Partial win for Axxys in procurement dispute

Summary#

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal made a partial finding on a procurement complaint by Axxys Construction about a Public Works and Government Services (PWGSC) contract for decontamination and demolition services on March 31, 2025. The Tribunal also decided on March 31, 2025 to open an inquiry into a separate complaint by Experis Canada Inc. about a Shared Services Canada procurement. The Public Service Commission of Canada separately gave Jean-Jacques Desgranges permission to run in the federal election and leave without pay for the campaign; the election is set for April 28, 2025.

What it does#

• Reports the Tribunal’s determination in file PR-2024-057 about the PWGSC solicitation for decontamination and demolition services. Axxys Construction claimed a winning bidder failed to meet mandatory technical requirements. The Tribunal found the complaint valid in part.
• Announces the Tribunal’s decision to hold an inquiry into file PR-2024-085. Experis Canada Inc. alleges its bid for task-based informatics professional services was not properly evaluated in a Shared Services Canada solicitation.
• Notes that the Public Service Commission of Canada granted permission and a leave of absence without pay to Jean-Jacques Desgranges (a Canada Revenue Agency employee) so he can seek nomination and be a candidate in Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, Ontario, for the April 28, 2025 federal election.

Who's affected#

• Axxys Construction and the other bidders on the PWGSC decontamination and demolition solicitation.
• Experis Canada Inc. and other companies that bid on the Shared Services Canada informatics work.
• Procurement staff and contractors working with PWGSC and Shared Services Canada.
• Jean-Jacques Desgranges, his employer (Canada Revenue Agency), and voters in Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke.
• It’s not fully clear from the notice what remedies (re-evaluation, cancellation, damages, etc.) might follow the Tribunal’s finding.

Why it matters#

• Tribunal findings can change who gets big government contracts. That can affect businesses’ revenue and future bidding decisions.
• An inquiry into bid evaluation practices signals scrutiny of how federal contracts are awarded. Other suppliers may want to review their own bids and documentation.
• For the public, outcomes can affect which company carries out government work and how public funds are used.
• The Public Service Commission decision affects the employee’s job status during the election and informs voters about who is running in Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke.