Using Public Procurement To Reinforce Equity, Diversity And Inclusion
The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) is dedicated to the advancement of the engineering profession. This includes creating a future where any and all equity seeking groups are able to make a contribution.
The need for increased equity, diversity and inclusion in engineering requires those throughout the value chain to make changes. To identify what systemic changes would provide the most impact, OSPE initiated a number of research studies and our findings revealed that greatest impact can be made by modernizing public procurement practices so that those bidding on public sector work are compelled to raise their standards.
Leveraging Public Sector Procurement Policies to Expand Opportunities for Women in Engineering
Check out our series of research reports:
Connect with us directly to start your conversation about Sustainable Procurement.
Four Pillars of Sustainable Procurement
Environmental
Sustainable Procurement considers how the project will impact the environment, modifying it where necessary to reduce ecosystem disruption.
Social
Sustainable Procurement examines processes to ensure they have lasting positive societal benefits, such as fair wages and employment for equity-seeking groups.
Indigenous
Sustainable Procurement ensures that projects are respectful of Indigenous peoples, their lands and existing treaties and agreements.
Ethical
Sustainable Procurement requires that decision-making is ethical in nature, adhering to appropriate oversight.
Learn more about Sustainable Procurement and Engineering by connecting with a member of our team.
Qualifications-Based Selection
Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is a process wherein firms are selected based on their qualifications to do a project, instead of their low bid. Integrating EDI principles into this process of prequalifying bidders is a meaningful way to extend your internal practices to the marketplace.
OSPE has been promoting QBS for many years because we believe that it is in the best interest of completing successful projects. It has been shown to protect the public interest over the life cycle of the project, including design, construction, operations, maintenance, and eventual upgrading or decommissioning.
Qualifications-Based Selection
Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is a process wherein firms are selected based on their qualifications to do a project, instead of their low bid. Integrating EDI principles into this process of prequalifying bidders is a meaningful way to extend your internal practices to the marketplace.
OSPE has been promoting QBS for many years because we believe that it is in the best interest of completing successful projects. It has been shown to protect the public interest over the life cycle of the project, including design, construction, operations, maintenance, and eventual upgrading or decommissioning.
See how QBS and Sustainable Procurement connect by engaging members of our team.
MOVING TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE
For movement towards more equitable and inclusive practice, public sector procurement authorities should demand prospective suppliers submit their policies, programs, and initiatives as part of their bid materials.
This project has been funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.
