Useful resources for purchasing technology

Useful Resources

Use the following references to learn more about procuring digital products and services.  

Application Programming Interfaces

Learn about API’s role in where to start, how to share data and the connection to applications, systems or services. 

Artificial Intelligence

B.C.’s new policy on generative AI unlocks employee potential and keeps data secure. 

Cloud Service Options 

• Private cloud 
• Public cloud 
• Software as a Service (SaaS) 

Common Components

Discover the common components that encompass the interconnected hardware, software, network, and service elements we rely on.  

Corporate Information and Records Management Office (CIRMO)

CIRMO can assist with identifying the storage and retention requirements of your procurement documentation (e.g. solicitation documents, amendments, contracts, schedules, etc.). They also advise on coordinating and processing ministry FOI requests; reviewing and assessing privacy impact assessments and information sharing agreements; information scheduling, appraisal, and storage; and posting information to the Open Information website.  

Refer to Records Management Guides and Learning for materials that can help you to understand what’s expected. If you have any questions related to records management, contact your Government Information Management Specialist. 

Digital Code of Practice 

The Digital Code of Practice supports the implementation of the B.C. government Digital Principles by expanding on what good digital products and services look like. 

Digital Marketplace - BC Developer's Exchange 

The Digital Marketplace offers three types of support depending on your procurement need.  

• Code With Us (CWU) 
  Hire a resource to create code. Opportunities up to $70K.  
• Sprint With Us (SWU)  
  Hire a team to create a Software Application. Opportunities up to $5M.  
• Team With Us (TWU)  
  Hire technical resources for IT projects. Opportunities of any value.  

Digital Plan 

The Digital Plan has 4 missions to achieve the next phase of digital transformation in the B.C. government. 

Digital Service and Content Design 

Use human-centred design to help government deliver better services and digital content to people in B.C. 

IM/IT Capital Investment Management Framework 

A description of the roles, responsibilities, and processes for all Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) IM/IT capital investments. 

Legislation, Policy and Compliance 

Core Policy and Procedures Manual (CPPM):  

• Procurement Policy, Chapter 5: Capital Asset Management 
• Procurement Policy, Chapter 6: Procurement - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) 
• Procurement Policy, Chapter 9: Indemnities and Guarantees - Province of British Columbia 
• Procurement Policy, Chapter 12: Information Management and Information Technology Management  
• Procurement Policy, Procedure Chapter I: Tangible Capital Assets   

Multi-Use List (MUL) 

A multi-use list (or MUL) is a list of pre-qualified suppliers for specific future procurement opportunities. A MUL is designed to streamline the procurement process by allowing Ministries to limit procurement opportunities to the qualified suppliers on the list, with no need to post the opportunity on BC Bid.  

Request for Qualifications: MUL SE3S 

The Scalable Enterprise Software Subscriptions ulti-Use List Request for Qualifications (SE3S), prequalifies suppliers that provide enterprise software subscription services in a variety of service categories – cloud-based solutions offering adaptable, reliable, and up-to-date tools via subscription models.  

SE3S will simplify and streamline the procurement process and ensure compliance with core policy and trade agreements. 

For more information, contact the Deal Management Office. 

OCIO Standards and Guidelines 

• OCIO - 623 Asset Management Security Guidelines 
• OCIO – 630 Supplier Relationships Security Standard 

Legislation and other policies and standards 

• Trade Agreements  
• FOIPPA Policy & Procedures Manual   
• Digital Code of Practice  
• IM/IT Standards  
• Standards of Conduct for BC Public Service employees  
• Security Threat and Risk Assessment (STRA)  

Procurement Specialists  

The Procurement and Supply Division (PSD) provides procurement guidance and support to cross-government buyers, including how to navigate policy and trade agreements. 

The Strategic Partnerships Office provide centralized coordination and expertise in the planning, negotiation and ongoing management of the government of strategic deals portfolio.  

Visit BC Procurement Resources Contacts for more procurement-related specialists and support 

Risk Management Branch (RMB) 

In addition to procurement specialists, RMB can advise you on effective management of the risks related to your procurement. For example, why ‘click through’ and ‘shrink wrap’ purchases can incur risk. RMB will advise free of charge.   

Templates and Resources 

BC Procurement Resources - Solicitation processes and templates 

B.C.’s response to unjustified U.S. tariffs  

New Purchasing Directive: Software licenses, cloud hosting solutions and SaaS products  

United Nation Service and Product Codes (UNSPSC)  

Central Product Classification (CPC) 

Hosting Options 

IT Knowledge Hub - OCIO My Service Centre (My SC) Products and Services Catalog   

Flextrack VMS  (Vendor Management System) for IM/IT Consultant Services 

Service Design Playbook  

Open Source Software – Guidelines for Use