Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has invited public comments on a draft National Procurement Strategy of Clothing and Textile.  The Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) has received this document and will be sharing it with those who express an interest in the matter.

Given the large volume of clothing purchased by PWGSC, this review will be of interest to many in the industry.  PWGSC has reviewed how it procures clothing and textile on behalf of government departments, agencies and Crown Corporations, and has recommended the following:

• Consider expanding the consolidated uniform contracts to take advantageof efficiencies and cost savings where demand warrants;
• Reduce awarding of individual contracts to address repetitive individual procurement instruments;
• Analyse and implement processes to eliminate unnecessary barriers in the procurement process;
• Consult with both industry and government departments to ensure the evaluations of value-added services are measurable, attainable and realistic;
• Formalize a communication process between PWGSC, industry and government departments to facilitate sharing feedback and information regarding the procurement process;
• Improve supplier performance monitoring, including on time delivery and adherence to specifications; and
• Incorporate environmental considerations incrementally within the solicitation documents.

A particular recommendation which could significantly improve the procurement process is to expand the consolidated uniform contracts to take advantage of efficiencies and cost savings where demand warrants. 

The deadline to submit feedback is February 24, 2012. To obtain a copy of the report and/or to submit your feedback on the Procurement process recommendations, please contact Bob Kirke at bkirke@apparel.ca.