Council approves tendering policy revision

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Fort St. John has approved using the Canoe cooperative procurement group to purchase goods and services in the city.

David Joy, the Chief Financial Officer, says that Canoe will help the city save money while still being able to source and tender independently.

“This doesn’t restrict us with our current procedures for our requests for proposals, but it gives us another option.”

Joy says the City has been a member of Canoe for years now but hasn’t taken full advantage of the possible savings.

“The canoe procurement group has already vetted these suppliers, and there are significant discounts that come into play by using them.”

The Canoe Procurement Group of Canada is a cooperative buying group with over 5,000 members.

The city will still identify their needs, issue a purchase order and receive the equipment or services.

Canoe will spec out the equipment, obtain contract pricing, write the tender, advise the tender, do the bid opening, evaluation and award to the lowest value on behalf of the city.

The city would then contact the supplier but would also be able to search out other potential vendors to receive quotes.

“There are local supplies here that we do use that are part of this program,” Joy adds.

“Going forward, we will explore this option to make sure it’s to the advantage of the taxpayers here and the city.”