PSPC deputy minister challenges the procurement watchdog’s ‘favouritism’ findings in McKinsey contracts

‘I do not accept the findings … I do not accept that there is favouritism for McKinsey in the current system, based on our assessment as a common service provider,’ Arianne Reza told the House Government Operations Committee on May 1.
Federal procurement already feeling blowback from ArriveCan scandal, say experts

As the government grapples with the repercussions of the ArriveCan debacle, industry experts say over-scrutiny in the process will likely slow down business.
‘Under-the-surface favouritism’: Procurement watchdog finds no evidence of political meddling in McKinsey contracts

‘If we were to see something that would give rise to a suspicion of criminality, we would refer that to the RCMP,’ says Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic. ‘We have not referenced anything to the RCMP.’
What’s in the budget for federal procurement? More money for housing, less for long-term projects

Key highlights of the budget concerning procurement include ‘strengthening integrity in the public service,’ as the ArriveCan scandal unfolds.
Canada’s military procurement: a laundry list of broken promises

Only a foolish military analyst would hail the recent defence policy update as a solid building block upon which to rebuild our badly depleted CAF.
ArriveCan contractor admits ‘mistakes,’ faces historic public rebuke in Parliament; RCMP search contractor’s home day before House admonishment

After being admonished in the House of Commons on April 17, ArriveCan contractor Kristian Firth confirms the RCMP searched his property, but that it was not related to the ArriveCan investigation.
Procurement watchdog to probe ‘bait and switch’ practices across departments amid ArriveCan revelations

Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic’s January report found most of the subcontractors pitched to secure a contract with the government on the ArriveCan application did not perform the work.
Centre Block project contracting ramps up as focus shifts from demolition to rebuild

Roughly 1,600 windows in Centre Block are set to be replaced with replicas or upgraded as part of renovations, and the process to award a contract for that work will get underway this spring.
ArriveCan shows government consultants should prove ethical business foundations before getting contracts

Acknowledging the role of external consultants in conducting the business of government is important for politicians of all stripes and federal decision-makers. There should be a new focus on optimizing the return on investment.
Feds pledge faster and better defence procurement strategy, but experts say it all comes down to execution

The April 8 policy update acknowledged that ‘defence procurement takes too long in Canada and needs to be faster and more effective,’ but the initial steps outlined to fix things were met with mixed reviews.