Question 1

What is the easiest government contract to get?

Accepted Answer

The easiest government contracts to win in Nova Scotia are low-dollar-value direct awards under $10,000, standing offers and supply arrangements, municipal contracts, and subcontracting opportunities. $2.4 billion in Nova Scotia government contracts were awarded without public tender over a recent five-year period.

Question 2

Where is the best place to find government contracts?

Accepted Answer

In Nova Scotia, government contracts are found on the Nova Scotia Procurement Portal, Build Nova Scotia, MERX, municipal websites, and health authority procurement pages. However, the tender portal only shows opportunities after the RFP is published. ScotiaSignal monitors pre-RFP buying signals to help you find opportunities earlier.

Question 3

How to find an RFP?

Accepted Answer

Find provincial RFPs on the Nova Scotia Procurement Portal, federal RFPs on CanadaBuys, municipal RFPs on individual municipal websites, and infrastructure RFPs through Build Nova Scotia. Use FOIPOP requests to identify expiring contracts before they're re-tendered.

Question 4

Is an RFP the same as a tender?

Accepted Answer

No. A tender (ITT) is a formal sealed bid process where the lowest compliant bid usually wins. An RFP is a more flexible process that evaluates proposals on technical approach, experience, and cost. Nova Scotia also uses RFQs and RFSOs for different procurement needs.

Question 5

What are the four types of procurement contracts?

Accepted Answer

The four main types are: Fixed-Price Contracts, Cost-Reimbursement Contracts, Time-and-Materials Contracts, and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts (known as standing offers in Nova Scotia).

Question 6

What are the five basic types of contracts?

Accepted Answer

The five basic contract types are: Fixed-Price (Lump Sum), Cost-Plus, Time-and-Materials, Unit-Price, and Standing Offer/Supply Arrangement contracts.

Question 7

What are the 3 P's of procurement?

Accepted Answer

The 3 P's of procurement are Price (achieving best value), Process (following transparent and fair procedures), and Performance (ensuring the supplier can deliver on time and to specification).

Question 8

Who is the chief procurement officer of Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

Nova Scotia's provincial procurement is managed through the Department of Service Nova Scotia. For infrastructure projects, Build Nova Scotia handles procurement independently. Procurement in Nova Scotia is highly decentralized across departments, health authorities, municipalities, and school boards.

Question 9

What is the salary of the premier of Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

As of 2025-26, the Premier of Nova Scotia earns approximately $222,000 per year, including the MLA base salary of ~$89,000 plus the Premier's additional salary of ~$133,000.

Question 10

Is it better to bid early or late?

Accepted Answer

For formal RFPs, all bids are sealed and opened at the same deadline — timing of submission doesn't matter. The real advantage is engaging buyers months before the RFP through pre-RFP intelligence and relationship building.

Nova Scotia Government Contracts & Procurement FAQ

Getting Started

Finding Contracts

Procurement Basics

Nova Scotia Government

Bidding Strategy

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