At a Glance

From April 2015 through March 2024, federal organizations awarded 106 professional services contracts to GCStrategies Inc., an Ottawa‑based staffing company in the information technology sector. The contracts were for services that included technology support and had a maximum total value of $92.7 million, of which about $64.5 million was ultimately paid out.

In 21% of contracts examined, we found that federal organizations lacked documentation on file that showed valid security clearances for contract resources. Having contract resources working on government networks without the required security clearance compromises the government’s ability to protect sensitive information, assets, and work sites.

Federal organizations are required to monitor the work performed by contractors. However, we noted that federal organizations frequently disregarded government policies in this area. This included not having records showing which contracted resources performed the work, what work was completed, and whether the people doing the work had the required experience and qualifications. In addition, in 82% of examined non‑competitive contracts and competitive contracts that received only 1 valid bid, federal organizations failed to verify that the fees paid did not exceed market rates.

Although this audit focused on contracts awarded to a particular contractor, it highlights gaps in basic requirements that all federal organizations should follow when procuring services. This report has no recommendations but confirms weaknesses raised in previous audits. Rather than repeat previous recommendations on procurement, this audit re‑confirms that policy should be well understood and properly applied. We found in our 2024 audit of professional services contracts that federal procurement policies promote fairness, transparency, and value for Canadians—when they are followed.