NOTE: Please note that this program is currently under review.
The Canadian government's policy is to enhance the services it offers through the innovative use of information and technology. As one of the largest customers of information technology in Canada, the federal government has a responsibility to recognize and promote the use of Canadian goods and services wherever possible. The recognition of a company as a Canadian manufacturer provides government buyers with the assurance that they are buying a quality product and that the Canadian economy will benefit from their purchases.
CIRCLE status is accorded to Canadian-made products of recognized Canadian computer manufacturers who meet a stringent set of criteria.
For a company to achieve CIRCLE status, five essential criteria must be met:
The company must be headquartered in Canada, have its manufacturing facilities for its Canadian products located in Canada and, at its inception, be majority Canadian-owned and controlled. In the event that ownership later changes, the company may continue to enjoy CIRCLE status provided resulting changes to company operations do not negatively affect current manufacturing operations and mandates in Canada.
All R&D for the company's new product development in data processing must be performed in Canada. Specifically CIRCLE companies must achieve an R&D performance target of 6% of the company's sales of the products it manufactures in Canada. Under this definition, R&D is generally recognized on the same basis as it is recognized under the Income Tax Act.
The company must manufacture in Canada all computer models it sells to the federal government, and perform quality assurance as approved by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). For the first year of operation, IS0 9002 must be achieved. Companies must initiate the certification process.
CIRCLE companies must incorporate Canadian components into their products, to the maximum extent possible, and produce all user and technical manuals in Canada.
For CIRCLE certification, the company must have in place demonstrable nation-wide service capabilities.
The CIRCLE program is jointly administered by Industry Canada and PWGSC. Final decisions on policy and award of status are made by a Review Committee that is co-chaired by the two departments.
Procurement has long been used in Canada and other countries as an instrument of industrial and regional development. Subject to our international trade obligations, Public Works and Government Services Canada maintains a clear preference to buy Canadian. This is done by promoting suppliers of qualified Canadian goods and services, wherever sufficient competition can be maintained. Indeed, for some computer purchases on behalf of federal government departments not covered by trade agreements, competition may be restricted to Canadian manufacturers and certain multinationals with substantial commitments in Canada.
The benefits of becoming a CIRCLE company include:
Although PWGSC applies relevant procurement policies in procurement bids, companies wishing to obtain CIRCLE status are invited to contact Industry Canada for initial discussions. Your firm will be evaluated according to the criteria: Canadian operations, R&D, quality assurance, Canadian content, and national support and service must be demonstrated.
Quebec Contact(s):
See National Contact.