QUESTION PERIOD — Public Services and Procurement
Vendor Performance Management Policy
October 30, 2024
Senator Gold, I would like to discuss government procurement and the need to ensure taxpayer dollars achieve the greatest value. More specifically, I want to explore the government’s pilot project for a vendor performance management, or VPM, policy.
I understand the testing period started on August 1, 2023. One year into this pilot project, what can you tell us about this program and when we can expect a permanent solution?
As you know, the Procurement Ombud tabled his annual report this summer, in which he called for the implementation of a VPM program to track information on supply performance, arguing that it would offer significant benefits for all federal departments.
Thank you for your question, senator. Indeed, the report of the Procurement Ombud is of great interest to the government. My understanding is that the work is ongoing, but I don’t have a specific date as to when the government will make whatever changes it decides to. I’ll certainly bring your question and concern to the attention of the minister.
Having a permanent VPM program would provide Public Services and Procurement Canada, or PSPC, and other departments the ability to assess vendor performance and use past vendor performance information in awarding contracts.
Beyond the VPM policy, the ombud thinks that a new position of chief procurement officer is warranted and could actually lead the creation and implementation of the VPM.
Has the government given any consideration to the ombud’s recommendation regarding a chief procurement officer?
Thank you, senator, for the follow-up question.
I have every confidence the government is considering the recommendations from the ombud and that those recommendations will help inform the next steps going forward in addressing this issue.
