Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business

The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) helps Aboriginal firms do more contracting with the Government of Canada. Contracts worth more than $5,000 that primarily serve Aboriginal people are open only for competition among qualified Aboriginal businesses.

The strategy works to increase the number of Aboriginal suppliers bidding for, and winning, federal contracts. It also promotes sub-contracting to Aboriginal firms and encourages joint ventures with other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses.

Since its beginning in April 1996, PSAB has helped federal departments and agencies increase contract opportunities for Aboriginal businesses. The strategy supports Aboriginal economic development by:

• setting aside contracts for bidding only by Aboriginal suppliers when the contract is for a good or service that primarily benefits Aboriginal people;
  
• providing a framework for joint ventures and partnerships between Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal businesses and allowing these partnerships to bid on opportunities that have been set aside;
  
• using Aboriginal criteria, such as the use of an Aboriginal sub-contractor, to evaluate bids on contracts for goods and services that are not subject to international trade agreements; and
  
• undertaking activities to develop Aboriginal suppliers.
  

The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business is open to all Aboriginal businesses. A business can include a sole proprietorship, limited company, co-operative, partnership or not-for-profit organization.

For more information, contact INAC toll-free at 1 800 567-9604 or the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business toll-free at 1 800 400-7677.

The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB)

INAC Programs in the Guide...