Management Services Branch

Ministry Vendor Complaint Review Process (VCRP)

The following is the process for registering a Vendor Complaint relating to procurement activities carried out by the ministry (Attorney General, Public Safety and Solicitor General, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation) pursuant to Core Policy Part ll of Chapter 6 and the Vendor Complaint Review Process for Government Procurement.

Step Action Timeframe Guideline
1.

If a complaint is not concluded through informal discussion, vendor may complete and submit a Vendor Complaint Form [PDF] to:

  • the Procurement Contact listed on the competition posting; or
  • if Procurement Contact unknown, to the Ministry VCRP Contact who will forward to the appropriate Procurement Contact.
VCF must be received within 30 business days after notice of competition outcome.
2. The Procurement Contact acknowledges receipt of the complaint; registers the complaint with the Ministry VCRP Contact to obtain a reference number (to be used in all future correspondence) and begins Step 3. 3 to 5 business days
3.

The Procurement Contact investigates the complaint and provides the Ministry VCRP Contact with the details associated with the procurement process.

10 to 15 business days
4. The Ministry VCRP Contact reviews the details associated with the complaint prior to the Procurement Contact responding to the complainant. 5 to 10 business days
5.

Following the Ministry VCRP review, the Procurement Contact provides a written response for sign-off by the Branch ADM or Equivalent to the complainant, incorporating any recommendatins from the Ministry VCRP Contact, with a copy to the Ministry VCRP Contact including:

  • if denied/dismissed, the reasons; or
  • if merited, planned action and rationale; and
  • to pursue further, submit to the Procurement Governance Office (PGO) for review.
 Within 30 business days from receipt of complaint - or notify reason for delay
5. If not concluded, Vendor may pursue through the PGO Process.