giguere, BGen (ret’d), Director, Land Training and Simulation, Thales Canada

William Miller, Contracting Officer, Public Works and Government Services Canada

The government achieves competitive contracting through two sourcing methodologies, which include: electronic bidding through an open bidding process, and traditional bidding using suppliers lists. The three tendering approaches under the trade agreements are:

1.)	Open tendering – where a Notice of Proposed Procurement (NPP) is advertised and potential suppliers can submit their bid
2.)	Selective Tendering -– a two stage procurement where potential suppliers express an interest in participating and meet predetermined qualifications for participation publicized in the NPP at the first stage. Tender documentation is issued to those suppliers meeting the qualifications at the second stage or a source list is developed and maintained and qualified suppliers for the product or service in question are issued the bid documentation. Any other potential supplier who requests bid documentation must be considered.
3.)	Limited tendering – A process that allows for deviations from the above procurement practices.

Where does the Statement of Interest and Qualification (SOIQ) process fit in?

In order to provide information to the industry as early as possible in the process, PWGSC uses such pre-solicitation tools as Request for Information (RFI), Solicitation of Interest and Qualification (SOIQ), and Price and Availability Enquiries (P&A), where appropriate. SOIQ can be posted on MERX to solicit responses aimed at qualifying potential suppliers' who can meet the mandatory criteria outlined in it and receive comments from industry.

Is the SOIQ a pre-solicitation tool to request information only or is it a selective tendering process whereby this is a two stage procurement where potential suppliers express an interest in participating and meet predetermined qualifications for participation publicized in the SOIQ at the first stage? Once qualified, then a tender documentation is then issued at the second stage.

Is the aim of a SOIQ to qualify vendors or can they be disqualified from proceeding to the second procurement phase? Can a vendor not choose to participate in the first step and still be permitted to produce a RFP in the second phase?

On which basis is PWGSC working on? Has the SOIQ process been applied coherently and consistently by PWGSC?

Come and attend this session, where a panel composed of a representative from PWGSC, DND and industry, all having been involved in the SOIQ process, will provide views, insights on how they experienced it. You will have the opportunity to ask questions in order for you to grasp a better understanding of it and determine if possibly it can be applied in your department. Learn the pros and cons of this process. Is SOIQ a process for you?

 

Luc Casault, Senior Director, Financial Management Branch, Natural Resources Canada

ePayment is an automated system for processing invoices from suppliers – from their receipt to cheque issue authorization. The national ePayment centre in Sherbrooke processes 40,000 electronic invoices annually (=$1.4B). By consolidating manual operations from 13 locations, it generates annual savings of $750K.

With ePayment, NRCan becomes the first department to make full use of the government policy on electronic signatures for payment approval.

ePayment has cut invoice payment time, input errors, lost invoices, and interest costs; has improved control; and enhanced managers’ understanding of their financial accountabilities. In 2010, ePayment won first place at the 2010 GTEC awards.

The Treasury Board Secretariat has accepted ePayment as part of the government-wide “Web of Rules” initiative.