The CITT bid-challenge process

If a covered federal procurement was run unfairly — flawed evaluation, improper sole-sourcing, changed terms after close — suppliers can complain to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, an independent quasi-judicial body, rather than suing.

Who can file, and about what

Any potential or actual bidder on a contract covered by the trade agreements (CFTA, and the federal thresholds under AGPO/NAFTA-successor rules) who has standing and a real grievance: the solicitation design, evaluation conduct, award decision, or a de facto sole source. Provincial and municipal contracts covered by CFTA can also be challenged, with the complaint filed with the appropriate tribunal function.

The deadlines that catch everyone

This is a strict-timeline regime. The clock starts when you knew or should have known of the problem: typically 10 working days from when the grounds arose, with an initial 15-working-day overall limit from the solicitation close for most complaints, and for award decisions, within 10 working days of the intent-to-award notice. Miss the window and the Tribunal loses jurisdiction — no exceptions for "we were still gathering documents". Get a debrief request in immediately (see award notices).

What happens after filing

Filing can trigger suspension: for complaints filed before award, the contract cannot be awarded for 10 working days while the Tribunal decides whether to inquire. If an inquiry proceeds, the Tribunal gathers submissions from both sides and can recommend re-solicitation, re-evaluation or award to you, and can award lost bid-preparation costs. Most disputes still settle — buyers often offer remediation once a well-founded complaint lands.

Common questions

Should I challenge or just ask for a debrief?

Debrief first — it is free, fast, and often reveals a real flaw (or reassures you none exists). Escalate only with specifics. See how two-envelope evaluation is scored to judge whether your technical scores were treated properly.

Does it cost money?

Filing with the Tribunal itself is free; your costs are preparation time and, if you use counsel, legal fees. Lost bid costs can be recovered on success.

Related definitions

Sole-source procurement · Contract award notice · Pre-qualified supplier list