Government – Federal
 

Standing offers are a type of non-binding agreement between the Canadian Federal Government and potential suppliers for the supply of specified goods and/or services. These agreements outline the terms and conditions that will apply to future requirements to be ordered on an as-and-when required basis.


What they are - A standing offer is an agreement by a potential supplier to provide goods and/or services at prearranged prices, under set terms and conditions, when and if required. It is not a contract. No contract exists until the government issues an order or "call-up" against the standing offer. The government is under no obligation to purchase until that time.


When they are used - Standing offers are used to meet recurring needs where departments are repeatedly ordering the same goods and/or services.

  

Why they are used - Standing offers are a convenient method of supply that saves time and money. Once a standing offer is in place, departments deal with you directly to obtain the goods and/or services. Call-ups against a standing offer are processed faster, involve less paperwork and have preset prices and terms already determined.


Types of standing offers - There are five types of standing offers established by Public Works and Government Services (PWGSC). The type used depends on the geographical area involved (i.e., regional or Canada-wide) and the number of government departments or agencies involved:

  • National Master Standing Offers (NMSO) - used by many departments or agencies throughout Canada
  • Regional Master Standing Offer (RMSO) - used by many departments or agencies within a specific geographic region
  • National Individual Standing Offer (NISO) - used by a specific department or agency throughout Canada
  • Regional Individual Standing Offer (RISO) - used by a specific department or agency within a specific geographic area.
  • Departmental Individual Standing Offer (DISO) - used by only PWGSC on behalf of specified departments or agencies.

How are goods and/or services ordered - Goods and/or services covered under a standing offer are ordered using a "call-up" document, commonly known as a 942 Form. This document indicates acceptance of the standing offer to the extent of the goods or services being ordered and serves as a notice to the supplier to deliver the goods or provide the service. A separate contract is entered into each time a "call-up" is made against a standing offer.


Types of "call-ups" - There are 2 types of "call-ups" that can be made against any standing offer.

  • Non-Competitive - between $1.00 and $25,000.00 Sell, all taxes, freight, delivery & installation charges included.
  • Competitive - between $25,000.00 and the "maximum call-up limitation" set out in each individual standing offer. The "competitive process" that the federal government has put in place to support this competitive callup is the PCPCMS Furniture Component of e-Purchasing (formerly known as SAGE.)