It is an exciting time to be in Nova Scotia at the water’s edge. It is where our ocean economy is building. It is where world-class researchers and industry innovate and collaborate to connect with new markets. It is where visitors come to experience and celebrate our maritime culture. It is where our residents, current and future, find inspiration. There is a new momentum in Nova Scotia and at the centre of this energy is “place”. Our place by the sea is our greatest natural advantage. It gives the world a reason to know us, to do business with us and to visit us. It shapes our culture and industry on and off the water’s edge – it always has. The extent to which we are able to harness this natural competitive advantage and develop it sustainably, will determine our future prosperity.

Develop Nova Scotia understands the complexity of the public tendering process. Solicitation documents are long, very detailed, and at times can hide “expected deliverables” in plain sight. We also understand that the time to learn what would have made the difference between a successful and unsuccessful proposal is not in a supplier debrief – after a tender award to someone else. To assist potential respondents in understanding Develop Nova Scotia public tender submission best practices, we will now provide quarterly public information sessions designed to show you how to respond to any one of the following solicitation processes:

• Request for Information (RFI)
• Request for Supplier Qualification (RFSQ)
• Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Request for Quote (RFQ)

We will also highlight other key Develop Nova Scotia policies such as the difference between an invitational and open tender process, procurement thresholds, and what happens if you are unsuccessful in a bid and would like to know why. Other areas of procurement concern or interest may be considered for presentation as may be appropriate and publicly requested – we will always leave time for questions as your success is our success.

Develop Nova Scotia Quarterly Public Tender Information Sessions will be held the third Thursday in February, May, August, and November from 7:00 to 8:30pm unless otherwise posted on the Develop Nova Scotia website. Sessions will be held virtually. 

Attendees must register with the Develop Nova Scotia Procurement Manager by 4:00pm AST the third Monday in February, May, August, and November. If no attendees are registered by this deadline that quarter’s information session will be canceled. Information required to register are:

• Name of attendee(s);
• Organization being represented;
• Phone number(s); and
• Email address

Those registered who are able to join the session online will receive a link to Microsoft Teams as part of the invitation. Those unable to join online will be able to join by conference call – a PDF copy of the slides will be provided.

Potential participants with questions or who would like to register for an information session are to direct emails to the Develop Nova Scotia Procurement Manager at todd.brayman@developns.ca

Download Develop Nova Scotia Public Tender Development outline here.