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OTTAWA — The (OPO) has launched Bait and Switch, a procurement practice review to examine how often the resources identified in a winning bid actually don’t end up doing any of the work.

OPO will specifically review practices related to the replacement of resources in professional services contracts to ensure the processes were conducted fairly and transparently and supported Canada’s selection of the best value supplier, states a release.

The review stems from issues identified in previous reviews conducted by OPO, as well as a request from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.

Five federal departments were selected as part of the procurement practice review based on the value and volume of their procurement activities under specific contracting vehicles to acquire professional services.

The five departments are Employment and Social Development Canada; Global Affairs Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; National Defense; and Shared Services Canada. Public Services and Procurement Canada is also included in this review due to its role as a central purchasing agent.

The procurement practice review was initiated on Sept. 24 and must be completed within one year, according to OPO’s regulatory timeline.

“The practice of inappropriately replacing resources occurs when suppliers bid for contracts by proposing highly qualified individuals to secure the contract, but later substitute them with less qualified personnel once the contract is awarded,” said Alexander Jeglic, procurement ombud, in a statement. “This undermines the fairness and transparency of the procurement process and compromises the best value for Canadians.”