Feedback from Consultations

Introduction

In February 2007, the Government of Canada conducted an on-line consultation on the Code of Conduct for Procurement, seeking input from key stakeholders – including suppliers, industry associations, and procurement officers across government.

The Code is part of the government's Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan (FedAA) and will help fulfill the government's commitment to reform procurement. The Code consolidates the government's existing legal, regulatory and policy requirements into a concise and transparent statement of the expectations the government has of its employees and its suppliers.

A draft version of the Code was made available on the Public Works and Government Services Canada Web site and on MERX, the government's electronic tendering system from February 9 and March 14, 2007, to obtain feedback from interested parties.

During the consultation process participants were asked to respond to three specific questions about the Code including:

1. Is the purpose of the Code of Conduct for Procurement clear? If not, please explain.
2. Does the Code, as currently formulated, provide adequate information to help guide your actions? If not, please provide suggestions on other tools you would like to see.
3. Do you have any suggestions on how to better promote the Code?

Feedback Received

Q-1 Is the purpose of the Code of Conduct for Procurement clear? If not, please explain.

Respondents offered positive feedback to this question, indicating that the purpose of the Code is clear. While some remarked that the Code simply mirrors existing resources, most found the Code to be a helpful and clear guide that poses benefits for vendors with no prior experience in government contracting or for junior level Procurement Officers.

Feedback also indicated that respondents would welcome the addition of a "definitions" section within the Code, outlining the meaning of key government contracting terms.

Q-2 Does the Code, as currently formulated, provide adequate information to help guide your actions? If not, please provide suggestions on other tools you would like to see.

Respondents suggested the incorporation of concrete examples of proper and improper conduct within the Code. For example, many indicated a need to clarify the rules and policies with regard to giving and receiving small gifts.

Many also indicated a need for the Code to contain contracting definitions and a clearer description of the role that the Procurement Ombudsman will play in ensuring transparency and accountability in government contracting.

Finally, respondents reported a need for a distinction between the role of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) and that of the Procurement Ombudsman.

Q-3 Do you have any suggestions on how to better promote the Code?

Feedback indicated that respondents would support the inclusion of the Code in government training courses for Procurement Officers and in training sessions available through the Materiel Management Institute (MMI).

Respondents indicated that government engagements with suppliers, for instance, seminars provided by the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME), could offer opportunities to promote the Code within the supplier community.

Promotion of the Code on the Buy and Sell Web site was also encouraged, along with references to the Code on bid documents.

General Comments

In addition to responding to the three consultation questions, participants were encouraged to submit general feedback.

Respondents indicated that the Code should address the changing role of Procurement Officers who must increasingly balance the competing priorities of their clients and the government as a whole. For instance, Procurement Officers must balance the immediate commodity needs of their clients with whole-of-government priorities such as sustainable development and best value.

Comments also centred on the need to further ensure transparency is built into the procurement process.

Next Steps

PWGSC has now launched the Code of Conduct for Procurement following the integration of feedback received from the on-line public consultations with the federal government, suppliers and members of the general public.