When BC public buyers have to post a tender (and why you don't see small jobs)

If you've ever wondered why a city posts a $400,000 janitorial contract publicly but you never see the $20,000 jobs, the answer is trade agreements. Above certain dollar amounts, public buyers have to open the work to any qualified supplier. Below them, they follow their own purchasing policy, which often means calling a few local firms.

What are the thresholds in BC?

BC is covered by two agreements. The New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) between BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba has the lower thresholds, so it's the one that usually decides whether a BC contract is posted:

• Municipalities, school districts, health authorities and public post-secondary (the "MASH" sector): $75,000 or more for goods or services, $200,000 or more for construction.
• Provincial ministries, agencies, boards and commissions: $10,000 or more for goods, $75,000 or more for services, $100,000 or more for construction.
• Provincial Crown corporations: $25,000 or more for goods, $100,000 or more for services or construction.

The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) covers every province, with higher thresholds that are adjusted every two years. In the February 2026 figures, MASH buyers must openly compete goods and services from $139,000 and construction from $347,400.

Both agreements list exceptions, such as emergencies, some health and social services, and purchases from other public bodies or non-profits.

What about federal work?

Federal buyers have their own rules. The Government of Canada says purchases under $25,000 for goods and under $40,000 for services and construction (including taxes) are often bought directly from a supplier. Above those amounts it usually asks for bids or quotes, posted on CanadaBuys.

What happens below the thresholds?

Each buyer's own purchasing policy decides. Commonly:

• Small purchases go straight to a known supplier.
• Mid-sized jobs get two or three invited quotes from firms the buyer already knows or keeps on a list.
• Some buyers post anyway, on their website or a portal, because it's simpler or their policy asks for it.

The amounts and steps differ from one buyer to the next, and most publish their purchasing policy or bylaw on their website. Search the buyer's site for "purchasing policy" to see theirs.

How do I get invited to quote on smaller jobs?

Being known matters more than anything below the thresholds:

1. Ask to be added to the buyer's supplier or prequalified list. Many municipalities and school districts keep one by trade. Email the purchasing department and ask how.
2. Introduce yourself to facilities and operations managers, who often request the quotes. Send a one-page profile with your trade, area, WorkSafeBC account and insurance.
3. Bid on posted work in your trade. Even a losing bid puts you in the buyer's records.
4. Follow the buyers near you. CrewBid lets you follow a buyer so you hear about everything they post, in any trade.

Why this matters when you choose what to bid

Publicly posted work is the bigger, longer contract that's open to everyone, so expect more competition and more paperwork. Invited work is smaller but less contested. Most small crews grow by doing both: winning some invited work locally, then using those references on the posted contracts.

Where to go next

For the full bidding process, read how to win government contracts in BC. For the words you'll see in posted tenders, see tender words in plain English.