REGISTER for TONS

Access NS LogoTONS button

By registering for our Tender Opportunities Notification Service (TONS), you will receive e-mail notifications of public sector procurement opportunities matching the goods and/or services categories you have selected.  Each opportunity will provide general information about the tender as well as a link to the Nova Scotia Procurement Web Portal.

TONS is open to all businesses (even those located outside of Nova Scotia) and is now available as part of Nova Scotia's online service for business.  The online service provides a single entry point for Nova Scotia businesses and prospective businesses to interact with the provincial government.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance regarding Access to Business, you may contact the Contact Centre at (902) 424-5200 or 1-800-670-4357 between the hours of 8:30-4:30 Monday to Friday AST. You may also email the Contact Centre anytime.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO TONS:

Step 1

Go to https://accesstobusiness.snsmr.gov.ns.ca/a2b_web/portal/businessLogin.jsf

 

Step 2

Click on the ‘Sign up’ button to register or sign in if you have previously registered.

 

Step 3

Once signed into your Nova Scotia’s online service for business account, click on the ‘Sign up for tender notifications’ link under ‘Top Tasks’.

 

Step 4

Select ‘Yes’ to receive email notifications of tender opportunities.

 

Step 5

Enter the email address you want to your notifications to be sent to.

 

Step 6

Select the categories you would like to subscribe to by checking the box beside the category title.  Note: You can expand the category by selecting the arrow to the left of the checkbox.

TONS SignUP Screen Shot

Step 7

Click the ‘Save and Submit’ button.

 

Step 8

You will receive a confirmation message in blue at the top of the page indicating that your notification preferences have been saved.  Once registered, you will be eligible to receive notices the next business day.  Depending on the categories selected, you may not receive anything right away. Notices are sent every day at 6:00 am.

 

Step 9

Click the ‘Back’ button to return to the home page.

 

Step 10

When you start to receive the daily email, you will see the summary information for each tender posted for the day. Each summary will contain a URL which will take you to the details page for the tender listing on Procurement Services website. From there, you can download the tender documents or access the contact information for that tender. The service will only notify you on new tender listings, you will not receive any notifications for addendums; it is your responsibility to return to the tender details page to view updates.

 

Note: At any time you can turn off your email notification by selecting ‘No’ to the message “Do you want to receive email notifications of tender opportunities?”

 

You will find below the tender categories that are used when posting tender listing.

Tender Category

EXAMPLES

Administrative and Business Services

Printing services, signage services, photographic services, advertising, public relations, audio visual services, graphic design, writing/editing,  paper shredding, court reporting, auctioneering, custom brokerage, credit reporting, court reporting, mediation, temp staffing, market research, legal services, procurement

Aircraft

Aircraft, aircraft components and accessories, aircraft launching equipment, aircraft landing and ground handling equipment, and related parts

Alarm, Signal and Security Detection Systems

Traffic lights, ship signal systems, railroad signals, aircraft alarm, anti-intrusion alarm, foghorns, bells, burgular systems, fire alarms, police alarm systems,  security control systems (card scanner, keypad entry device, voice recognition, etc...)

Ammunition, Explosives, Weapons and Fireworks

Ammunition, explosives, weapons, fireworks

Animal, Agricultural and Natural Resources Services

Animal control, forest fire suppression, aerial spraying, reforestation services, various types of forestry, fisheries, agricultural, mining, petroleum- extraction related services, related pesticide services, well drilling services, wildlife management services, agriculture real estate, veterinary services

Architectural and Engineering Services

Architectural design, interior design and engineering services

Automotive Maintenance and Repair

Tires, tubes, engine accessories, cooling system components, oil filters, wheel aligners, automotive lifts, brake service equipement

Books, Publications, Journals and Maps

Textbooks, novels, journals, handbooks, manuals, pamphlets, newspapers, e-journals, e-subscriptions, maps

Building Services

General contracting, fencing, roofing, siding installation, painting, plastering, plumbing services, heating, air conditioning, ventilation services, electrical & mechanical installation, elevator maintenance, masonry and stone work, carpentry, glass installation, excavation and earth moving services

Chemicals and Chemical Products

Solvents, water softening compounds, gelatins, acetone, dyes, fuel gases, pest control agents, etc… Does not include medicinal chemicals (found under medical, dental and veterinary equipment and supplies)

Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

Cleaning and polishing compounds (powders, soaps, waxes), cleaning/janitorial supplies (wiping rags, garbage bags, brooms, mops, furniture polish), cleaning Equipment (Vacuum Cleaners, Floor Scrubbers), and Related Parts

Commercial/Institutional Construction - Hospitals/Health Care Facitlities

Building, renovating, repair, and demolition of buildings such as hospitals, long term health care facitlities, nursing homes, etc…

Commercial/Institutional Construction - Justice Centres

Building, renovating, repair, and demolition of buildings such as youth and adult justice facitlities, etc…

Commercial/Institutional Construction - Learning Institutions

Building, renovating, repair, and demolition of buildings such as P-12 schools, university buildings, etc…

Commercial/Institutional Construction - Other

Building, renovating, repair, and demolition of buildings such as recreational facilities, retail stores, museums, etc…

Communication, Detection and Fibre Optic materials, components and Equipment

Telecommunications equipment (telephones, cell phones, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, modems, converters, switches) VHF, UHF, antennas, navigation and detection equipment, paging system, fibre optic cables/swtiches/devices, public address systems, video recording,  and related parts

Communications Services

Broadband services/infrastructure, telecom services (voice messaging, video conferencing), network services

Construction and Building Materials

Lumber, millwork, plywood,  siding, ashphalt, gravel, cinders, lime, sand, cement, pipe (concrete, plastic, metal), concrete, steel, paint, thinners, bricks, tiles, block, wallboard, roofing and siding, fencing, and related products

Electric Wire, Power, and Distribution  Equipment

Pole line supplies, lighting plants, windmills, solar panels, generators, converters, batteries, electrical wire and cable, and related parts

Electrical and Electronic  Equipment and Components

Resistors, capacitators, fuses, circuit breakers, switches, connectors, relays, transformers, electron tubes, electrical hardware and insulators, semi conductors, micro circuits, microphones, speakers, amplifiers, circuit boards,  and related parts

Environmental Services

Environmental support services related to air and water quality, environmental site assessments, environmental risk assessments, asbestos abatement, hazardous substance analysis, oil spill response, oil recycling, medical waste disposal services

Facility Rental or Leasing

Leasing/rental of office space, storage space, educational building, industrial/warehouse space, convention centre

Financial, Insurance, and Real Estate Services

Banking and trust, appraisal, financial accounting, insurance services, real estate, interior design

Firefighting, Safety and Rescue Equipment

Firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, goggles, respirators, diving equipment, survival kits, and related parts

Food and Beverage

Non-perishable and perishable foods, beverages

Food and Beverage Services

Food catering, vending services

Food Preparation and Serving Equipment

Chilling tables, display cases, vending machines, soda fountains, mess hall kitchens, food slicing, food mixers, utility carts, pots, pans, cutlery, tableware, etc...

Fuels, Lubricants, Oils, and Waxes

Solid fuels, liquid propellants, gas, diesel, furnace oil, grease, aviation fuel, propane, waxes, etc...

Furniture

Household furniture, filing cabinets and shelving, desks, chairs, school furniture, lecture seating, library furniture, lockers, coat racks, systems furniture/cubicles, beds,  mirrors, tables, cabinets

Government Buildings

Building, renovating, repair and demolition of other government owned buildings not otherwise outlined

Health and Social Services

Services such as medical, dental, optical, pharmaceutical, physiotherapy, employee assistance programs, psychiatric services, occupational therapy, counselling, dental services, prevention programs and services, health/health promotion and protection

Household and Commercial Furnishings and Applicances

Sheets, pillows, blankets, mattresses, floor coverings (carpets, tiles, rugs, linoleum), draperies, awnings and shades, utility containers (refuse cans, clothes hampers), appliances (stoves, washers/dryers, fridges, etc…)

Human Resource, Educational and Training Services

Educational and training services (seminars, workshops, training sessions (off-site or on-site), skills assessment, curriculum development, change management, leadership development, workforce planning, dispute resolution, team building, respectful workplace, human rights

Industrial Construction

Building, renovating, repair and demolition of industrial buildings such as oil and gas facilities, etc…

Industrial Equipment

Agricultural and gardening equipment, loaders, dump trucks, excavators, dozers, backhoes, forklifts, service and trade equipment, material-handling equipment,  generators, snow removal equipment, and related parts

Infrastructure - Bridges, Dams, Causeways and Wharfs

Building, renovating, repair and demolition of bridges, dams, causeways and wharfs, and related construction

Infrastructure - Other

Building, renovating, repair and demolition of other infrastructure construction

Infrastructure - Pipelines

Building, renovating, repair and demolition of pipelines, and related construction

Infrastructure - Power Facilities, Electrical Transmission Lines

Building, renovating, repair and demolition of power facilities, electrical transmission lines, and related construction

Infrastructure - Roads, Highways and Streets

Building, renovating, repair and demolition of roads, highways, streets, and related construction

Infrastructure - Solid Waste Facilities, Sewage Treatment Plants

Building, renovating, repair and demolition of solid waste facilities, sewage treatment plants and related construction

IT Hardware

Computers, tablets, scanners, printers, network cabling, laptops, servers, hard drives, cables, hubs, connectors, switches, printers, scanners, multi-function devices, monitors, and related products

IT Services

Database admin, data conversion services, end user support and training, GIS projects, internet, intranet, IT architect, IT management, network admin, programmer analyst, project manager, SAP consulting/training

IT Software

System software, programming software, application software, and related products

Landscaping and Agricultural Supplies

Limestone, compost, peat moss, pest management products, forage feed, fertilizers, seeds and nursery stock, live animals

Law Enforcement Equipment and Supplies

Police radars, breathalyzers, fingerprint supplies, and related parts

Lighting Fixtures and Lamps

Indoor/outdoor electric lighting, vehicular lighting, portable/hand lighting

Machinery and Tools

Metal working machinery and tools (saws, boring machines, welding equipment), woodworking machinery (sawmills, planers, cutters, blades)

Management Consulting Services

Business analysis, policy/planning, research, business intelligence, research and evaluation, risk assessment, project management, translation, technical writing, conference/event planning, facilitation, negotiation, economic development, energy consulting, population segment

Medical Apparel and Linens

Lab coats, uniforms, slippers, scrubs, gowns, linens

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies

Drugs and biologicals, surgical dressing, medical and surgical instruments, dental instruments, X-ray equipment, hospital furniture and equipment, hospital and surgical clothing, ophtalmic Instruments, replenishable field medical sets, diagnostic substances

Miscellaneous Textiles

Canvas, felt, padding/stuffing materials, leathers, leathers, tarpaulins, tents, flags

Non-Medical Apparel and Linens

Uniforms, footwear, badges and insignia, luggage, special purpose (athletic, flight clothing), gloves, rainwear, hats, vests, jackets, pants

Office Equipment

Accounting and calculating machines,  time clocks, cash registers, mailing equipment, shredders, binding machines, punch equipment, typesetting equipment, facsimile machines, typewriters, embossing machines, cameras, fax machines, GPS systems, projectors, and related products, AV equipment

Office Supplies

Day to day office essentials such as: paper, envelopes, binders, folders, pens/pencils, storage boxes, standard forms, chalk boards, white boards, bulletin boards, business cards, calendars, labels, mailroom equipment, notebooks and pads, shredders, teachers educational aids, and related products, flash drives, CD/DVDs, print cartridges

Personal Services

Laundry services, dry cleaning, funeral services, chaplain services, tailoring services, barber/beauty shop services

Plumbing, Heating and Sanitation Equipment

Fixtures, valves, piping, fittings, joints, space heating equipment (hot water boilers, steam boilers, space heaters, water heaters, etc…) incinerators, septic tanks, fuel burning equipment (gas buenrs, oill burners, etc…) and related parts

Prefabricated Structures and Scaffolding

Prefab/portable buildings, rigid wall shelters, bailey bridges, storage tanks, flag poles, scaffolding

Promotional Materials

Promotional Items (conference bags, trophies, gifts), display booths

Property Maintenance and Related Services

Snow plowing, snow removal, salt and sanding services, landscaping, janitorial services, garbage disposal, pest control, laundry services, catering, carpet cleaning

Quality Control, Testing, Inspection and Technical Services

Quality assurance testing, equipment and materials testing, commercial testing lab services, asphaltic testing and inspection, geotechnical testing and inspection

Real Property

Land, buildings, roads, lakes

Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Air Circulating equipment

Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, and related parts

Residential Construction

Buildings, renovating, repair, and demolition of residentail buildings such as apartments, dormitories, single unit dwellings, subdivisions

Road Construction Products

Asphalt, manholes, guard rail, traffic paint and thinners, salt, sand, stone, survey stakes,  and related products

Scientific Instruments and Laboratry Equipment

Chemical analysis instruments, physical properties testing, laboratory equipments (glassware, funnels, litmus paper, glass wool, furniture),  time measuring instruments, microscope, telescope, electroscope, seismometer, scales, pressure/humidity control instruments, and related products

Security Services

Building security, public security, event security, related services

Ships, Marine Vessels and Equipment

Passenger ships, cargo vessels, fishing vessels, special service vessels, barges, small craft, pontoons, docks/drydocks, dredges, propulsion equipment, rigging gear, buoys, marine instrumentation, marine hardware and related parts

Signage

Signs (metal, wood, plastic, reflective sheeting), sign posts, license plates

Solid Waste and Recycling Services

Collection, hauling, processing, disposal, recycling of waste

Surveying and Mapping Services

Surveying, photo-map production, mapping services, map production, geophysical surveys, etc…

Theatrical, Recreational, Playground and Athletic Equipment

Wellness/gym equipment (treadmills, weights), musical instruments, sporting equipment, playgrounds, theatrical equipment and supplies, and related parts

Toiletries and Cosmetics

Toilet tissue, tissues, napkins, hand cleaner, shampoo, shaving cream, combs, razors, toothbrushes, perfumes, cosmetics

Tools, Hardware and Abrasives

Powered/non-powered hand tools, drill bits, measuring tools, hardware (nuts, bolts, screws, washers, rivets, etc.), abrasives (disks, stones, powders, papers, etc…)

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

Passenger and freight delivery services (ground, taxicab, truck), air, vessel, rail), vehicle rentals, vehicle towing, freight forwarding, travel agent services, equipment rentals, accommodations and food services - hotel/private, limousine service, vessel charters, vessel towing, aircraft charters, interior design, moving services

Utilities

Gas service, electrical service, telephone service, cable service, water treatment and related services

Vehicles (Special Purpose) and spares

ATV's, snowmobiles, motorcycles, school buses, ambulances, firetrucks, police vehicles, transit buses, trailers, and related parts

Vehicles and spares

Passenger cars, light trucks, heavy duty trucks, mini-vans, semi trailers, and related parts  (batteries, filters, engines, mufflers, brakes, tires, retreading, chains, windshields)

Water purification and sewage treatment Equipment

Filtration equipment, water distillations, sewage treatment equipment, and related parts