TBIPS (Task-Based Informatics Professional Services)

TBIPS is the Government of Canada's mandatory method of supply for buying task-based information technology consulting. When a federal department needs IT professionals to complete defined tasks — a specific start date, end date and set of deliverables — it must use TBIPS for requirements at or above the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) threshold, rather than running a bespoke competition.

What it is

Per Canada.ca, a TBIPS requirement addresses a specific IT need through finite work assignments with clear start and end dates, deliverables and responsibilities. Tasks are usually not large projects, although they may be subsets of one, and they may require a rare or specialized skill for a short period. The supplier remains responsible for the resource it puts forward, must ensure the resource performs the work in line with the statement of work, and provides supervision so quality meets contract requirements. TBIPS is one of two mandatory informatics methods — the other, SBIPS, covers solution-based work where the supplier owns the outcome.

Streams and how qualifying works

The TBIPS supply arrangement covers seven core areas of expertise: application services, geomatics services, information management/information technology services, business services, project management services, cyber protection services, and telecommunications services. Suppliers pre-qualify through the Request for Supply Arrangement — the current solicitation, EN578-170432/D, is a continuation of the RFSA first published in 2017 and is valid until July 4, 2028, with quarterly refreshes aligned to the federal fiscal-year quarters. Existing SA holders only need to re-bid if they want additional tiers, regions, streams or categories. Bidders must enrol in the Centralized Professional Services System (CPSS) e-Portal, and submissions are paperless.

What it means for vendors

Holding a TBIPS SA does not itself pay: it qualifies you to receive bid solicitations for specific requirements, issued with a notice of proposed procurement to SA holders in the applicable tier, region and categories. Each resulting task authorization is an individual contract under the terms of the SA. Canada may also consolidate requirements across clients to get better pricing, so even qualified suppliers face competition for every task. Your SA is only valid for the streams, categories, regions and metropolitan areas you qualified under — work outside that scope goes to other holders.

Common questions

How is TBIPS different from SBIPS?

TBIPS is task-based: the department defines the tasks, and your consultant completes them. SBIPS is solution-based: the supplier defines and provides the solution, manages the overall project, and accepts responsibility for the outcome. Both are mandatory methods for informatics requirements at or above the CKFTA threshold.

Do new suppliers need to wait for a full re-competition?

No. The TBIPS RFSA refreshes quarterly, so suppliers that missed the original competition can pre-qualify in a refresh cycle. Existing holders stay qualified and only re-bid to add scope.

Related definitions

RFSA · Statement of work · Task authorization