MP Gallant: Helping Businesses Sell to the Government of Canada

February 25, 2008

Pembroke, Ontario - Cheryl Gallant, MP (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) is pleased with the response she has received from local companies interested in learning more about doing business with the Federal Government. MP Gallant, in partnership with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME), is hosting an information session and free seminar about selling to the Federal Government.

“I am very pleased with the response from local businesses. By the number of people who have booked their attendance, it looks like we should have a full house,” remarked Cheryl Gallant, MP.

The presentation will take place on Friday, February 29th, 2008 at the Kiwanis Field House, located at 961 Pembroke Street West, (Riverside Park). Participants are invited for coffee at 8:30 a.m. The presentation will run from 9:a.m. to 12 noon, with a 15 minute health break at 10:30 a.m.

The seminar is being presented in response to requests by local enterprises interested in learning about potential opportunities within the Government of Canada’s procurement system.

“This is intended to be an informative and practical seminar,” said MP Gallant. “Topics to be covered include how to market to the Government of Canada, how the Government does its buying, advice and guidance in preparing a proposal, gaining better knowledge and understanding of Request For Proposals (RFP), and understanding how bids are evaluated and how to respond to an RFP.

The Government of Canada established the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises to assist them to understand the Canadian Government’s procurement processes and to act as an advocate for Small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the federal procurement system.

Of the close to $20 billion in procurement last year, SMEs won over 85 percent of the contracts, representing about one-third of the total value of all contracts in Canada. In Ontario, of the more than $2.1 billion in procurement last year 63 percent of the contracts for good and services went to SMEs accounting for 39.5 percent of the total value.

“Space is limited. Pre-registrants will be seated first. Walk-ins will be accommodated, as seating is available. I look forward to informative meeting,” concluded MP Cheryl Gallant.