Social Procurement Pilot Policy

Procurement Bulletin 2018-10

May 6^th, 2018

CFOB and ISSD have launched a 2-year pilot program in the NCR to support Social Procurement through the purchase of catering services from Social Enterprises.

This pilot encourages the use of acquisition cards to purchase catering services from Social Enterprises within the National Capital Region, supporting the concept of social finance and social innovation within the Government of Canada.

A "Social Enterprise" is a supplier who seeks to achieve social, cultural or environmental aims through the sale of goods and services in which the majority of net profits must be directed to a social objective (e.g., reducing environmental impacts of its products or including local training in the community) with limited distribution to shareholders and owners.

The pilot will contribute to the sustainability of social enterprises and provide further support for vulnerable populations, a key focus area for ESDC.

This pilot may be used as a model for other ESDC regional offices to utilize social procurement.

As catering is a form of hospitality, the Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures (THCEE) policy must be followed.

The full text of the pilot policy as well as the current supplier list can be viewed on iService.

Questions and comments of a general nature related to the contents of this bulletin can be sent to the Asset Management Policy and Procurement (AMPP) team by email at NC-PURCHASING_PORTALPORTAIL_ D'ACHATS-GD.