The GNWT is changing its requirements for bid security and contract security. These changes are for construction contracts only and are effective July 15, 2023. More information on these changes can be found here.
Legislation, Policies and Guidelines
GNWT Procurement Guidelines
This document guides contract authorities in the use of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) procurement processes and tools.
For more information, please review the GNWT Procurement Guidelines.
Financial Administration Manual
The policies included in the GNWT’s Financial Administration Manual (FAM) provide the framework for improved accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility with respect to public money and any other money administered by the GNWT.
For more information, review the Financial Administration Manual.
Government Contract Regulations
The GNWT's Government Contract Regulations are enacted under Section 107 of the Financial Administration Act.
For more information, please review the Government Contract Regulations
Leasing of Improved Real Property
The GNWT has a Leasing of Improved Real Property Policy that sets out the requirements, principles, authority, and accountability for the leasing of real property for office space, staff accommodations, and other government programs and services.
For more information, please review the Leasing of Improved Real Property Policy.
Vendor Performance Management Policy
The Vendor Performance Management Policy helps monitor performance and ensure that vendors fulfill their commitments to use NWT and local goods, services and labor when they are awarded government contracts.
For more information, please review the Vendor Performance Management Policy
Trade Agreements
The Government of the Northwest Territories is a signatory to two trade agreements: (1) the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, and (2) the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
These trade agreements are aimed at reducing restrictions to trade and increasing the ability of NWT-based businesses to access market opportunities outside the territory.
For more information, please refer to:
In addition, the Government of Canada participates in several international trade and investment agreements that offer benefits for NWT-based businesses. Although not always a direct signatory, the GNWT frequently collaborates and promotes territorial interests during negotiation of these agreements, with a specific focus on jurisdiction and economic effects. Additional information can be found through the following link: https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-...
Land Claim Agreements
The GNWT is a signatory to several land claim agreements that impact the procurement processes in those regions.
For more information, please visit the Existing Agreements page on the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs website.
Incentives for Northern Businesses
The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to building a diversified, sustainable territorial economy by providing support for business and economic development throughout the NWT:
Business Incentive Policy
The purpose of Business Incentive Policy (BIP) is to give preference on government procurement to businesses that are owned and operated within the NWT. It is designed to promote economic growth and capacity within NWT Businesses and the economy.
For more information, please visit the Business Incentive Policy on the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment website.
Northwest Territories Manufactured Products Policy
The Northwest Territories Manufactured Products Policy gives incentive to local production and manufacturing of goods for the use of the GNWT under the Business Incentive Policy (BIP). BIP-registered businesses may apply to have their NWT-made goods registered as an Approved NWT Manufactured Product.
For more information, please visit the Northwest Territories Manufactured Products Policy page on the on the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment website.
Negotiated Contracts Policy
The Government of the Northwest Territories Negotiated Contracts Policy permits the negotiation of contracts outside the standard competitive contracting process when negotiations can reasonably be expected to:
- Lead to benefits for businesses or residents which could not reasonably be expected to be achieved through competitive contracting; or
- Contribute to the creation, growth, and competitive capacity of Northwest Territories-based businesses in a manner that complies with trade agreements.
For more information, please review the Negotiated Contracts Policy.