Contract award notice

The award notice is the buyer's public "we picked" announcement: supplier name, contract value, duration, and — for competitive processes — usually the number of bids received.

What it must contain

Under trade agreements and most public-sector policies: the buyer, the winning supplier, the contract value (or a range), the start and end dates, and the solicitation reference it closes. Sole-source awards additionally state the exception relied on. Federal Canadian awards appear on the national procurement site; provinces and municipalities publish on their own portals.

Why suppliers should mine them

Award notices are the richest free intelligence in public procurement: they show which buyers buy what you sell, at what values, on what cycle — and which competitors just won. An award expiring in 12 months is a re-tender signal. Consistent winners tell you who to beat and where incumbency ends.

What it does not contain

Losing-bid prices, score sheets, or the winning proposal itself. Those surface only through a supplier debrief (for bidders) or freedom-of-information requests. Award value can also mislead: multi-year values are often published as totals, and amendments may be awarded separately.

Common questions

Can the award be cancelled after the notice?

Yes — buyers retain cancellation rights until the contract is signed, and most solicitations reserve that right explicitly. An award notice is not a contract.

What can a losing bidder do?

Request a debrief (scores against criteria), and within strict deadlines file a formal complaint — for covered federal contracts, with the CITT. The debrief is free and should always be requested; it is the cheapest way to improve the next bid.

Where do I track award notices?

pubsec.pro tracks opportunities and awards across Canadian public buyers, searchable by buyer, category and value.

Related definitions

Tender notice · Sole-source procurement · Standing offer