How to do Business with the Atlantic Pilotage Authority (the Authority)

It is the Authority’s policy to compete fairly and ensure its procurement practices respond to stakeholder needs, and comply with all applicable legislation.

Purchasing Philosophy

The Authority’s mission is to deliver safe, effective and financially self-sustaining marine pilotage services in Atlantic Canada. The Authority believes that the more our suppliers understand our business and buying policies, the more effective they will be in contributing to the corporate objectives of the Authority.

Suppliers play a vital role in the Authority’s operations and we recognize that mutual reliance and respect form the basis of an excellent relationship.

Buying Practices

It is the Authority’s policy to contract for goods and services with the objective of attaining the best overall value while minimizing service interruptions. The Authority contracts with suppliers who satisfy our corporate objectives of obtaining quality goods and services in a timely manner that meet specifications and are competitively priced.

As a matter of principle, the Authority conducts its expenditure contracting activities with due regard to applicable laws, regulations, international agreements and conventions, internal policies and competitive tendering processes. The Authority does this in such a way as to convey its high standards of professionalism and business ethics to the external community.

Throughout the procurement and expenditure contracting process, the Authority:

1. Will establish and maintain productive business relationships with suppliers who share the Authority’s commitment to provide quality products and services to its customers, and who reflect their commitment to excellence through their business relations with the Authority; and
2. Will demonstrate the value it places on such business relations with its suppliers by visibly continuing its commitment to professional and ethical conduct in all aspects of its procurement activities.

As a Crown Corporation, the Authority’s procurement, where applicable, is conducted with due regard to the requirements of national and international trade agreements and Conventions. Purchases subject to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) or other free trade agreements are published via the Government’s Buy and Sell website.  Bid packages for procurements subject to CETA and other free trade agreements must be ordered through this website.

Sourcing Suppliers

For purchases not subject to a free trade agreement, requests may be published on the Government’s Buy and Sell website or suppliers may be identified from past experience with the Authority, industry directories, Internet, industry and associated information sources including catalogues and journals, trade shows and conferences.

Tender Opening

The Authority does not open tenders in public, nor do we reveal any information contained in the responses to our requirements, except as required by a free trade agreement, or otherwise by law. We firmly believe this would have an impact on the Authority ‘s ability to conduct business in a fair and competitive bidding environment.

Issuance of Contract

In general, all contracts are issued by the Authority following the formal evaluation process. One or more suppliers who best fit the overall needs will be invited to enter into negotiations, which may lead to the formulation of a formal contract.

Suppliers are not to supply goods or services before a purchase order/contract is in place, and they should not perform work beyond the scope of the existing contract.

Conclusion

The Atlantic Pilotage Authority values the special relationship we have with our suppliers. In particular, any initiatives that contribute to increased productivity and good purchasing management are welcomed. The Authority is always willing to discuss developments, improved performance or lower costs if these help us meet our objective of delivering safe, effective and financially self-sustaining marine pilotage services.

Contacts relating to the tendering process:

Buyandsell.gc.ca (Internet based system):
For more information or to subscribe, call:
1-800-811-1148 between 8am to 6pm Eastern standard time (Monday to Friday)