Department of Finance - Government of Northwest Territories

Contracting

GNWT Contract Event Opportunities - Frequently Asked Questions

GNWT Contract Event Opportunities - General

  1. What is the new GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website?
  2. What changes are coming on January 29th, 2018 as a result of the upgraded GNWT Contract Event Opportunities Website?
  3. What are the benefits of the GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website?
  4. How does the GNWT Contracts Event Opportunities website change the procurement process?

GNWT Contract Event Opportunities - Help

  1. How can vendors get help if they are having problems with the new Contract Opportunities website?
  2. Can vendors still go online to see what contract opportunities are available?
  3. How do vendors search historical information on tenders and proposals
  4. Are contract event opportunities advertised in French?
  5. What do vendors need on their computer in order to use the new GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website?
  6. How do vendors bid on GNWT tenders and proposals?
  7. Are there instructions on how to “Register as a Bidder”?
  8. What are GNWT notifications of new contract event opportunities and how do vendors sign up for them?
  9. Where can vendors get more information about the new GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website?

GNWT Contract Event Opportunities - Security & Privacy

  1. What can I do to maintain the security of my information?
  2. Can I share my User ID or Password with co-workers?
  3. What do I do if I think someone has obtained my User ID and Password?
  4. What can I do if I forget my User ID and/or Password?
  5. What can I do to protect my computer and my personal information?
  6. Who do I contact if I have questions about privacy?
  7. Who has access to the information I enter when I sign up to “Register as a Bidder”?
  8. How is my personal information protected?

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  1. What is the GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website?
    The GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website is an interactive system that allows vendors to download and bid on contracting opportunities online. Vendors can also sign up for notifications of new contracting event opportunities as they arise in specific areas of interest.
  2. Why did the GNWT change the Contract Opportunities website?
    On January 29th, 2018, the GNWT is upgrading the Contract Opportunities website.  For more information on the changes, download the New Features document here
  3. What are the benefits of the website?
    The GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website allows online bidding, email notifications of contract opportunities and the direct download of documents. The GNWT Contracts Event Opportunities website also advertises tenders and requests for proposals in both French and English.
  4. How does the new GNWT Contracts Event Opportunities website change the procurement process?
    The GNWT procurement process remains the same. The GNWT Contracts Event Opportunities website adds a modern way for vendors to research and bid on tenders and proposals.
  5. How can vendors get help if they are having problems with the GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website?
    Vendors who are having problems with the GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website can contact the GNWT by phone or email for support.  Vendors can get more information about the GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website by contacting the SAM help Desk at, SAMHelpDesk@gov.nt.ca, or phone 867-767-9129, or toll free at 1-866-525-0536.
  6. Can vendors still go online to see what contract event opportunities are available?
    The website offers features such as online bidding, email notifications of contract opportunities and the direct download of documents.
  7. How do vendors search historical information on tenders and proposals?
    All contract opportunity information prior to October 31, 2015 is available on the old Contract Opportunities website at https://contracts.fin.gov.nt.ca.
  8. Are contract event opportunities advertised in French?
    Yes. The GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website features advertisements for tenders and proposals both in French and in English.
  9. What do vendors need on their computer in order to use the new Contract Opportunities website?
    The GNWT Contracts Event Opportunities website is best viewed with Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Adobe Acrobat is required for viewing additional tender or proposal information.
  10. How do vendors bid on a GNWT tenders and proposals?
    Most GNWT contract event opportunities are available for online bidding. In order to do so, vendors must register as a bidder online and then express interest in a proposal or tender. Vendors can then bid online by answering the required questions and submitting any necessary attachments.
  11. Are there instructions on how to Register as a Bidder?
    Yes. Please refer to the "Bidder Registration" help file. http://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/services/eprocurement/eprocurement-help.
  12. What are GNWT notifications of new contracting opportunities and how do vendors sign up for them?
    The GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website requires you to sign up for notifications in business categories or commodities that are of interest to you. When a contract opportunity in that category is posted on the new website, you will automatically receive an email notifying you of the posting and linking you directly to the opportunity where you can download the documents.
  13. Where can vendors get more information about the new GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website?
    For more information about the GNWT Contract Opportunities website, please contact the SAM help desk at, SAMHelpDesk@gov.nt.ca, or phone: (867) 767-9129, or toll-free: 1-866-525-0536.
  14. What can I do to maintain the security of my information?
    You can help protect your information as follows:
  • Do not share your User ID or Password;
  • Memorize your User ID and Password (if you do choose to print or record them, keep them in a safe place);
  • Your User ID and Password should be meaningful to you, but meaningless to others.

To increase the security of your sign up information, we recommend the following:

  • Change your Password every three to six months;
  • Do not use personal information (such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), Family name or Given name) in your User ID or Password;
  • While you are signed in, do not leave your computer unattended;
  • Sign out and close your browser when you are finished using the GNWT Contract Event Opportunities website or any online services.
  1. Can I share my User ID or Password with co-workers?

No, you may not.

Your User ID and Password are your own unique credentials. Your User ID and Password allows you to bid on GNWT Contract Event Opportunities. If others need access to bid on Events, they can be added as users under your company.  Please see the “Maintain Bidder Profile” help file.  All help files can be found here: http://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/services/eprocurement/eprocurement-help.

  1. What do I do if I think someone has obtained my User ID and Password?

This is a serious matter.

It means that someone else could use your User ID and Password to obtain or change your information with the Government of the Northwest Territories on your behalf. If you suspect that someone has obtained your User ID or Password, you need to take the following actions:

  • Stop any possible misuse of your User ID and Password by:
    • changing your Password;
  • Reporting the situation to the SAMHelpDesk:
  1. What can I do if I forget my User ID and/or Password?

Please follow the “Change or Reset a Password” help file.  All help files are found here: http://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/services/eprocurement/eprocurement-help.

  1. What can I do to protect my computer and my personal information?

Safe Computing Practices:

It is important that Canadian citizens and businesses take steps to protect personal information on their computer(s), and take precautions to ensure that their personal information remains safe and secure. We advise citizens and businesses using the GNWT Contracts Event Opportunities website to read about the following safe computing practices.

  • Protect your password by carefully selecting your password and personal shared secret questions - never disclose them to anyone;
  • Use up-to-date anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall;
  • Use current up-to-date browsers (with patches);
  • Protect your computer by acting with caution when accessing websites (see Rules for Combating Malware below).

Note: "Malware" is a generic name for any form of malicious or unwanted computer program that could lead to unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction of information on computing devices.

Examples of Malware include:

  • Viruses and Trojan horses - are destructive code hidden behind a seemingly innocent program;
  • Spyware - is a computer program that secretly gathers information from your computer. It can log the Internet sites you visit and monitor your keystrokes to discover your passwords and other personal details:
    • A common type of spyware is Keystroke Logging (often called key logging); which is the practice of tracking (or logging) the keys struck on a keyboard, typically in a covert manner so that the person using the keyboard is unaware that their actions are being monitored;
    • Spyware can be downloaded onto your computer without your knowledge. Beware of installing software that offers free email virus protection or Internet acceleration, as these are typical lures for spyware installation. Be sure to establish that the website is a trusted site before downloading or installing any software.
  • Adware - is similar to spyware but often redirects you to specific Internet sites and causes unwanted pop-up advertisements for sites and products to appear on your computer screen.

Rules for Combating Malware:

  • Be cautious about what data you accept, and from whom;
  • The best defence against all types of malware is to be wary of any unusual or suspicious behaviour on your computer.

Protect your computer:

  • Update your computer software - Keep your operating system and application software up-to-date by accepting installation of manufacturer's software updates when prompted;
  • Use a firewall - Configure firewall software to help block unwanted connections to your computer and keep out hackers;
  • Use anti-virus software - Prevent viruses from infecting your computer by installing and regularly updating anti-virus software data files.

Protect your information:

  • Block spyware attacks - Prevent others from stealing your passwords and confidential information by installing and updating anti-spyware software;
  • Protect remote and wireless network access - Turn off your computer when not in use. If you use wireless and broadband routers, set them up to request user identification;
  • Back up your files - Create and store a copy of your important information and documents offsite to help protect them from loss due to viruses or hardware damage.

Protect yourself:

  • Protect your e-identity - Change your passwords regularly. Use multiple electronic identities when communicating with those you don't know. Don't have your computer remember passwords;
  • Be careful with e-mails from unknown senders - Never open or download files or follow links in e-mails from people you don't know;
  • Browse the Internet safely - Read a website's privacy policies before providing your name, age, street address, e-mail address, phone numbers or other personal information - even when on a secure website;
  • Seek technical help and report cyber-crime - If you need assistance with software maintenance or installation on your computer, or to remove a virus or malware, call a computer technician. Call local police if you suspect a computer crime, identity theft or commercial scam.
  1. Who do I contact if I have questions about privacy?

If you have any questions about privacy, please contact the GNWT Access and Privacy Office at:

GNWT Access and Privacy Office
Department of Justice
PO Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Email: ATIPP@gov.nt.ca
Phone: 867-920-3180

  1. Who has access to the information I enter when I sign up to Register as a Bidder?

Your personal information is not shared with any third party. All information provided is held and only accessible to the GNWT department with which you have enrolled. All information is protected under the NWT Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

  1. How is my personal information protected?

Your personal information is protected under the privacy provisions of the NWT Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This Act establishes rules for the collection, use, disclosure and retention of personal information held by government departments, board or agencies subject to the Act. Additionally, the GNWT uses encryption to transfer your data securely over the Internet, to further ensure your information is protected.