Doing business with us
The Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum’s Contracts section is responsible for managing the corporation’s procurement process.
In addition to issuing purchase orders, entering into agreements, issuing and overseeing the competitive bid process, establishing source lists, negotiating and awarding contracts, the section is also mandated to ensure that the procurement is compliant with relevant governmental and institutional procurement policies and procedures. If you are a supplier wanting to do business with the Canadian Museum of History or the Canadian War Museum, the following sections offer information about purchasing procedures, practices, and policies.
Buying practices
It is the corporation’s policy to contract for goods and services in a way that ensures best overall value. The corporation contracts with those suppliers who satisfy the objectives of the corporation, by obtaining quality goods and services in a timely manner and meeting specifications with competitive prices.
The corporation, as a matter of principle, negotiates and awards contracts by following applicable laws, regulations, trade agreements, internal policies and competitive tendering processes. The corporation does this in such a way as to convey its high standards of professionalism and business ethics to the external community.
As a Crown corporation, the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum’s procurement process is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and all other applicable Trade Agreements. Procurements subject to these Agreements are published via MERX online tendering system and Bid packages must be ordered through MERX.
Sourcing suppliers
Purchases for Goods and Services not subject to trade agreements such as CFTA or CUSMA or any other Trade Agreements may still be published on MERX for open bidding. Nevertheless, purchases not subject to Trade Agreements are usually procured under a closed bidding process where suppliers may be invited to submit a quote, a proposal or a Tender based on past experience with the corporation, industry directories, Internet, industry and associated information sources including catalogues and journals, trade shows and conferences.
The corporation has developed eligibility standards for suppliers:
- auditable financial records;
- proven capacity to meet contractual obligations;
- guaranteed capability for full and continuous supply;
- assurance that requirements will be met through implemented, auditable quality plans and
- reputable track record and experience in the supplier’s area of expertise.
If you meet these eligibility standards, you may be in a position to submit a bid or be invited to submit for the corporation’s work.
Tender opening
The corporation does not open tenders in public, nor does it reveal any information contained in the responses to its requirements, except as required by law. The corporation firmly believes this would have an impact on its ability to conduct business in a fair and competitive bidding environment.
Bid results
Bid results for open competitive bid processes published on MERX may be obtained on the MERX website.
Limitations
With the exception of Letter of Agreements, which have low monetary value and are limited to small services needs, all purchase orders and contracts for the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum are issued through the corporation’s Contracts section.
End users are not authorized to enter into agreements with suppliers. Suppliers should not supply goods or services before a purchase order is issued or contract is signed, and they should not perform work beyond the scope of the existing contract unless authorized by the Contracts section.
Conclusion
The corporation values the special relationship it has with its suppliers and welcomes initiatives by suppliers that contribute to increased productivity and good purchasing management. The corporation is always willing to discuss developments, improved performance, or lower costs if this helps meet the objective of reliable, cost-effective services to the Canadian public.