Frequently Asked Questions
General
- What functionality does the GoCM include?
- I saw a demonstration of the GoCM Prototype in an earlier phase of the project and the functionality described above seems to differ. Why is this?
- What technology is behind the GoCM?
- Are all departments and agencies able to use the GoCM?
- Can I use the GoCM if my department/agency does not currently use SAP?
- What types of goods and services are available through the GoCM?
- Will the GoCM be replacing e-Purchasing and the Standing Offer Index - two of the tools currently offered by PWGSC?
- Is there a cost to departments and agencies to use the GoCM?
- What are some of the benefits of the GoCM?
- How does the GoCM support green procurement?
Using the GoCM
- Do I need to install special software to use the GoCM?
- How do I register for the GoCM?
- Will training be provided?
- What is the availability of the GoCM?
- Who do I call if I need help with the GoCM?
Technical
- Is the GoCM Secure?
- What are the technical requirements for users?
- Are there technical requirements for my Department?
- Is there any other technical information I should know?
Supplier Related
- How does the GoCM affect sourcing/contracting procedures?
- How do suppliers have their goods and services posted on the GoCM?
- What is the relationship between the GoCM and MERX?
- Will suppliers need to invest in new technology?
- If suppliers have developed an e-catalogue, do they have to invest in a separate e-catalogue for the GoCM?
- What should suppliers do if they do not have an e-catalogue?
- Will suppliers have to send invoices electronically?
General
What functionality does the GoCM include?
The GoCM allows users to:
- search for standing offers and supply arrangements;
- browse, search and compare goods and services that are available at the line item level;
- select goods and services and add them to a “shopping cart”;
- save “shopping cart(s)” for reuse;
- create and print orders; and
- run detailed reports on what was selected for order, by whom, for whom, and at what price.
Currently, the GoCM does not:
- electronically and automatically send purchase orders to suppliers;
- provide for electronic approvals;
- integrate with departmental financial management systems (DFMSs).
However, the above functionality may be considered at a later date.
I saw a demonstration of the GoCM Prototype in an earlier phase of the project and the functionality described above seems to differ. Why is this?
The original intent was to implement the GoCM with the full functionality (this would have included a supplier portal, workflow and integration with DFMSs) to a limited number of departments initially. Based on this approach, some departments would not be able to use the GoCM for several years. As well, the cost to implement, operate and maintain interfaces with each department's DFMS was considered to be far too costly and prohibitive. As such, approval and funding was received to build a scaled down version of the prototype.
Feedback collected during the prototype consultations indicated that simplified and easy access to the Mandatory Standing Offers and Supply Arrangements, and their respective goods or services, would be of benefit to all departments and agencies and could be delivered in a timely manner and at a reduced cost to the GC.
What technology is behind the GoCM?
The GoCM uses the SAP Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) suite.
Are all departments and agencies able to use the GoCM?
Yes, the GoCM is available for use by all departments and agencies.
Can I still use still use the GoCM if my department/agency does not currently use SAP?
Yes! The GoCM is a stand-alone service that is independent of your department's/agency's DFMS.
What types of goods and services are available through the GoCM?
All Standing Offers and Supply Arrangements that are available on the Standing Offer Index (SOI) are now available through the GoCM. The GoCM also has detailed line item information for an increasing number of goods and services. Click here to view a list of the goods and services that have line item information.
Will the GoCM replace e-Purchasing and the Standing Offer Index (SOI) - two of the tools currently offered by PWGSC?
Yes, it is anticipated that as of the Fall or early Winter of 2007, the GoCM will be the primary point of access to all SOs and SAs as the SOI web site will no longer be available to users. Analysis is being done to determine what elements of e-Purchasing should be offered through the GoCM.
Is there a cost to departments and agencies to use the GoCM?
No. The development and operation is funded centrally.
What are some of the benefits of the GoCM?
A major benefit for GC Purchasers is the savings in time now spent on purchasing activities such as looking for a SO, SA or an approved item; and comparing prices.
A major benefit for GC Commodity Managers is the greater access to order information, improved tracking; ability to monitor purchasing trends; and access to information that will improve negotiations.
A major benefit for GC Suppliers is the greater exposure to a broader potential client base for their respective SOs, SAs, goods and services.
How does the GoCM support green procurement?
The GoCM allows GC Purchasers to search for and select standing offers and goods that have been identified as 'green'.
Using the GoCM
Do I need to install special software to use the GoCM?
All you need to use the GoCM is a web-browser! The GoCM application is optimized for Internet Explorer version 6.02 or higher. It will also work in Netscape Navigator version 7.1 or higher. For additional information on browser settings please refer to "Internet Browser Setting"
How do I register for the GoCM?
You can easily register for the GoCM by filling in the form found at http://gocm.gc.ca/gocm/text/rgstr-e.html.
Is training available?
Self-paced on-line training is accessible to all users of the GoCM and can be found at http://gocm.gc.ca/gocm/text/frmtntrnng-e.html.
What is the availability of the GoCM?
The GoCM service is available 24/7 with the exception of scheduled maintenance windows.
Who do I call if I need help with the GoCM?
The Service Desk is the first point of contact for assistance with the GoCM application and can be reached via our toll-free number at 1-888-774-7765, by email at contact-us@gocm.gc.ca, or by toll-free facsimile at 1-800-240-3893.
The Service Desk operates Monday to Friday from 6 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, excluding national holidays.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your computer and/or in connecting to the Secure Web Applications due to browser capabilities or to networking issues, please contact your local desktop support for assistance.
Technical
Is the GoCM Secure?
The GoCM is a web-accessible system, linking Government users through the Secure Channel Government Extranet (SCNet Intergov). The GoCM application is an unclassified system which is hosted for PWGSC by a third party service provider. The application operates on a secure infrastructure that was designed to handle Protected B information.
It has been granted an Interim Authority to Operate by PWGSC Information Technology Security Directorate and has been accredited by the Government of Canada Chief Information Officer. Based on a Threat and Risk Assessment there are currently no identified risks associated with the application. The GoCM has a Residual Risk of Low.
What are the technical requirements for users?
Access
In order to access the GoCM, you must be connected to a Government of Canada network that has access to Secure Channel network SCNet Intergov. You will be requested to enter your Government of Canada email address to access the GoCM as a registered or non-registered user.
Desktop Operating System
The GoCM will work with the following operating systems:
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP
Internet Browser Settings
- The GoCM uses session cookies. These cookies are held in memory and are released when the browser session is closed. The GoCM does not use persistent cookies (cookies that are written to the desktop).
- The GoCM must be entered as a Trusted Site in your browser.
- Java scripting and scripting of Java applets must be enabled in your browser. You can enable these only for the GoCM.
- The GoCM employs SSL 128 bit encryption using Verisign certificates. If your browser does not automatically accept these certificates, you must manually accept them.
- The GoCM will work with the following browsers:
- Internet Explorer Version 6.0.2
- Netscape Version 7.1
- Netscape Version 8
Note to PWGSC users: Netscape 7.02 is not compatible with some of the SAP components used in the GoCM. Netscape 7.1 and 8 are compatible and a request has been made to PWGSC to upgrade the Corporate Browser to one of these versions. In the meantime, the recommended workaround is to use Internet Explorer 6.0.2, which is part of the standard PWGSC desktop.
Difficulties accessing the GoCM could be due to your Internet browser settings. To ensure your browser is properly configured for the GoCM please visit: http://gocm.gc.ca/gocm/text/gftu-e.html.
Adobe Reader
Adobe Reader is required to view Purchase Orders.
Printing
Printing of background colors and images is recommended to enable printing of reports with shading and gridlines.
Recommended Display
The recommended display for using the GoCM is 1024 by 768.
Full Screen
The full screen setting is recommended to optimally view the GoCM.
Are there technical requirements for my Department?
The GoCM operates over four ports and requires these ports to be opened on departmental firewalls to the GoCM domain. These ports need be opened only to the address of the GoCM module that requires it and only for the TCP protocol.
The GoCM consists of four modules that allows for logon, catalogue searching, order preparation and reporting. These modules cannot communicate over the same port at the same time. Port 443, the standard for https, is used for the application logon module. Ports 447, 449 and 450 have been identified for the other modules. In order to use all the functions of the GoCM, these three ports must be opened in addition to 443.
| Open Port: | To Address: |
|---|---|
| 443 | cmodcaz501.gocm.gc.ca |
| 447 | cmodcaz501.gocm.gc.ca |
| 449 | cmodcaz502.gocm.gc.ca |
| 450 | cmodcaz502.gocm.gc.ca |
All ports use the Secure Sockets Layer protocol.
Is there any other technical information I should know?
The GoCM does not use any of the following:
- Java applets (although not used on the client side, they are used on the server side)
- Flash
- VBScript
- ActiveX
- XML
- Persistent cookies
Supplier Related
How does the GoCM affect sourcing/contracting procedures?
The GoCM is not a sourcing vehicle and therefore does not affect sourcing/contracting procedures. The GoCM facilitates the search and selection of pre-approved goods and services for GC purchasers.
How do suppliers have their goods and services posted on the GoCM?
Only suppliers who hold a SO or SA are eligible to have their goods and services posted on the GoCM. SOs, SAs and catalogue content are provided to the GoCM by the procurement officer or commodity manager.
What is the relationship between the GoCM and MERX?
The Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS), also known as MERX, is an on-line system that advertises government contracting opportunities to potential bidders and, as such, is a tool used to assist in the process of sourcing and selecting qualified suppliers. The GoCM is a vehicle that will be used after the sourcing and selection process. It will provide a means for purchasers to select pre-approved goods and services as per the contractual arrangement with the qualified suppliers.
Will suppliers need to invest in new technology?
There are no major technology implications for suppliers at this time. However, goods and services information will be added to the GoCM in an electronic format, therefore a basic spreadsheet capability may be required.
If suppliers have developed an e-catalogue, do they have to invest in a separate e-catalogue for the GoCM?
Suppliers that have already invested in e-catalogues will likely be able to reuse the content for the GoCM. The rules governing the provision, management and hosting of catalogue content will be governed by the terms and conditions of the supplier's contractual agreement with the Government of Canada.
What should suppliers do if they do not have an e-catalogue?
For the initial implementation of the GoCM a range of commonly used and available formats will be supported (e.g. spreadsheet).
Will suppliers have to send invoices electronically?
Suppliers will continue to use their current process for submitting an invoice.
