Become an Approved Supplier
What it means to be a Canoe-approved supplier
Becoming a Canoe-approved supplier opens the door to meaningful partnerships with the Canadian public sector. Through our group procurement model, suppliers gain access to a growing network of municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other public sector entities across Canada, all seeking reliable, competitively sourced solutions.
The approved supplier status is granted to businesses that have successfully responded to a publicly tendered Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by Canoe. This process ensures fairness, transparency, and compliance with trade agreements. Suppliers selected through this process have demonstrated their ability to deliver exceptional value, competitive pricing, and trusted service within their awarded category.
Interested in becoming a supplier?
Canoe awards contracts through an open and transparent Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Here’s how your business can get started:
Watch for open RFPs
Visit the Canoe Procurement Portal to view open opportunities and create an account. Only suppliers who respond to an official RFP issued by Canoe will be considered.
Submit a Proposal
Respond to an RFP in your category with all required information and documentation. Make sure your proposal clearly demonstrates your ability to provide quality service, competitive pricing, and value to Canoe members.
Proposal Evaluation and Contract Award
Once the RFP closes, all proposals are carefully reviewed and scored based on the criteria outlined in the RFP document. Suppliers with successful proposals may be awarded a contract. Once awarded, your business gains Canoe-approved supplier status and the opportunity to serve thousands of public sector organizations across Canada.
The Canoe Way
Watch “The Canoe Way” video to learn more about becoming a Canoe-approved supplier.
Current RFP Opportunities
Canoe posts various public solicitations such as Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Quotations (RFQ) Request for Information (RFI) on the Procurement Portal for interested vendors to respond to.
The Procurement Portal allows prospective suppliers to create a Canoe Procurement Portal account at no cost to the supplier. Suppliers who select one or more commodity codes for equipment, products and services they offer will receive system-generated notifications by email of new Canoe opportunities matching their commodity code selection.
Below are some current open RFPs:
- CAN-2025-006 – Multi-Purpose Maintenance Equipment for Sidewalks, Trails, and Public Spaces
- CAN-2025-005 – After Market Light Duty Automotive Parts and Accessories
- CAN-2025-007 – Contractors – Job Order Contracting Program – Alberta
Visit the Procurement Portal for an up-to-date list of all current opportunities.
Supplier Webinars
We regularly host webinars for interested suppliers where we provide valuable insights on the benefits of Canoe procurement and how to become an approved supplier. Join us for an upcoming webinar to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does registering with the Canoe procurement portal make my company a “Canoe approved supplier”?
No. Canoe approved suppliers are companies that have been awarded a cooperative procurement contract through an open RFP process issued by Canoe.
How can my company become a Canoe approved supplier and sell to Canoe members? Is there a form to fill out?
No, there is no form to fill out. Interested suppliers must respond to a Canoe RFP and be awarded a contract as a result of the RFP.
Where can I access the Canoe procurement portal?
How much do suppliers have to pay to use the new Canoe procurement portal?
There is no cost to suppliers to register for and use Canoe’s procurement portal.
My company is registered on a regional tendering website (e.g., Alberta Purchasing Connection, etc.). Can we continue to access Canoe RFPs on this platform?
No, suppliers will need to register to the new Canoe procurement portal to access new opportunities.
I participated in a Canoe RFP on Alberta Purchasing Connection in the past. Does this change impact past RFPs?
No, this change does not impact past RFPs. Going forward, suppliers interested in Canoe opportunities must register with the Canoe procurement portal.
I have an account for the Sourcewell procurement portal. Do I need to register for a new account for Canoe RFPs?
Yes, suppliers interested in Canoe opportunities must register with the Canoe procurement portal.
How will suppliers send responses to RFP?
Suppliers will prepare and send their response directly into the Canoe procurement portal.
Can I access training to help me register with the Canoe procurement portal?
Yes. Training is available on the Bids&Tenders Supplier Support Portal.
How do I receive notifications of Canoe opportunities?
Suppliers must select commodity codes in Canoe’s procurement portal in order to receive notification.
Already have a contract?
Visit the Canoe Supplier Hub (password required) for a supplier orientation guide, training materials, marketing resources, testimonials, and other support materials to help you make the best of your contract.
Have any questions?
We’re here to help. Contact us for support throughout the process.
Approved Supplier Benefits
Approved suppliers are recognized as Canoe’s trustworthy partners. This positions businesses to leverage the strong, longstanding relationship between the partnered municipal associations and the member organizations. Through this partnership, approved suppliers gain sales and marketing support in reaching and approaching member organizations across Canada, direct connections to target audiences within those organizations, and reduced turnaround time due to fewer regulatory hurdles.
Sales Support
A cross-Canada team of full-time Canoe Client Relations Managers work closely with members. Client Relations Managers coordinate leads to relative approved suppliers, actively set up meetings, and assist with product and service educational support.
Performance Reporting
- Access to monthly volume statistics
- Access to feedback reported by Canoe Members
Targeted Promotional Opportunities
- Tradeshow display privileges
- Potential Education Sessions featuring your products, services, or market trends
Accounting
- Approved suppliers are paid net 30 of any products or services provided
- Quick, reliable accounts receivable
- Ability to batch invoices
- One invoicing address and one payment source
The status of approved supplier is granted to businesses that are awarded a contract by Canoe through the publicly tendered Request for Proposals (RFP) process issued by Canoe. Approved suppliers have demonstrated that they are both able and willing to provide top-tier service and best value pricing within the awarded category for Canoe’s members. Watch the video below to learn more about how to become a Canoe-approved supplier.
Canoe's RFP Process
Businesses interested in becoming an approved supplier with Canoe must respond to an open RFP on the Canoe procurement portal. Canoe selects suppliers ONLY through an open RFP process issued by Canoe, which follows a successful proposal evaluation and contract award. Following an evaluation period, businesses that successfully meet the requirements of the RFP issued by Canoe may be awarded a contract. If you have any questions, please contact us!
SUPPLIER WEBINARS
Interested in becoming an approved supplier? We regularly host webinars for interested suppliers where we provide valuable insights on the benefits of Canoe procurement and how to become an approved supplier. Join us for an upcoming webinar to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does registering with the Canoe procurement portal make my company a “Canoe approved supplier”?
No. Canoe approved suppliers are companies that have been awarded a cooperative procurement contract through an open RFP process issued by Canoe.
2. How can my company become a Canoe approved supplier and sell to Canoe members? Is there a form to fill out?
No, there is no form to fill out. Interested suppliers must respond to a Canoe RFP and be awarded a contract as a result of the RFP.
3. Where can I access the Canoe procurement portal?
https://canoe.bidsandtenders.ca
4. How much do suppliers have to pay to use the new Canoe procurement portal?
There is no cost to suppliers to register for and use Canoe’s procurement portal.
5. My company is registered on a regional tendering website (e.g., Alberta Purchasing Connection, etc.). Can we continue to access Canoe RFPs on this platform?
No, suppliers will need to register to the new Canoe procurement portal to access new opportunities.
6. I participated in a Canoe RFP on Alberta Purchasing Connection in the past. Does this change impact past RFPs?
No, this change does not impact past RFPs. Going forward, suppliers interested in Canoe opportunities must register with the Canoe procurement portal.
7. I have an account for the Sourcewell procurement portal. Do I need to register for a new account for Canoe RFPs?
Yes, suppliers interested in Canoe opportunities must register with the Canoe procurement portal.
8. How will suppliers send responses to RFP?
Suppliers will prepare and send their response directly into the Canoe procurement portal.
9. Can I access training to help me register with the Canoe procurement portal?
Yes. Training is available on the Bids&Tenders Supplier Support Portal.
10. How do I receive notifications of Canoe opportunities?
Suppliers must select commodity codes in Canoe’s procurement portal in order to receive notification.
Approved Supplier Benefits
Approved suppliers are recognized as Canoe’s trustworthy partners. This positions businesses to leverage the strong, longstanding relationship between the partnered municipal associations and the member organizations. Through this partnership, approved suppliers gain sales and marketing support in reaching and approaching member organizations across Canada, direct connections to target audiences within those organizations, and reduced turnaround time due to fewer regulatory hurdles.
Sales Support
A cross-Canada team of full-time Canoe Client Relations Managers work closely with members. Client Relations Managers coordinate leads to relative approved suppliers, actively set up meetings, and assist with product and service educational support.
Performance Reporting
- Access to monthly volume statistics
- Access to feedback reported by Canoe Members
Targeted Promotional Opportunities
- Tradeshow display privileges
- Potential Education Sessions featuring your products, services, or market trends
Accounting
- Approved suppliers are paid net 30 of any products or services provided
- Quick, reliable accounts receivable
- Ability to batch invoices
- One invoicing address and one payment source
