Compliance

Set-Aside

A competition restricted to a defined category of supplier, such as qualifying Indigenous businesses.

A set-aside limits who may bid. Only suppliers meeting the stated criteria are eligible, and bids from others are non-compliant regardless of merit.

For eligible suppliers this materially narrows the field and is one of the more meaningful advantages available in public procurement. Confirm eligibility and any required registration well before a relevant opportunity closes, as it is normally assessed as at bid closing.

Related terms

Indigenous ProcurementFederal measures directing a share of contracting to Indigenous-owned businesses, including set-asides.
Mandatory RequirementA condition a bid must satisfy to remain in the competition. Failing even one normally eliminates the bid.

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This definition describes general Canadian federal practice and is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements against the official solicitation.