FAQ

EDC is Canada’s export credit agency. They offer financing and insurance to Canadian business to support exports. We are Canada’s government to government contracting agency. We use G2G commercial contracts to promote the sale of made-in-Canada products and solutions to government buyers around the world. We team up with Canadian businesses to jointly pursue and win those contracts. We are not a bank and we cannot finance a deal. We do however, have financial partners, like the EDC, who can provide buyer financing for purchases made through a G2G commercial contract.

Yes, we can participate in a competitive process. Based on our experience, we have the greatest impact and are most successful when we work with Canadian businesses to deliver unsolicited proposals during the pre-solicitation phase. By connecting with us and the Trade Commissioner Service in market, we can help you to look for international projects before they go to tender.

CCC is Canada’s government to government contracting agency. Countries that sign G2G commercial contracts with CCC have the Government of Canada’s assurance that their contract will be delivered as negotiated – on time and on budget. CCC does rigorous due diligence on each Canadian business we support for a G2G commercial contract. This includes assuring that the company passes our integrity compliance and Technical, Managerial, and Financial strength assessments.

CCC signs the G2G contract with the government buyer and then signs a sub-contract with the Canadian business to perform the work. CCC takes on the performance oversight and financial administration of the contract G2G contracts are well regarded by financial institutions: G2G contracts are well regarded by financial institutions and commercial lenders, often resulting in favourable financing terms for both government buyers and Canadian businesses. CCC’s G2G contract execution services included in bid price: CCC fees for the G2G contract cover the effort and cost of managing performance oversight and financial administration of the contract, as well as up-front business development costs. Support for local economies: Some G2G commercial contracts also create local jobs, local subcontracting opportunities, and provides opportunities for local training and knowledge transfer.

Based on our years of experience, we find that projects that are most successful with G2G contracting are those where: The government need is urgent and cannot wait for a competitive process. The government has seen failed competitive processes and cannot risk another. The procurement is sensitive and requires confidentiality The government is concerned about the risk of bribery or corruption around the procurement. The government has concerns about successful contract delivery. The government has engaged in G2G contracts in the past.

Our fees cover the level of effort and costs related to the management and execution of a contract as well as any up-front business development costs. They are commensurate with the contract value, risk and nature of the transaction. Factors that affect our fees, include: Costs: A cost estimator tool is used to project the costs associated with managing the contract to ensure the proposed fees cover the projected costs. Risk: The risk profile of the opportunity (i.e., managerial, technical, financial and political risk) is taken into account when setting the fee. Transaction type: The complexity of the project (e.g., supply and install contracts versus complex construction projects) and subsequent level of effort for our team are also taken into account when setting the fee.

As a first step, we’ll send you a questionnaire to learn more about your business and practices. The questionnaire looks to confirm the following: Technical — Do you have the technical expertise to take on and fulfill opportunities in your stated sector. Managerial — Can your leadership team keep the business running for the duration of the contract, and that you have a project team ready to deliver. We may look for past success managing export contracts in markets with similar risk profiles. Financial — Do you have the balance sheet to handle the scope of the contract and that we are not putting the Government of Canada at undue financial risk. We will ask you about your agents or other representatives and that you sign a certificate of compliance for all the information you provide on the questionnaire.

G2G contracting significantly reduces the risks associated with international procurement since every contract signed by CCC has the legal effect of being signed in the name of the Government of Canada. CCC takes on all contractual matters, performance oversight and financial administration of the contract. Foreign government buyers will not only have the assurance that the contract will be delivered in accordance with the agreed terms and conditions, but know it can also create attractive conditions for project financing. CCC’s participation in contracts also reduces the risk of unethical business practices that can hinder procurement effectiveness. CCC is also committed to environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practices, as an integral part of supporting inclusive trade and applying responsible business conduct in all its business dealings.

Since there is a requirement for contracts to be USD $250,000 or greater for U.S. DoD opportunities and >$10M for non-U.S. DoD opportunities, typically large-scale projects in major sectors qualify for government to government contracting. This includes: Defence Aerospace Clean technology Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Construction and Infrastructure Transportation including Maritime

We can enter into a contract with most sovereign governments of all levels including national, subnational and municipal.

The Canada-U.S. Defence Production Sharing Agreement (DPSA), is the bilateral defence trade agreement that enables Canadian companies to compete with U.S. companies for contracts with the U.S. military. It also establishes Canada as a trusted acquisition partner and its existence exempts Canadian businesses from Buy American provisions for opportunities in the defence sector.

The Canada-U.S. Defence Production Sharing Agreement (DPSA), is the bilateral defence trade agreement that enables Canadian companies to compete with U.S. companies for contracts with the U.S. military. It also establishes Canada as a trusted acquisition partner and its existence exempts Canadian businesses from Buy American provisions for opportunities in the defence sector.

For approved opportunities there is no cost to Canadian companies or American military personnel to participate in the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service.

We operate an online bid portal called the Global Bid Opportunity Finder (gbof.ca). This site Consolidates results from 30+ sources in 200+ countries so you can search all of your favourite e-tendering portals in one place, with a single account. Eliminates language barriers and providing access to opportunities wherever they are in the world. Allows you to search for opportunities by country, region, industry or keywords — and save preferred search parameters for future use. Alerts you to new opportunities via email so you never miss an opportunity! Register now to get started!

It is critical that you obtain a DUNS number, NCAGE code and register in SAM as you will not be able to submit a proposal without these registrations.

We refer our suppliers to the Joint Certification Process: Canadian and American contractors must be certified by the United States (U.S.)/Canada Joint Certification Program (JCP) to bid and work on contracts and conduct research requiring access to militarily critical technical data (MCTD). Apply for certification in the Joint Certification Program – Handling militarily critical technical data – Joint Certification Program – Public Services and Procurement Canada (tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca)

Canadian businesses are not exempt from Buy American if Products are included in the Berry Amendment or as specifically listed in a DFARS Access to Classified Information/Facilities is required, there are a few exceptions

Yes, we can support projects of less than USD $250,000 if requested by the buyer or supplier.

Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is anticipated to be effective March 2023. The CMMC has been created as a verification mechanism for the U.S. DOD designed to ensure that cybersecurity controls and processes adequately protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that resides on the U.S. Defense Industrial Base systems and networks. The CMMC will require any contractor and its subcontractors in possession of CUI to meet a specified CMMC level at the time of contract award. More information can be found here https://www.acq.osd.mil/cmmc/.