Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business

The government launched the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) to help Aboriginal firms do more contracting with all the federal departments and agencies.  

Eligibility Criteria

The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) is open to all Aboriginal businesses. A business can include:

• a sole proprietorship;
• a limited company;
• a cooperative;
• a partnership; or
• a non-profit organization.

What are the criteria for eligibility?

To be considered an Aboriginal business, a firm must meet the following criteria:

• at least 51% of the firm is owned and controlled by Aboriginal people, and
• at least one third of the firm's employees, if it has six or more full-time staff, must be Aboriginal.

If a firm is starting a joint venture or consortium, it must meet the following criteria:

• at least 51% of the joint venture or consortium must be controlled and owned by an Aboriginal business or businesses, as defined above.

When a firm bids for a contract under the PSAB, it must certify that it meets the above criteria, and it must provide proof of eligibility upon request. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada  (INAC) exercises the right to audit Aboriginal supplier certifications.

Summary

How does it work?

• Setting aside contracts for Aboriginal firms: reserving all contracts that serve a primarily Aboriginal population and that are worth more than $5 000 for competition among qualified Aboriginal businesses. Federal buyers are encouraged to set aside other contracts for competition among Aboriginal businesses whenever practical.
• Joint venturing: encouraging Aboriginal firms to create joint ventures with other Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal firms in bidding for and executing government contracts.
• Sub-contracting: whenever contractors need assistance to fulfill a government requirement, the government is encouraging them to sub-contract to Aboriginal businesses, as long as the prime contract is not subject to the North American Free Trade Agreement or the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement.
• Getting the word out: the government is making sure that Aboriginal businesses and federal public servants are aware of this strategy. Across the country, Aboriginal businesses are being told about federal procurement opportunities and contracting procedures. Federal public servants are being informed about the initiative and about Aboriginal suppliers: who they are, where they can be found, and the goods and services they provide.

How do you get started?

Aboriginal businesses should register their firms with:

• Contracts Canada's Supplier Registration Information info line 1-800-811-1148 or 819-956-3440 (in the National Capital area) or visit the Web site   
• Industry Canada's, Strategis, Aboriginal Business Directory (ABD) , info line 1-800-328-6189 or 613-954-5031 (in the National Capital area) or visit the Web site

For answers to questions about the Procurement Strategy, please call the toll-free number 1-800-400-7677.

*Note: "non-profit" also known as nonprofit organizations, non profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, voluntary organizations and volunteer organizations.

Quebec Contact(s):
Access to Federal Procurement
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Room 400
Place Jacques-Cartier Complex
320 St. Joseph Street East
Québec, Quebec  G1K 9J2
Telephone: 418-648-7551
Fax: 418-648-2266
Toll-free (information): 1-800-263-5592
E-mail: gingrasja@inac.gc.ca

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National Contact(s):
Aboriginal Access to Procurement Coordinator
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Terrasses de la Chaudière
10 Wellington Street
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0H4
Telephone: 819-997-0380
Fax: 819-953-3017
E-mail: saea-psab@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp