Improving Service to our Customers — Delegation of Shared Services Canada Procurement Authorities

Legislative amendments in the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No.1, which received Royal Assent on June 22, 2017, are making it simpler, easier and faster for over 100 client departments and agencies to buy some of the most frequently purchased information technology (IT) goods and services.

Two key changes have been made to the Shared Services Canada Act (the Act). The first, to section 7 of the Act, enables the Minister responsible for Shared Services Canada (SSC) to delegate the power to procure certain items.

The second amendment, to section 9 of the Act, enables the Minister responsible for SSC to authorize another minister, in exceptional circumstances, to obtain services from within their own department or from a source other than SSC. This amendment cannot be used to exempt an entire department from using SSC’s services. These authorizations do not allow customers to opt out of SSC and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

SSC remains responsible for setting up IT contracts, standing offers and supply arrangements for the Government of Canada. As well, SSC will continue to ensure only trusted equipment and software are used.

As a first step, departments with delegated authority can buy IT goods from SSC’s national master standing offers, such as:

• printers
• scanners
• toner
• other IT peripherals and components, such as keyboards, USB keys and computer mouses

The delegation of procurement authorities for the first identified goods and services will be implemented summer 2017, following delegations being formally transferred by the Minister responsible for SSC.

Some goods are excluded in order to leverage volume discounts and ensure the best value to Canadians. These include:

• docking stations
• monitors
• desktops
• notebooks
• tablets
• virtual desktop terminals (known as thin clients)

Next steps

SSC will consult with customers to determine additional goods and services that may be delegated.

For further information:
Media Relations
Shared Services Canada
613-670-1626
ssc.media-medias.spc@canada.ca