Request for Information (RFI) on Upcoming Requirements on Circularity and Durability of Goods in Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Procurements

Important: the closing date for the Request for Information (RFI) has been extended until 2 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2020. *** The Government of Canada is committed to being a global leader in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste and pollution. Over the years, Canada has committed to numerous sustainability and environmental goals. Recent international examples include the Ocean Plastics Charter and the first universal and legally binding global climate deal: The Paris Agreement. Domestic examples include the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the Canada-wide Strategy for Zero Plastic Waste. To lead by example, the Government of Canada has also made a number of environmental commitments relating to government operations through the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the Greening Government Strategy and the Government of Canada Actions on plastic waste in federal operations. Federal, provincial and territorial governments are working together through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) to move Canada towards a circular economy, starting with plastics. The Government of Canada’s vision is a zero plastic waste future where plastics stay in the economy and out of landfills and the environment. The Government of Canada is exploring options to develop standard language related to the circularity and durability of goods in applicable Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) procurement instruments. Accessibility, health, national safety and security needs will be taken into consideration in the development of this standard language. Through this Request for Information (RFI), PSPC and its partner departments are informing stakeholders, including industry and suppliers, of the Government of Canada’s intention to adopt requirements for durability, circularity and life extension strategies in its procurement. Requirements that could be integrated into procurement to promote circularity and durability of products include but are not limited to:

Extended warranty Improved repairability Improved reuse or recyclability Use of recycled content Remanufactured and refurbished products

As such, PSPC is seeking to understand suppliers’ readiness to comply with these requirements, as well as the potential challenges that these requirements may introduce in the procurement process. Therefore this is a call for all suppliers, industry representatives, non-for-profit organizations or environmental groups related to product circularity and durability! Do you have experience in waste reduction, circular procurement, or ideas on how to improve circularity and durability of goods? Submit your feedback and suggestions today! This is not a bid solicitation. This RFI will not result in the award of any contract. Responding to this RFI will not preclude respondents from participating in any future procurement. This RFI is simply intended to solicit feedback from industry with respect to the matters described in this RFI. The Government of Canada will not reimburse any respondent for expenses incurred in responding to this RFI. The Government of Canada want to thank you in advance for your participation! Feedback to the RFI is to be submitted electronically (by email) to: TPSGC.PAPiloteSocioEconomique-APSocioEconomicPilot.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca