Solicitation options to create a list of qualified suppliers
Last updated on February 6, 2026On this page
Use one of these solicitation methods to set up a list of qualified suppliers depending on whether you need to conduct one or multiple procurements from the list.
If you have questions about the legal implications of your procurement, or want to alter a corporate solicitation or contract template, use a supplier-provided contract, or use a custom form of contract, consult the Legal Services Branch (LSB) for legal advice.
If you have questions about these solicitation options, contact your ministry procurement specialist or the Procurement and Supply Division (PSD) for advice.
Before you start
If you are creating a new qualified list of suppliers, you will follow a two-stage process before you can make a purchase.
Stage 1 – Create the list of qualified suppliers
Corporate templates for the Single-use Request for Qualifications (SURFQ) and Multi-use Request for Qualifications (MULRFQ) are available on BC Procurement Resources: Solicitation Processes and Templates.
Creating a list of qualified suppliers will not create a contract - it creates a shortlist of suppliers. You will conduct a subsequent solicitation with the suppliers on the list to create a contract with one of them (Stage 2).
Do not collect pricing when creating the list.
Always consult LSB if you plan to customize either the SURFQ or MULRFQ template.
If you want to allow another ministry to use the list, engage PSD before you start planning to discuss options.
PSD recommends notifying the Senior Director of Corporate Sourcing if you create a qualified supplier list by sending an email to procurementadvisory@gov.bc.ca.
Single-Use Request for Qualifications: creates a list of suppliers that can be used for one solicitation
The SURFQ is a process that creates a list of suppliers that can be used only once. It can be used for solicitations in any amount and evaluates suppliers on multiple criteria.
When to use a SURFQ
- Your procurement will interest many suppliers and you want to narrow the pool
- Your procurement will need robust evaluation to select the best supplier
Why use a SURFQ
- You want to identify the suppliers that are most qualified for your specific procurement
- In Stage 1, you can evaluate multiple criteria, not including price
- You can add social and environmental evaluation criteria to this solicitation option. Learn more about social purchasing and the Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement (GERP)
Things to consider
- The list can only be used for the procurement indicated in the SURFQ and cannot be used for other procurements
- New suppliers cannot be added once Stage 1 is complete
Timelines and BC Bid requirements
- 4-9 months from planning to an established list
- Once the list is established, additional time is required for the solicitation process to select a qualified supplier
- The SURFQ must be posted to BC Bid for a minimum of 40 calendar days, unless specific circumstances apply
Contract options
- SURFQ does not create a contract. The contract form will be identified in the subsequent solicitation
Next steps
- Corporate SURFQ template is available on BC Procurement Resources
Multi-Use Request for Qualifications: creates a list of suppliers that can be used as often as needed
The MULRFQ process creates a list of suppliers that can be used as often as needed to procure specific services over a set period. It can be used to run as many procurements as you need.
When to use a MULRFQ
- You need to make multiple purchases of comparable services but you are not sure how much you need or how often
Why use the MULRFQ
- The list allows you to run your solicitation with the qualified suppliers on the list
- In Stage 1, you can evaluate multiple criteria, not including price
- You can add social and environmental evaluation criteria to this solicitation option. Learn more about social purchasing and the Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement (GERP)
Things to consider
- The multi-use list will be used when it meets your business needs
- The MULRFQ is posted openly to BC Bid for the life of the list so new suppliers can apply any time
- Requires ongoing administrative effort to evaluate responses, manage the list, and add new suppliers that qualify
- Suppliers can submit a new response if their first submission was unsuccessful
- You don’t collect pricing when you create the list, because pricing can fluctuate or may be dependent on the specifics of the purchase (e.g. time of year, amount ordered, timelines, etc.)
- In Stage 2, buyers must follow the solicitation (i.e. competition notice) process outlined in the MULRFQ
- Some suppliers may not be interested in being on a list of qualified suppliers, as there is no guarantee of a purchase
Timelines and BC Bid requirements
- 4-9 months from planning to establishing a list
- Once the list is established, the additional time required to select a qualified supplier can vary depending on the competition notice process for each solicitation
- The MULRFQ must be open for a minimum of 40 calendar days for the initial intake of suppliers, unless specific circumstances apply
Contract options
- MULRFQ does not create a contract. The contract form will be identified in the subsequent solicitation
Next steps
- Corporate MULRFQ template is available on BC Procurement Resources
Stage 2 – Using the list of qualified suppliers
- You determine the subsequent solicitation type (i.e. competition notice) you will use. This could be a request for proposals (RFP), negotiated request for proposals (NRFP), or other custom-developed process
- You may not use a non-binding request for quote (NRQ) on a list of qualified suppliers
- The competition notice usually includes the draft contract, which may be a general services agreement (GSA) or a custom contract
- Competition notices must be sent to all qualified suppliers on your list, and they must have at least 10 calendar days to respond
- PSD must be notified if the value of any contract, including any options to extend or renew, exceeds $250,000 for services, or if the procurement is high risk
- Only the ministry that issues the SURFQ or MULRFQ can use the resulting list