October/November 2022 // Canadian Government Executive / 11 PERFORMANCE While there is reason for optimism that we are at the beginning of the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, there are also potential headwinds for economic recovery such as supply chain disruptions. Experts suggest the worst of the supply chain disruptions is behind us, but the reality is that recovery will likely continue through 2022 and the start of 2023. However long the disruptions take to resolve, governments need to imbue resiliency in rebuilding supply chains for the future. Having a larger pool of reliable, predictable suppliers is necessary to build a strong and resilient supply chain network that will compete for important public contracts. Government tax dollars for public contracts can also be considered an important lifeline for new start-up businesses and entrepreneurs born of the pandemic who are focused on developing new kinds of products and services delivered in technologically innovative ways. The way forward: eprocurement solutions built for public sector While the benefits of an expanded network of qualified suppliers seem obvious, many government agencies struggle to find effective ways to increase supplier participation. The PSPC mandate’s commitment led to the launch of a cloud-based electronic procurement solution for federal public sector organizations, but provincial and sub-provincial government agencies continue to adopt their own procurement policies. As a result, reliance on redundant manual processes is still a problem, moreover, even if the agencies have a basic esourcing solution, lack of correct eprocurement tools prevents their full transformation. The use of eprocurement tools and technology built for the public sector can enhance inclusion and promote innovation by providing streamlined access to a larger supplier ecosystem. These tools make it easier to do business with the public sector and facilitate better understanding of the complicated and stringent government regulations meant to ensure compliance. Proper eprocurement infrastructure allows governments to find suppliers outside of their traditional and immediate geographical constraints thus increasing the amount of potential competition. The same principle applies to suppliers who can use these tools to find more opportunities to bid on public contracts. Eprocurement marketplaces also encourage both the public and private sectors to further embrace collaboHaving a larger pool of reliable, predictable suppliers is necessary to build a strong and resilient supply chain network that will compete for important public contracts. Government tax dollars for public contracts can also be considered an important lifeline for new start-up businesses and entrepreneurs born of the pandemic who are focused on developing new kinds of products and services delivered in technologically innovative ways.
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