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1998 December Report of the Auditor General of Canada

December 1998 Report—Chapter 26

Appendix B—Criteria and Results Indicators for Contracting

The criteria that we applied are set out below, together with the supporting subcriteria and quantitative results indicators considered. They were developed during our 1997 audit of contracting performance (1997 Report, Chapter 6), reviewed with managers and other stakeholders, and agreed to by Treasury Board Secretariat and Public Works and Government Services Canada.

Criterion

Subcriteria

Results Indicators

Screening. The extent to which contracting screens out requests for goods and services that are unacceptable, unduly expensive, or unnecessary, so that the federal government buys - with integrity - only what it needs.

  • The extent to which "needs" are separated from "wants"
  • The extent to which contracts reflect requirements
  • The extent to which restricted or prohibited transactions are detected and prevented
  • requisitions rejected, advice given (taken and rejected)
  • changes in specifications or source strategy
  • savings achieved
  • prohibited or unauthorized transactions processed (negative)
  • amendment rates (poor specifications)
    • Competition. The extent to which competition (when used) is open, fair and gets good value.

  • The extent to which competition is used
  • The extent to which prices are negotiated when competition is not practicable
  • The extent to which competition attracts the best qualified suppliers
  • The extent to which the government treats fairly those who compete
  • The extent to which competition secures savings (or better value)
  • new suppliers attracted
  • turnover of supplier pool
  • number of bidders and bid spread
  • quality assurance reviews
  • rate of complaints and disposition
    • Delivery. The extent to which government contracting delivers what was agreed, when it was agreed, and for the price agreed.

  • The extent to which the government gets what it contracts for (in terms of cost, quality and time)
  • The extent to which suppliers get what they contract for
  • payment certifications
  • contractor evaluations
  • amendments
  • contract audit results
  • supplier sanctions and incentives applied