2. Managed Service Provider Model for IT Services

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Overview

The Government of the Northwest Territories is introducing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) model to improve how it sources short-term IT professional services, making it easier for the GNWT to access these specialized services.

Under the MSP model, the GNWT will work with a centralized provider, selected through a competitive procurement process, to manage IT service opportunities under $300,000.

This approach is designed to support project-based work where specialized skills are needed temporarily. Internal staff remain essential for core operations and oversight.

The GNWT remains committed to transparency and responsible governance. Information about the MSP model, including contract limits and reporting commitments, will be shared publicly to ensure accountability.

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About the Program

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is introducing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) model to facilitate the sourcing of IT professional services. This approach will make bidding on small to medium statements of work faster and easier for vendors—especially Northern businesses.

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What’s Changing

  • IT service requests under $300,000 will be managed through the MSP (SDI International), using a Vendor Management System (Flextrack).
  • Vendors register once with the MSP and can then be considered for multiple opportunities.
  • The MSP will handle competitive sourcing within the registered vendor pool.
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Benefits for Vendors

  • Simplified: One registration gives access to multiple opportunities.
  • Faster: Reduced administrative steps mean quicker turnaround.
  • Lightweight: Opportunities for smaller businesses that struggle to respond to traditional RFPs.
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How to Register

  1. Complete Registration with the MSP: Vendor Registration Portal
  2. Provide Required Documentation
  3. Onboard to Flextrack, the MSP’s Vendor Management System.
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Get Support

MSP Program Support: Contact SDI International at gnwt@sdintl.com for registration or onboarding assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is GNWT’s MSP initiative?
    The Managed Service Provider (MSP) initiative is a new model for the GNWT to source IT-related services. The MSP manages a pool of registered vendors and supports a lightweight competition process, making it easier and faster to match the GNWT with qualified providers.
  2. Why is GNWT making this change?
    This initiative is focused on increasing the speed of providing short-term IT services to the GNWT. The MSP allows vendors to register once and receive automatic updates on all IT service opportunities with the GNWT. Using specialized software called a Vendor Management System, the lightweight competition process reduces the cost of bidding on IT service opportunities and decreases the turnaround time for decisions, as well as simplifying billing and invoicing the GNWT for services rendered.
  3. Will this affect public access to GNWT services?
    No. The MSP model is focused on internal IT service delivery. Public-facing services will continue to operate as usual.
  4. Is GNWT outsourcing its IT department?
    No. GNWT is partnering with a Managed Service Provider to enhance IT project and service delivery, not replace internal capacity. GNWT staff remain responsible for oversight, planning, and strategic direction of all work facilitated via the MSP. The GNWT went out for an RFP for an MSP supplier that closed on January 20, 2025. 
  5. How is GNWT ensuring data privacy and security?
    The MSP provider is required to meet GNWT’s rigorous privacy and cybersecurity standards. All data remains under GNWT control, and protections are in place to safeguard sensitive information.
  6. What are the benefits of the MSP model for residents?
    This does not benefit residents directly, however it does improve the speed of procuring IT services which ultimately improves the time it takes to delivery IT projects for program areas, and thereby benefiting the public though efficiency of program operations:
    • Improving speed of IT systems delivery for government programs and services
    • More opportunities for Northern vendors to provide IT services to GNWT
    • Better use of public money through reduced overhead costs and more competitive rates
    • Click here to learn more about the GNWT’s Business Incentive Policy.
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