All about government contracts for bid in USA & Canada

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March 29, 2023

Howdy! Welcome to our blog on US and Canada tenders! If you’re a business owner or contractor looking to secure government contracts, you’ve come to the right place. The process of bidding on tenders can be complicated and time-consuming, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a lucrative opportunity to grow your business. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Canada contracts, from the types of contracts available to the steps involved in the bidding process. We’ll also share tips and best practices for increasing your chances of winning government contracts for bid in the US and building a successful government contracting business. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of tendering, we’re here to help you navigate the process and succeed in the competitive world of US government contracting.

Where to Find Global Tenders Online? 

In the USA, you can find online government contracts on the following websites:

  • System for Award Management (SAM): The SAM website is the official U.S. government website for businesses to register to do business with the federal government. It also provides a search function for finding government contracts.
  • Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps): FedBizOpps is the official U.S. government website for posting and finding federal contract opportunities over $25,000.

In Canada, you can find online government contracts on the following websites:

  • Buyandsell.gc.ca: Buyandsell.gc.ca is the official website for government procurement in Canada. It provides a search function for finding government contracts, as well as information on how to register to do business with the government.
  • MERX: MERX is an electronic tendering service that provides access to public tenders from federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as private sector organizations in Canada.

Apart from all these web portals for finding government contracts for bid, you can simply go to BidAssist, click on ‘Global Tenders’ and then select US or Canada from the filter for countries to find Canada contracts or government contracts for bid in the USA easily – in seconds. 

Apart from finding the active tenders, you also have the option to check archived ones as well. 

In addition to finding contracts, businesses can also download tender documents and get all the important details regarding the chosen contract. 

However, please note that to download any tender document from this portal, you have to first sign up on BidAssist using your mobile number (an active one) and then authenticate your identity with an OTP that will be sent to you from the portal. It is only after this sign up that you can avail other services of BidAssist than mere search. This signing up is totally free os any cost or charges. 

Tendering Process for Government Contracts in USA 

The government tendering process in the United States follows a standardized procedure that is designed to ensure fairness, competition, and transparency. Here is a general overview of the government tendering process in USA: 

  • Identify the Need: The first step in the government tendering process is for the government agency to identify a need for goods or services.
  • Request for Proposal (RFP): The government agency issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) (or a tender document) outlining the scope of work, technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and other requirements for the contract. The RFP is typically posted on a government procurement portal or published in a trade publication.
  • Proposal Submission: Interested bidders submit a proposal that addresses the requirements outlined in the RFP. The proposal typically includes a technical proposal, a cost proposal, and other supporting documents.
  • Evaluation of Bids Submitted: The government agency evaluates the proposals based on the criteria outlined in the RFP. The evaluation may include a review of technical proposals, cost proposals, past performance, and other factors.
  • Awarding the Tender: The government agency, in the final stage, selects the winning bidder based on the evaluation criteria and awards the contract.

Procurement Process in Canada

In Canada, the government procurement process is governed by the Public Procurement Act, which outlines the rules and regulations for tendering and contracting with the government. Bidders are typically required to register with the procurement portal of the specific government agency, and may need to provide certain information and documents, such as their business registration and financial statements, to be considered for a tender.

Bidder Registration 

In countries like the United States and Canada, bidders can register for online contracts bidding through various government procurement portals, such as the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website. These portals are used by federal, state, and local government agencies to post tender opportunities and receive bids from interested bidders.

  • To register, business must have the following documents prepared: 
  • Business details 
  • Contact information
  • Financial information (like annual revenue and credit history)
  • Important certificates 

Documents Required for Bidding

  • Bid Proposal: This is the bidder’s response to the RFP, which outlines how they will meet the requirements of the contract.
  • Cost Proposal: This outlines the total cost of the work to be performed, including labor, materials, and other expenses.
  • Technical Proposal: This outlines the bidder’s technical approach to meeting the requirements of the contract.
  • Past Performance Information: Bidders may be required to provide information on their past performance on similar contracts.
  • Other Supporting Documents: Depending on the specific requirements of the contract, bidders may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as certifications, licenses, and insurance policies.