Solicitation types
- What is an RFP?An RFP (Request for Proposal) is a solicitation document a government agency issues when it knows the outcome it needs but wants vendors to propose how to deliver it. Unlike a sealed bid, an RFP is awarded on best overall value — a scored combination of technical approach, experience, and price — rather than price alone.
- RFP vs RFQ: what's the difference?An RFP (Request for Proposal) asks vendors to propose how to solve a defined problem and is awarded on best overall value, while an RFQ (Request for Quotation) asks vendors to price a precisely specified requirement and is usually awarded to the lowest compliant quote. The practical difference is who designs the solution: the vendor (RFP) or the buyer (RFQ).
- What is an RFI?An RFI (Request for Information) is a market-research notice a government agency issues to learn what solutions, vendors, and price ranges exist before it commits to a formal solicitation. No contract is awarded from an RFI — it gathers information that shapes the RFP, RFQ, or IFB that may follow.
- What is an IFB?An IFB (Invitation for Bid) is a sealed-bid solicitation used when the government can specify exactly what it wants and intends to award to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Because the specification is fixed, bids compete on price alone — there is no technical scoring and no negotiation.
- What is a sources sought notice?A sources sought notice is a US federal market-research posting that asks businesses to identify themselves as capable of performing an upcoming requirement, before any solicitation exists. Responses directly influence how the eventual contract is competed — including whether it is set aside for small businesses.
- What is a standing offer?A standing offer is a Government of Canada procurement instrument in which a supplier offers to provide goods or services at pre-arranged prices and terms for a set period. It is not a contract — a binding contract forms only when a federal organization issues a "call-up" against the standing offer.
Programs & set-asides
- What is a set-aside?A set-aside is a government contract competition restricted to a defined category of business — most commonly small businesses or specific socio-economic groups — so that only eligible firms may bid. Set-asides exist to channel a share of public spending to businesses that would struggle to win against large incumbents in open competition.
- What is the PSIB?The PSIB (Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business) is a Government of Canada program that sets aside designated federal contracts for businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by Indigenous peoples. It supports the government-wide target of awarding at least 5% of the total value of federal contracts to Indigenous businesses.
Codes & registration
- What is a NAICS code?A NAICS code is a six-digit number from the North American Industry Classification System that identifies a specific industry, jointly maintained by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In government contracting, NAICS codes route opportunities to vendors, define US small-business size standards, and describe what your business does in vendor registrations.
- What is a GSIN code?A GSIN (Goods and Services Identification Number) is a code the Government of Canada has historically used to categorize the goods, services, and construction it procures. The CanadaBuys platform now primarily classifies tenders with UNSPSC codes, but GSINs still appear in legacy notices, supplier registrations, and historical award data.
- What is SAM.gov registration?SAM.gov registration is the process of recording your business in the US government's System for Award Management, which is mandatory before you can be awarded a federal contract and is completely free. Registration assigns your Unique Entity ID (UEI), records your NAICS codes and certifications, and must be renewed every year.
Process
- What is an IDIQ contract?An IDIQ (indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity) contract is a US government contract vehicle that lets an agency order an unspecified quantity of goods or services over a fixed period through individual task or delivery orders. The base contract guarantees only a stated minimum; the real revenue comes from winning the orders placed under it.
- What is a bid bond?A bid bond is a surety instrument submitted with a bid that guarantees the bidder will honour its price and, if awarded, will sign the contract and provide the required performance and payment bonds. If the winning bidder backs out, the surety pays the government's damages up to the bond amount — typically 5-10% of the bid price.
- What is prequalification?Prequalification is a screening step in which a government buyer vets vendors — finances, experience, safety record, certifications — before they are allowed to bid on a contract or class of contracts. It shifts the "are you capable?" question ahead of the tender so the eventual competition runs only among approved firms.
- How long do government bids take?Most government solicitations stay open for 15 to 60 days, and the full cycle from posting to contract award typically takes one to six months, depending on the contract's size, complexity, and review requirements. Large or sensitive procurements — major IT systems, defence, infrastructure — can run longer from first notice to signed contract.
NAICS codes for government contractors
What each code covers, plus the open government tenders carrying that code right now. Looking for a different code? Use the interactive NAICS code lookup.
- 236220 Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- 236210 Industrial Building Construction
- 237110 Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction
- 237310 Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
- 238110 Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors
- 238140 Masonry Contractors
- 238160 Roofing Contractors
- 238210 Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors
- 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
- 238290 Other Building Equipment Contractors
- 238310 Drywall and Insulation Contractors
- 238320 Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
- 238910 Site Preparation Contractors
- 238990 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
- 561720 Janitorial Services
- 561730 Landscaping Services
- 561210 Facilities Support Services
- 561790 Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings
- 561740 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services
- 561612 Security Guards and Patrol Services
- 561621 Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)
- 561613 Armored Car Services
- 562111 Solid Waste Collection
- 562910 Remediation Services
- 484110 General Freight Trucking, Local
- 484121 General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload
- 484122 General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload
- 485410 School and Employee Bus Transportation
- 493110 General Warehousing and Storage
- 541511 Custom Computer Programming Services
- 541512 Computer Systems Design Services
- 541513 Computer Facilities Management Services
- 541519 Other Computer Related Services
- 518210 Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services
- 511210 Software Publishers
- 541330 Engineering Services
- 541310 Architectural Services
- 541380 Testing Laboratories and Services
- 541620 Environmental Consulting Services
- 811310 Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance
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Last updated: 2026-06-12
These articles explain government procurement concepts in general terms and are not legal advice. Always rely on the specific solicitation documents and consult a qualified professional for legal or compliance questions.