Indigenous Procurement Initiative (IPI)
Background
Manitoba's Indigenous population is growing quickly, including an expanding business and entrepreneurial sector, yet Indigenous firms have been under represented in responding to government procurement opportunities. Procurement practices can be seen as one way to assist in the development of Indigenous business and supports Manitoba’s commitment to community economic development as a key component of Manitoba's economic strategy, intended to develop a provincial economy that is more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
Purpose
The objective of the Indigenous Procurement Initiative is to increase the participation of Indigenous peoples and suppliers in providing goods and services to the Manitoba Government. To that end, Manitoba Procurement and Supply Chain Branch has introduced an Indigenous Procurement Initiative (IPI) to increase the participation of Indigenous businesses in providing goods and services to government.
Benefits
There are several key benefits anticipated through this initiative:
- Stimulation of Indigenous business development;
- Indirect creation of new employment opportunities;
- Increased procurement from Indigenous business through sub-contracting and/or joint ventures with non-Indigenous firms when bidding on contracts;
- Increased competitiveness;
- Relationship building between Indigenous suppliers and government buyers;
- Better understanding of the tender process by suppliers; increased knowledge of Indigenous supplier base by government buyers.
Policy
All departments, including Special Operating Agencies, shall endeavor to increase the participation of Indigenous business in providing goods and services to the Manitoba Government by incorporating the Indigenous Procurement Initiative into tenders. A copy of the policy, including definitions, is available here: Indigenous Procurement Policy.
Application
The Indigenous Procurement Initiative applies to all government departments and Special Operating Agencies.
