Operators must provide a full and fair opportunity for businesses in the province and other parts of Canada to participate in supplying goods and services used in support of any offshore work or activity. Providing a full and fair opportunity means that the Operator must demonstrate that efforts have been taken, to the satisfaction of the C-NLOER, to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador and Canadian suppliers have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the contracting process.

The first consideration provision of the legislation clearly requires that the Operator and its contractors look first to the Newfoundland and Labrador market to meet their requirements for goods and services. Local suppliers of goods and services shall be given first consideration, where those goods and services are competitive in terms of fair market price, quality and delivery. Operators must also ensure their contracting strategies do not unfairly disadvantage Newfoundland and Labrador and Canadian suppliers.

The C-NLOER designates a number of contracts for detailed review to ensure the legislative benefits principles of full and fair opportunity and first consideration are followed. Procurement processes which have significant national or provincial benefits implications may be subject to a detailed review by the C-NLOER. Designated contracts are monitored by reporting to the C-NLOER throughout the bidding process using the Contractor Assessment Profile. Proposed contract awards are reviewed by the C-NLOER and the views of both Governments are sought to determine whether the procurement process was conducted fairly and consistent with the legislation and the commitments outlined in the Operator’s Benefits Plan.

For further information on Benefits Plan provisions in relation to procurement, refer to the Benefits Plan Guidelines.