Procurement complaints: decontamination and informatics

Summary#

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal made a decision on March 31, 2025 that a procurement complaint by Axxys Construction about a decontamination and demolition standing offer was valid in part. The Tribunal also opened an inquiry on March 31, 2025 into a separate complaint from Experis Canada Inc. about a Shared Services Canada solicitation. Separately, the Public Service Commission of Canada approved permission and an unpaid leave for Jean‑Jacques Desgranges to be a federal election candidate in the Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke district for the election on April 28, 2025.

What it does#

• For the decontamination and demolition procurement:
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal concluded (file PR‑2024‑057) that the complaint by Axxys Construction about solicitation WS4082835679 was valid in part. Axxys said the standing offer was given to a bidder that did not meet mandatory technical requirements.
• For the informatics services procurement:
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal decided (file PR‑2024‑085) to conduct an inquiry into a complaint from Experis Canada Inc. about solicitation R000166204/A. Experis alleges its bid was not properly evaluated.
• For the public servant running for office:
  • The Public Service Commission of Canada granted permission, under the Public Service Employment rules, for Jean‑Jacques Desgranges (Canada Revenue Agency) to seek nomination and to be a candidate. It also granted a leave of absence without pay during the election period, effective the first day he is a candidate. This was posted on March 27, 2025.

Who's affected#

• Companies that bid on the decontamination and demolition standing offer, including Axxys Construction and the awarded bidder, and Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).
• Companies that bid on the task‑based informatics professional services contract and Shared Services Canada, plus Experis Canada Inc.
• Jean‑Jacques Desgranges, his employer (Canada Revenue Agency), and voters in Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke who will see him on the ballot.
• If you’re a supplier who bids on federal contracts, these items signal active oversight and possible re-examination of contract awards.

Why it matters#

• The Tribunal’s finding that a complaint was valid in part shows the government procurement process is being reviewed and can be corrected if bidders don’t meet requirements. That can affect which company wins a contract and how fast work starts.
• The inquiry into the Experis complaint means that another procurement may be re‑examined; bidders and departments involved should expect follow‑up and possible remedies.
• The Public Service Commission’s permission and leave are routine but important for transparency: they let a federal employee run for elected office while separating them from their public service duties during the campaign.