How to register on Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC)
Step by step: set up an APC supplier account, get notices for your trade, express interest, and respond to Government of Alberta postings in 1GX.
Short answer
Anyone can view tenders on Alberta Purchasing Connection, but you need a free supplier account to download documents, express interest and get updates. Create the account in APC, set alerts for your categories, then follow each notice's instructions. Government of Alberta notices built in 1GX are answered through SAP Ariba, also free.
Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) is Alberta's official electronic tendering site. The Government of Alberta posts its opportunities there, and so do municipalities, school boards, health entities and other public bodies. If you want public work in Alberta, an APC account is the first thing to set up, before you find a tender you want.
Do I need an account to see Alberta tenders?
No. Alberta says registration is not required to view opportunities. You can search APC and read notices without signing in.
You do need an account to take part. Alberta says registration is mandatory for suppliers who want to actively take part in competitive bidding, and registered suppliers can download documents, express interest and receive updates.
How do I register?
- Check you're eligible. Alberta says businesses must be legally registered in Alberta, or in a jurisdiction recognized under the trade agreements. A BC, Saskatchewan or Manitoba company is covered by the New West Partnership. See paperwork for Alberta public contracts for registering your company in Alberta.
- Create a supplier account from the APC site, using the self-registration guide in the APC Help Centre. You give your business details, set up a profile and confirm the account.
- Pick your categories carefully. Notifications follow the categories you choose, so choose every one that matches your work: for a grounds crew that might be landscaping, turf, tree work and snow clearing.
- Sign up for alerts about new postings in those categories.
What does "express interest" do?
Expressing interest on a notice adds your business to the interested suppliers list for that opportunity. Alberta says you then get email updates, including new documents and addenda, and you can update or withdraw your interest any time before closing.
Do it for every tender you might bid, even if you're not sure yet. It's the simplest way not to miss an addendum.
What is 1GX, and why does a notice send me to Ariba?
1GX is the Government of Alberta's suite of business applications, which runs on SAP Ariba. Some Government of Alberta notices are built in 1GX. You still find them on APC: open the notice, scroll to Response Specifics, and follow the Ariba Discovery link.
On the Ariba page, choose Respond to Posting and log in, or register if you don't have an Ariba account. You can then download the documents and, if the solicitation allows it, submit online. Alberta says there is no cost to suppliers to do business with the Government of Alberta in SAP Ariba: no account, subscription, transaction or document fees.
Do other buyers use their own sites too?
Yes, often. Many municipalities and institutions post the notice on APC and keep the documents on their own portal. The City of Red Deer, for example, posts notices on APC with the downloadable documents on its bids&tenders site. So expect to register on a few buyer portals as well as APC. CrewBid lists the portal for each bid on its page.
What happens after I bid?
Alberta publishes awards and supplier names on APC, and says unsuccessful suppliers may request a debrief within 10 days of the award decision. Ask for one every time you lose; it's the fastest way to learn what Alberta buyers score. Our guide to bid debriefs covers what to ask.
Where to go next
Read when Alberta buyers have to post publicly, then the overview of Alberta public tenders.
What to do next
Sources
Rules and forms change. Check the official page before you rely on a detail here.