Doing Business with NOSM University
Procurement Services supports the NOSM University community by facilitating the acquisition of goods and services in a transparent, fair, and cost-effective manner. As a publicly funded institution, NOSM University follows all applicable procurement laws, trade agreements, and policies to ensure compliance and ethical sourcing.
If you are a current or potential supplier, please review the following information regarding procurement processes, competitive bidding, and cooperative purchasing.
Effective April 1, 2024, NOSM University must comply with the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Act (BOBIA) (O. Reg. 422/23). BOBIA requires the University to give preference to Ontario businesses in certain procurements. Suppliers may be required to confirm their status as an Ontario Business (as defined by BOBIA) to support the university’s compliance with this legislation.
Open Competitive Procurement
NOSM University follows an open and competitive procurement process for the acquisition of goods and services over $121,200, in compliance with public sector procurement regulations, trade agreements, and institutional policies.
NOSM University posts public notices for procurement opportunities on MERX and manages bid documents and submissions through the Bonfire portal.
- MERX: Public tender notices are advertised on MERX, directing suppliers to Bonfire for access to bid documents and submissions.
- Bonfire: Bid documents are available and submissions must be completed through the NOSM University Bonfire Portal. Registration and document downloads are free of charge.
Suppliers interested in bidding on opportunities should monitor these platforms regularly. Any questions related to a competitive bid must be directed to Procurement Services at strategic.sourcing@nosm.ca rather than individual departments or faculties.
Buying Groups and Cooperative Purchasing
To achieve cost efficiencies and strategic procurement advantages, NOSM University participates in several buying groups and cooperative purchasing agreements. Participation in these groups allows the university to leverage collective purchasing power while ensuring compliance with trade agreements such as CFTA (Canadian Free Trade Agreement) and CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement).
NOSM University Participates in the Following Buying Groups:
- Ontario University Professional Procurement Management Association (OUPPMA)
A collaborative association of procurement professionals across Ontario universities that promotes cooperative purchasing, best practices, and professional development. - Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace (OECM)
A Broader Public Sector (BPS) group purchasing organization offering competitively sourced products and services to Ontario’s education and public sector institutions. - Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO)
A national organization representing administrative and financial officers in Canadian universities, supporting best practices and procurement efficiencies. - Supply Ontario
A centralized procurement agency supporting Ontario’s public sector through coordinated purchasing agreements. - Kinetic GPO
A cooperative purchasing organization serving broader public sector and MASH entities across Canada, reducing procurement costs through group buying. - Canoe Procurement Group of Canada
A cooperative purchasing program providing access to preferential pricing and trade-compliant procurement opportunities. - Lakehead Purchasing Consortium (LPC)
A regional cooperative purchasing group serving non-profit and public sector organizations in the Thunder Bay, Ontario area, promoting shared procurement strategies and cost savings.
Limited Tendering
As per Article 516(2) of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, procuring entities covered by the Agreement shall post a notice of award within 72 days after the award of contract, including any limited tendering. NOSM University posts a monthly report containing the contracts awarded during that month, and for a period of 30 days.
