Selling IT to the Alberta government

Alberta's public sector includes the provincial government, Alberta Health Services and related health bodies, school divisions, post-secondary institutions, municipalities and agencies, all of which buy technology.

Alberta Purchasing Connection

Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) is the province's electronic tendering system. The Government of Alberta and many public bodies, including municipalities, school boards, universities and health organizations, post opportunities there. It's free to search and download documents. Register to get notifications.

How the province buys IT

• Open competitions on APC for contracts above set thresholds.
• Standing offers and supply arrangements for common IT services and products.
• Pre-qualification for some categories, such as IT consulting.
• Direct quotes for smaller purchases.

The provincial ministry responsible for technology leads much of the government's digital and IT work, and its name and structure have changed over time, so check current organization charts.

Trade agreements

• New West Partnership Trade Agreement (Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) sets thresholds above which public bodies must openly tender.
• Canadian Free Trade Agreement covers all provinces and territories.
• International agreements such as CETA and CPTPP apply to covered contracts above higher thresholds.

Health and education

Alberta's health system buys through its own procurement processes, often posted on APC, with strict privacy requirements under the Health Information Act. Post-secondary institutions and school divisions run their own procurements, often on APC. See selling to universities, schools and hospitals.

Privacy

Provincial public bodies follow Alberta's access to information and protection of privacy legislation, which has been updated in recent years. Expect detailed questions on data residency and security.

Innovation

Alberta Innovates and provincial programs support technology firms, and some public bodies run innovation challenges. See government innovation programs.

See also selling IT to government in Canada.

Common questions

Where are Alberta government tenders posted?

On Alberta Purchasing Connection, the province's free electronic tendering system, which most Alberta public bodies use.

Do I have to be based in Alberta to bid?

Generally no. Trade agreements require most public bodies to treat suppliers from other provinces fairly above set thresholds.

What is the New West Partnership Trade Agreement?

It's a trade agreement between Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba that includes rules on open public procurement.