Procurement policies and framework

Overview

On average, the Government of Alberta procures $7 billion in goods, services and construction every year with contract opportunities available to vendors of all sizes.

Each department may procure services to meet the unique needs of the programs they deliver to Albertans. Departments also have the delegation to purchase goods under certain dollar limits. 

Certain types of purchases are managed centrally based on department expertise: 

• Technology and Innovation procures the majority of Information Technology (IT) goods
• Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction manages the procurement process for non-IT goods and establishes supply arrangements on behalf of departments
• Infrastructure and Transportation and Economic Corridors procure the majority of construction-related goods and services

The outcomes of any procurement of goods, services or construction are to:

• meet business needs and objectives for each department
• ensure equal and fair access to government procurements is provided to qualified vendors, suppliers and contractors
• demonstrate best value to the government for each procurement
• produce appropriate documentation
• meet legislative, policy and trade agreement requirements

Procurement policies and trade agreements

Public entities such as governments, publicly funded academic institutions and school boards have the legal framework to shape their own procurement policies in accordance with trade agreement obligations. For more information on Alberta’s trade agreement obligations, see Alberta trade agreements.

The Government of Alberta has implemented a Procurement and Sole-Sourcing Policy which stipulates government-wide practices in the procurement of goods and services and limitations with respect to the sole sourcing of services and construction.

The Government of Alberta believes that fostering competition is the path to achieving best value. Departments are encouraged to openly tender procurement opportunities on the Alberta Purchasing Connection (the Government of Alberta’s electronic tendering site) whenever possible. 

Procurement Accountability Framework (PAF)

Government of Alberta departments adhere to the principles of the Procurement Accountability Framework, which reinforces fairness, transparency and integrity in the procurement process. 

The Procurement Accountability Framework has been developed to:

• reinforce fairness, transparency and integrity in the procurement process
• add rigour and accountability to ministry processes
• drive consistency and discipline in contracting
• contain appropriate controls and a shared set of values and ethics

For more information, see Procurement Accountability Framework.