Learn how to sell to all levels of government
Published on March 31, 2011
Interested in selling goods and services to the City of Medicine Hat, the provincial and federal government? On Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Medicine Hat Lodge, Saamis AB room from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Palliser Economic Partnership is partnering with the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta to present a full-day informational seminar on public procurement for business entitled Selling to Government.
The event will be focused on helping local businesses become better acquainted with the ins and outs of public sector procurement and also provide an opportunity for attendees to network and exchange information with government procurement personnel. Representatives from Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), Service Alberta Procurement Services, the City of Medicine Hat, the Department of National Defence, Defence Construction Canada, the Department of Research and Development Canada, and the Western Canadian Defence Association will be present to address questions.
“Essentially, it’s going to be a chance for the business community to have a face-to-face discussion with representatives of federal, provincial and municipal government departments and agencies,” said Alan Hyland, Palliser Economic Partnership Board Chair.
Although there will be presentations in the afternoon relating to obtaining contracts with the defence industry, Hyland explained that there is value for all businesses to attend as there will also be other topics presented that are of general interest to businesses submitting a proposal for any publicly tendered good or services. This includes demonstrations of the MERX Canadian Public Tender Service and Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) systems that are used to prepare and submit bids and proposals, assisting companies to easily access the billions of dollars in public sector business opportunities. The session will also address obtaining security clearances for doing business in the defence sector and what requirements and restrictions apply.
Milvia Bauman, Chair of the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce commented, “This is a great opportunity for businesses to educate themselves on how to submit an effective proposal and to learn the purchasing practices of the different levels of government.”
The day will conclude with a presentation regarding the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP). This new, $40 million program, was created under the 2010 federal budget to encourage federal departments and agencies to test innovative products and services in four areas: environment, health, safety and security, and enabling technologies. Natalie Falk, EDA Business Development Officer, added that there will be two more calls for proposals for CICP and that attending the seminar will better equip local companies by providing information that will help them to prepare proposals for the next round of funding.
For further information or to register contact:
Palliser Economic Partnership
403-529-3630