Effective: April 1, 2016

Applicable FAM Policies: 705 - Procurement

Applicability: GWNT Departments and Public Agencies

Standing Offer Agreements (SOAs) and Supply Service Arrangements (SSAs) are intended to increase convenience and the level of cost-effectiveness and services to users through:

• consolidation of volumes;
• standardization of requirements;
• direct access to goods and/or services reducing time required for acquisition;
• contracting/administrative efficiency; and
• competitive, best price advantages.

Departments and Agencies may use an SOA or an SSA entered into by another jurisdiction when that Agreement and the appropriate authority in the other jurisdiction permit.

Provisions and requirements for SOAs and SSAs are outlined in the GNWT Procurement Guidelines.

INTERPRETATION

1. Standing Offer Agreements (SOA)

SOAs may be established when a procurement need that does not legally bind the government organization has been identified for goods and/or services that is frequently required or as-and-when required for a set period unless a more cost-efficient method is available.

2. Supply Service Arrangements (SSA)

SSAs may be established when a procurement need that does not legally bind the government organization has been identified for services that only pre-qualifies contractors to participate in an invitational competitive process to provide their specific services on an as-and-when required basis during a set period.