The Office of the Procurement Ombud’s clauses in federal government procurement documents
Notice to stakeholders
A reminder to all federal contracting authorities to update their Office of the Procurement Ombud's (OPO) standard clauses in solicitation documents, regret letters and federal contracts. The updated clauses reflect the new covered procurement dollar thresholds in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, in effect for the period January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027 and include additional alternative dispute resolution services offered by OPO.
Look for the Office of the Procurement Ombud’s clauses in federal government procurement documents
The Office of the Procurement Ombud (OPO) has requested that federal departments and agencies include three (3) clauses in their procurement documents so that Canadian businesses and federal organizations are aware of how OPO can help resolve federal procurement issues.
Where to find the Office of the Procurement Ombud’s clauses
You can find OPO’s clauses in solicitation documents, regret letters to unsuccessful bidders, and federal contracts.
- In solicitation documents and regret letters to unsuccessful bidders:
- Clause #1 below informs bidders that OPO reviews complaints regarding the award of certain federal contracts below $34,700 for goods and $139,000 for services
- In contracts:
- Clause #2 below informs suppliers and federal organizations that they can request OPO’s dispute resolution services (e.g., mediation) if they are unable to resolve a contract dispute within 25 working days after the dispute was initially raised in writing
- Clause #3 below informs suppliers that OPO reviews complaints regarding the administration of certain federal contracts, regardless of dollar value
Find the OPO clauses in their entirety in the Annex below.
Annex
Clause for solicitation documents and regret letters for unsuccessful bidders
The Office of the Procurement Ombud (OPO) was established by the Government of Canada to provide an impartial, independent venue for Canadian bidders to raise complaints regarding the award of certain federal contracts under $34,700 for goods and $139,000 for services. If you have concerns regarding the award of a federal contract below these dollar amounts, you should contact OPO by e-mail at ombudsman@opo-boa.gc.ca, by telephone at 1-866-734-5169, or by web at www.opo-boa.gc.ca. For more information on OPO’s services or to determine if your concerns are within the Ombud’s mandate, please see the Procurement Ombudsman Regulations or visit the Office of the Procurement Ombud website.
Contract Clause—Dispute Resolution
The Parties agree to make every reasonable effort, in good faith, to settle amicably all disputes or claims relating to the Contract, through negotiations between the Parties’ representatives authorized to settle. If the Parties do not reach a settlement within 25 working days after the dispute was initially raised to the other party in writing, either Party may contact the Office of the Procurement Ombud (OPO) to request dispute resolution services including mediation, arbitration and mediation-arbitration. OPO may be contacted by e-mail at ombudsman@opo-boa.gc.ca, by telephone at 1-866-734-5169, or by web at www.opo-boa.gc.ca. For more information on the OPO’s services, please see the Procurement Ombudsman Regulations or visit the Office of the Procurement Ombud website.
Contract Clause—Contract Administration
The Office of the Procurement Ombud (OPO) was established by the Government of Canada to provide an impartial, independent venue for Canadian bidders to raise complaints regarding the administration of certain federal contracts, regardless of dollar value. If you have concerns regarding the administration of a federal contract, you should contact OPO by e-mail at ombudsman@opo-boa.gc.ca, by telephone at 1-866-734-5169, or by web at www.opo-boa.gc.ca. For more information on OPO’s services, please see the Procurement Ombudsman Regulations or visit the Office of the Procurement Ombud website.
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