AQT submits a brief to the government to help identify and implement best practices in contracting

MONTREAL, April 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - On March 28, the Quebec Technology Association (AQT) submitted a brief to the Treasury Board in response to its consultation on the contracting rules and practices that apply to public bodies.

The Treasury Board held this consultation to identify and implement best practices in contracting. Recognizing its role as a contract giver, the government wants to rank alongside the world's leading economies on matters relating to contractual agreements. In submitting this brief to the government, the AQT hopes to help it optimize its use of information technologies and Quebec innovations.

Being fully aware of the importance of the acquisitions issue to the provincial government, the AQT made a number of recommendations to help guide the Treasury Board in the development of new measures to be submitted to the authorities by next fall.

COURSES OF ACTION PROPOSED BY THE AQT
The courses of action proposed by the AQT seek to increase the number of suppliers bidding on RFPs, and, more specifically, to promote greater participation of SMEs in government acquisition processes.

"It would seem that few SMEs in the ICT sector respond to requests for proposals. They consider the processes to be overly complex and restrictive. In addition to this complexity, they are faced with redefined financial requirements that effectively exclude SMEs in the ICT sector," commented Nicole Martel, CEO of AQT.

Recommendations include:

• Splitting up big projects in order to increase the number of bidders. The AQT feels it is imperative to split big projects ($20 M and up) into smaller ones ($2 to $5 M) in order to increase the number of bidders who can actually qualify to bid on RFPs. "In contrast to the early 2000's, modern technologies are increasingly interoperable. It would be in the government's interest to use current solutions provided by different suppliers," stated Michel Lacasse, President of the AQT Board of Directors.
• Considering existing solutions rather than constantly seeking custom-made ones. This would serve to maximize investments made by the State, such as SR & ED credits, while also creating a "showcase" to promote our solutions across international markets.
• Favouring the "Project" approach (turnkey) over the "Time and Equipment" approach (resource lending) with a results guarantee on defined deliverables. This would help minimize the risk of cost overruns and delays.

The economic importance of the ICT industry to Quebec is well established. Access to public markets and the leverage that comes with it in terms of building bridges to other markets are significant assets. "We have requested a meeting with Minister Stéphane Bédard, President of the Treasury Board, and the people overseeing this consultation in the hopes of better guiding the adjustments required for ICT acquisitions," added Nicole Martel. 

About the Quebec Technology Association (AQT) www.aqt.ca
The Quebec Technology Association promotes innovative SMEs in the ICT industry by helping their CEOs and management teams reach business development objectives.

Now the largest ICT business network in Quebec, the AQT, a non-profit, self-funded organization, provides its 500 member and affiliate companies with local and international networking opportunities, as well as business comparison and improvement tools - true building blocks of success!

To view the memory and all recommendations issued by the AQT: See REPRESENTATION of : www.aqt.ca

SOURCE: Quebec Technology Association (AQT)

AQT - Valérie Danger, Director of Communications and Projects, 514 874-2667, ext. 118, [email protected]