Using a corporate supply arrangement or standing arrangement
Last updated on January 30, 2026On this page
Corporate supply arrangements (CSA) and standing arrangements are contract options that may be applicable for your purchase. If an existing CSA or standing arrangement will meet your purchasing needs, you must use it.
A standing arrangement is a contract with one or more suppliers for specific goods or services. These are only available to the ministry or ministries identified in the standing arrangement.
When to use a standing arrangement
- You know the type of goods or services you need but are not sure how much, if, or when you’ll need them
- You want a simple and fast way to order what you need
- There is no CSA available for what you need to buy
Why use a standing arrangement
- The solicitation to establish the contract is complete
- The ordering process follows the method as described in the request for standing arrangement (RSA)
- Unit pricing is set but may be subject to change periodically
- You can place orders for goods or services as you need them
- There may be multiple suppliers with a standing arrangement for the same services. This increases the chance that one will be able to meet your needs
Things to consider
- If there are multiple suppliers with standing arrangements for the same goods or services, you must use the specified method for selecting a supplier
- You can only order what is specified in the contract, regardless of anything else the supplier may sell
- Only the ministry(ies) that enter into the contract can order from the standing arrangement
Timeline
- Varies depending on the established ordering process
Next steps
- Contact the owner of the standing arrangement you want to use
A corporate supply arrangement (CSA) is a contract with one or more suppliers for specific goods or services. If a CSA is available that meets your needs, you must use it.
When to use a CSA
- You know the type of goods or services you may need but are not sure how much, if, or when you’ll need them
- You want access to multiple suppliers, goods, or services in a category
Why use a CSA
- The solicitation to establish the contract is already complete
- You can place orders as you need them 
- CSAs provide access to commonly needed goods and services across the public service
Things to consider
- Each CSA has its own process. To order, you must follow the process identified in the CSA
- Some CSAs require a competitive process to select a supplier; others may have a different process
- The successful supplier must provide the goods or services at the price listed
- You can only order what is specified in the CSA, regardless of anything else the supplier may sell
- Suppliers have agreed to all terms, conditions, and processes of the CSA
- You have limited ability to negotiate changes when finalizing the contract
- If you use a competitive process and the successful submission exceeds the available budget, you must either find additional funding and award at the price listed or cancel the competition
Timeline
- The process for ordering from CSAs can vary. See the CSA you want to use for more information
Next steps
- Visit the Goods and Services Catalogue for available CSAs