Tech & digital contracts across Canada

Tech and digital work covers websites and apps, software, IT support, cloud, cybersecurity, GIS, digital marketing, IT hardware and licences, and telecom. Every public body buys some of it, and much of it can be done from anywhere, so a small firm in one province can win work in another.

How is tech work bought?

Four patterns are common. Projects, such as a new website or app, are bought through requests for proposals scored on approach, team and price. Managed services, such as help desk or network support, are multi-year service contracts with service levels. Supply arrangements and standing offers let buyers call up pre-approved suppliers for set categories, which matters most for federal work. Licences and hardware are often bought through resellers or group purchasing.

Because work can be remote, CrewBid matches tech bids on who can bid rather than on distance. See how tech work is matched.

What do buyers check?

The team you'll assign and their experience, comparable projects with references, and your method: how you'll run discovery, design, testing and launch. Accessibility and privacy come up in most public tech work, and security requirements grow with the data involved. Some federal contracts need security clearances for staff. Expect to explain how you'll handle hosting, support after launch and knowledge transfer.

When is it tendered?

Any time, but there are rhythms. Federal buyers spend ahead of their March 31 year-end. Municipal projects follow budget approval early in the year. Support contracts come up when their term ends.

Where to start

Read tech and IT contracts and how to write an RFP proposal, then registering on CanadaBuys for federal work.