Trade Tribunal partially upholds procurement complaint

Summary#

• The Canadian International Trade Tribunal made a partial finding on a complaint by Axxys Construction about a Public Works contract for decontamination and demolition services on March 31, 2025.
• The Tribunal also decided to open an inquiry into a separate complaint from Experis Canada Inc. about a Shared Services Canada procurement.
• Separately, the Public Service Commission of Canada gave Jean‑Jacques Desgranges permission and unpaid leave to run as a candidate in the federal election on April 28, 2025.

What it does#

• For the decontamination and demolition procurement (file PR-2024-057, solicitation WS4082835679):
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal reviewed a complaint that Public Works and Government Services Canada awarded a standing offer to a bidder that did not meet mandatory technical requirements.
  • The Tribunal found the complaint valid in part on March 31, 2025. The notice does not describe any specific remedy or next steps in the decision text.
• For the task-based informatics professional services procurement (file PR-2024-085, solicitation R000166204/A):
  • The Tribunal decided to hold an inquiry after Experis Canada Inc. complained that Shared Services Canada did not properly evaluate its bid.
• For the public servant running for office:
  • The Public Service Commission of Canada granted permission under the Public Service Employment Act for Jean‑Jacques Desgranges (a Canada Revenue Agency employee) to seek nomination and be a candidate in Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke and approved leave without pay during the election period, effective the day he becomes a candidate. The permission notice is dated March 27, 2025.
• For more information about the Tribunal items, the Registry can be contacted at 613‑993‑3595 or citt‑tcce@tribunal.gc.ca.

Who's affected#

• Companies that bid on the decontamination and demolition standing offer, including Axxys Construction and the winning bidder (not named in the notice).
• Suppliers and bidders for the task-based informatics professional services contract with Shared Services Canada, including Experis Canada Inc.
• Public servants who want to run for elected office, and their managers in departments such as the Canada Revenue Agency.
• Taxpayers and government program managers who rely on those contracts or who may be affected if contracts are re-awarded or re-evaluated.

Why it matters#

• A finding that a procurement award was improper can lead to re-evaluation, changes in who holds contracts, or other remedies. That can affect business revenue and project timelines for work such as site decontamination and demolition.
• The Tribunal opening an inquiry signals closer scrutiny of how federal IT contracts are evaluated. That can influence future procurements and bidders’ confidence in the process.
• The Public Service Commission decision shows how public servants can take leave to run in elections. That affects staffing and continuity in the affected department while the election runs.