What is procurement innovation?
When the City buys goods or services, we usually post a list of exact requirements. Procurement innovation works differently. Instead of a fixed list, we post a challenge statement. This tells the market about a problem we need to solve and invites fresh ideas.
Start-ups, small businesses and other suppliers can share new technology or creative approaches that might work. We review these ideas to see if they can help deliver better services for residents, improve operations, or reduce costs.
Why we use challenge statements
- It gives local companies a chance to be the City's first customer for a new product or service.
- It builds economic resilience by supporting new and growing businesses in Southwestern Ontario.
- It helps us find better value and stay competitive in a changing market.
- It supports economic growth and job creation in Wrenford.
- It allows us to test solutions to real community problems before committing to a large purchase.
How to get involved
If you have an innovative idea, watch for our challenge statements on the Bids & Tenders page and on the provincial purchasing portal. We make sure every supplier has an equal opportunity to respond.
You can submit your solution through the standard bid submission process. All proposals go through the same fairness checks as regular tenders. Our evaluation team looks at technical merit, cost, and how well the idea aligns with our community goals. We also consider how the solution supports local employment and environmental standards.
Support for participants
We provide industry with resources and expertise to co-create, improve or evaluate potential solutions. If you need help understanding a challenge, you can ask questions through the supplier portal or contact the Purchasing Manager directly. We hold information sessions before major challenges to walk suppliers through the process and answer questions about eligibility.
Important note on pilot projects
A challenge statement is a way to test solutions. It does not guarantee a contract or a formal purchase. Some ideas will be tested on a small scale as a pilot project. Others may not move forward, and that is a normal part of the process. All participants receive feedback on their submissions, and successful pilots may lead to broader city-wide adoption.
Contact us
For questions about a specific challenge or how to submit an innovative solution, contact the Purchasing Manager, Victor Almeida, at [email protected] or call 311.