# Paperwork for Alberta public contracts

> To bid Alberta public work you need a company legally registered in Alberta or a recognized province, an Alberta Purchasing Connection account, a WCB-Alberta account with a clearance letter, insurance certificates and a safety program, often a COR or SECOR. For construction, Alberta's Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act sets payment deadlines and adjudication.

By: CrewBid Team. Source page: https://crewbid.tech/guides/paperwork-public-contracts-alberta

Most bids that get thrown out in Alberta aren't lost on price. They're missing a document. Get these sorted before you find the tender you want, because many take days or weeks to arrive.

## The checklist

| What | Why buyers ask | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration | Alberta requires suppliers to be legally registered in Alberta or a recognized province | Alberta Corporate Registry; your home province's registry |
| APC supplier account | Download documents, express interest, get addenda | Alberta Purchasing Connection |
| WCB-Alberta account and clearance | Buyers can be liable for your unpaid premiums | WCB-Alberta, through myWCB |
| Insurance certificate | Liability cover, often $2 million or more, naming the buyer | Your broker |
| Safety program, COR or SECOR | Mandatory or scored on most construction and facility work | ACSA or another certifying partner |
| GST number | Needed to charge GST on your invoices | Canada Revenue Agency |
| References | Proof you've done similar work | Past clients |

## Do I need to register my company in Alberta?

If you're carrying on business there, generally yes. Alberta says businesses must be legally registered in Alberta, or in a jurisdiction recognized under the trade agreements. For a BC company, the Province of BC lists the steps under the New West Partnership. Be registered in BC, then reserve your name in Alberta, which has a fee. Register through the Alberta Corporate Registry, which has no fee under the partnership, and appoint an attorney for service in Alberta. Confirm the current steps with both registries before you bid.

## WCB-Alberta

Expect to show a clearance letter with your bid or before the contract starts, and again before payments. Letters are free through myWCB. Read [WCB-Alberta clearance letters](https://crewbid.tech/guides/wcb-alberta-clearance-letters) for what crews from other provinces should check.

## COR or SECOR

Many construction tenders ask for a Certificate of Recognition, and firms with 10 or fewer workers can get a Small Employer COR. It takes at least three months of safety records, so start early. See [COR and SECOR in Alberta](https://crewbid.tech/guides/cor-secor-alberta).

## Insurance

Most tenders set minimum commercial general liability limits and ask you to name the buyer as an additional insured. Vehicle, equipment and sometimes professional liability or pollution coverage may also be required. Send your broker the insurance section of the tender before you bid. Our [insurance guide](https://crewbid.tech/guides/insurance-requirements-tenders) explains the common terms.

## Getting paid on construction work

For construction contracts, Alberta's **Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act** has applied to new contracts since August 29, 2022. Alberta says owners must pay within 28 days of a proper invoice, or give notice of a dispute within 14 days. Contractors must pay subcontractors within 7 days of being paid. Payment disputes can go to adjudication.

> [!warning]
> Alberta says Government of Alberta project contracts are subject to the Public Works Act and exempt from the Act's payment timelines. Read the payment terms in each public contract rather than assuming the prompt payment rules apply.

## Local licences and checks

Some municipalities require a business licence for work inside their boundaries, and work in schools often needs criminal record checks for crew on site. Ask the buyer at the question stage, not after you win.

## Where to go next

Start with [how to register on APC](https://crewbid.tech/guides/register-on-alberta-purchasing-connection), then read [when Alberta buyers have to post](https://crewbid.tech/guides/public-tender-thresholds-alberta). The [BC paperwork guide](https://crewbid.tech/guides/paperwork-public-contracts-bc) covers the BC side for crews working both provinces.

## Sources

- [Get started as a supplier (Government of Alberta)](https://www.alberta.ca/get-started-as-a-supplier)
- [New West Partnership Trade Agreement (Province of BC)](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/managing-a-business/permits-licences/businesses-incorporated-companies/new-west-partnership-trade-agreement)
- [Prompt payment rules for the construction industry (Government of Alberta)](https://www.alberta.ca/prompt-payment-rules-for-construction-industry)
- [Coverage for contractors and subcontractors (WCB-Alberta)](https://wcb.ab.ca/insurance-and-premiums/types-of-coverage/coverage-for-contractors-and-subcontractors.html)
- [Get a Certificate of Recognition (Government of Alberta)](https://alberta.ca/get-certificate-recognition.aspx)