Frequently Asked Questions

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Governance

Board Committees

Are there additional corporate governance structures in place at OECM?

Yes, Board members also participate in three committees that are responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on policy formulation and... Read more

Audit and Finance Committee Terms of Reference

1. Structure The Audit & Finance Committee consists of up to 6 Directors appointed by the Board. Committee appointments are... Read more

Governance and Human Resources Committee Terms of Reference

Authority and Accountability The Governance and HR Committee is a standing committee of the board. The committee is accountable for... Read more

Customer Council Committee Terms of Reference 

OECM’s Customer Council Committee (CCC) serves as a direct conduit for customer engagement and influence at the Board level. CCC... Read more

Board of Directors

How is OECM’s Board of Directors structured?

OECM’s Board of Directors plays a key role in governance, policy formulation, and decision-making activities that help OECM achieve its... Read more

How can I join OECM’s Board of Directors?

We are currently looking to fill up to three positions on the Board that are industry experts in the areas of... Read more

Opportunities for Membership on OECM’s Board of Directors

OECM’s current Board consists of 9 Directors elected for three-year renewable terms. We are currently looking to fill up to... Read more

Customer Council Committee

What is the role of OECM’s Customer Council Committee?

OECM’s Customer Council Committee (CCC) was established in 2017 to provide strategic input to OECM, regarding our customer-centric services, products... Read more

How does the Customer Council Committee serve OECM?

OECM’s Customer Council Committee (CCC) serves as a direct conduit for customer engagement and influence at the Board level. CCC... Read more

How can I join OECM’s Customer Council Committee?

If you’re interested in offering your senior-level expertise to assist in OECM’s strategic priority of “Customer-Centric Services” at the board... Read more

How are Customer Council Committee Members selected?

OECM’s Executive Team, together with the Chair of the CCC oversee the selection of Customer Council Committee members. This involves... Read more

Who does the Committee report to?

The Committee reports directly to OECM’s Board of Directors, through the Chair of the Committee who is appointed by the... Read more

What are Committee members’ obligations?

As a Board Appointed Committee Member, you must be prepared to: Attend a minimum of four (4) meetings a year... Read more

Opportunities for Membership on OECM’s Customer Council Committee

OECM is currently looking for two (2) executive-level advisory representatives of Ontario’s Broader Public Sector to join our Customer Council Committee. Background... Read more

Organizational Structure

How is OECM structured?

OECM’s corporate governance principles are designed to support our strategic objectives as well as to create value and protect the... Read more

Marketplace

End-User Computing Devices and Services

What End-User Computing Devices and Services are available through OECM?

Thanks to input from OECM’s customers, the End-User Computing Devices and Services agreement delivers a wide range of products and... Read more

Who are the supplier partners who provide End-User Computing Devices and Services?

Dell Technologies – Platinum Partner CDW Canada Inc. (Lenovo) Compugen Inc.(HP) For more information, contact OECM or the supplier(s) directly... Read more

What is the advantage of buying through OECM?

At OECM, we offer our customers Savings, Choice and Service, as follows: Voluntary access to our Marketplace, with no spend... Read more

What are the benefits of having multiple suppliers to choose from?

More suppliers mean more choices for you. This message was heard loud and clear from our customer base when developing... Read more

When did OECM post the End-User Computing Devices and Services RFP?

The non-binding RFP for End-User Computing Devices and Services was posted on the Ontario Tendering Portal on September 8, 2016... Read more

How did OECM determine the specific End-User Computing Devices and Services to be included in the new agreement?

While developing the RFP, we gained insight from our customers who have been buying similar products and services through OECM’s... Read more

Are OECM’s procurements compliant with the Ontario Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive?

Yes, OECM is compliant and follows the Ontario Broader Public Sector (BPS) Procurement Directive for all procurements. More information about... Read more

Can I use all three suppliers of the End-User Computing Devices and Services whenever I like?

To truly gain a competitive advantage, OECM strongly believes it’s advantageous for your organization to streamline with a single strategic... Read more

If I do not see my particular product or service specification listed, does that mean it is not available?

We structure agreements to be very flexible in meeting an organization’s specific requirements. All business grade computing devices, for example... Read more

What about prices?

OECM’s EUC agreements have maximum rates or minimum discounts. All purchases will be priced according to your organization’s specification(s), including... Read more

I want to make sure I get the best value for my organization. How do I get the best solution and pricing?

Customers are encouraged to request pricing specific to their needs (e.g., large one-time order, specialized products and services, etc.). Contact... Read more

I’m a new customer to OECM. How do I buy End-User Computing Devices and Services and other products and services I may be interested in, through OECM?

There is no membership, user or any other fees associated with OECM’s Marketplace of products and services. Just follow these... Read more

Do we need a membership or do we have to pay a fee before we can access OECM’s marketplace of products and services?

No, there is no membership or other fee to use OECM’s Marketplace of product and service agreements... Read more

Who at OECM should I contact if I have questions or need help along the way?

Please contact our dedicated Customer Support Team at customersupport@oecm.ca or 1-844-OECM-900 (1-844-632-6900)... Read more

IT Software Platform and Related Services (for ITSM and ESM)

Which IT Software Platform and Related Services are available through OECM?

The IT Software Platform and Related Services agreement delivers a wide range of IT related products and services, including: A... Read more

Who are the supplier partners who provide IT Software Platform and Related Services?

Deloitte Inc. Fujitsu Consulting (Canada) Inc. Logitek Technology Ltd. SuMO IT Solutions Inc. TOPdesk Canada Inc For quick snapshots of... Read more

How was the RFP developed? Which products were included in the IT Software Platform and Related Services agreement?

While developing the RFP, OECM gained insight from our customers through: Customer feedback gained through Customer survey; Sector Advisory Groups... Read more

What is the term of the agreement for IT Software Platform and Related Services?

The Term is intended to be for five (5) years, with an option in favour of OECM to extend the... Read more

When did OECM post the IT Software Platform and Related Services RFP?

The non-binding RFP for IT Software Platform and Related Services was posted on the Ontario Tendering Portal on May 14... Read more

What are the benefits of having multiple suppliers to choose from?

More suppliers means more choices for you: Access to 3 different software platforms (ServiceNow, TopDesk and Marval Service Management) via... Read more

After I sign an agreement, can I use all five (5) suppliers of the IT Software Platform and Related Services whenever I like?

While there are no restrictions to using multiple supplier partners, OECM strongly believes it’s advantageous for your organization to streamline... Read more

If I do not see service specification listed, does that mean it is not available in IT Software Platform and Related Services?

The IT Software Platform and Related Services agreement allows flexibility in meeting your specific requirements. This agreement has been developed... Read more

What are the prices for IT Software Platform and Related Services products and services?

Prices include maximum rates applied to IT Software Platform and Related Services subscription, maintenance, training and role-based consultancy. All purchases... Read more

I want to make sure I receive value for my organization. How do I get the optimum solution and pricing?

Customers are encouraged to request pricing specific to their needs (e.g., Customized project requirements, specific functionalities, hosting requirements, maintenance, implementation... Read more

In the Master Agreements there are references made to OEM’s Use Authorization Agreement. Where can I find the Use Authorization Agreement?

Please note that some OEMs will be required to sign an OEM’s User Authorization Agreement, please reach out to your... Read more

Are OECM’s procurements compliant with the Ontario Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive?

Yes, OECM follows the Ontario Broader Public Sector (BPS) Procurement Directive for all procurements. More information about OECM’s external and... Read more

I’m a new customer to OECM. How do I leverage the IT Software Platform and Related Services?

There is no membership, or any other fees associated with OECM’s Marketplace. To start leveraging this OECM agreement, please follow... Read more

What is the membership or other fees to access OECM’s marketplace of products and services?

There is no membership or other fees to customers who wish to leverage OECM agreements through our online Marketplace of... Read more

What are the advantages of purchasing through OECM?

At OECM, we deliver Savings, Choice and Service. Access to Marketplace, with no spend or volume commitment; Continuously increasing choice... Read more

Who at OECM should I contact if I have questions or need help along the way?

Please contact our dedicated Customer Support Team at customersupport@oecm.ca or 1-844-OECM-900 (1-844-632-6900)... Read more

Supplier Recognition Program

Evaluation

What are the evaluation criteria for the program?

The generic evaluation criteria can be found in the Supplier Recognition Guidebook. Each evaluation criterion will have its own measurement... Read more

How will OECM collect the data from customers on supplier partner performance?

OECM will provide suppliers a survey link to be shared with customers at least once a year on active customers... Read more

How were supplier partners engaged in establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPI)?

OECM conducts supplier partner consultations, and in the planning stage of each RFP, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are discussed together... Read more

Does Supplier Recognition Program (SRP) evaluation depend on spend?

Agreement growth efforts that compare the current evaluation period spend against previous evaluation period spend is one of the program’s... Read more

How are customer savings being measured?

OECM will establish a savings methodology for each agreement category. However, please note that savings methodologies and their measurements will... Read more

Would OECM conduct a survey with customers to obtain ratings for customer feedback evaluation criterion?

Yes, surveys (Net Promoter Score, NPS) are a customer feedback mechanism that OECM will use to evaluate customer feedback evaluation... Read more

How will supplier partners with no activity (i.e., no CSA and no spend) be evaluated for the program?

Supplier partners with no CSA and no spend by the end of the Supplier Recognition Program (SRP) evaluation period (December... Read more

Guidebook

Where can supplier partners access the guidebook?

A copy of the Supplier Recognition Guidebook will be emailed to you by your Supplier Relationship Management team. If you... Read more

Would there be any category-wise support or guidebook of success factors?

OECM’s Supplier Relationship Management team will be happy to answer all supplier partner questions and provide support... Read more

Participation

Who should supplier partners contact to participate in the program?

Any supplier partner with an agreement awarded after June 1, 2019 is automatically enrolled in the program. For any other... Read more

What are the eligibility criteria for a supplier to enroll in the Supplier Recognition Program (SRP)?

Supplier partners whose agreements are valid in the SRP evaluation period are eligible to participate in each year’s SRP. For... Read more

Do supplier partners need to provide their consent to participate in the program every year?

For supplier partners with agreements awarded prior to June 2019, OECM must obtain consent from them every year as participation... Read more

If an agreement gets extended, does a supplier partner need to opt-in to the program if consent to participate was provided before an extension?

Regardless of the extension period, supplier partners with agreements awarded prior to June 2019 will need to provide their consent... Read more

Results

How will customers know the actual scores of supplier partners?

The numeric value of supplier partner scores will not be disclosed to customers. However, the rankings (i.e., Platinum, Gold, Silver... Read more

Can supplier partners put their awarded Recognition Level on their marketing material?

Yes, supplier partners can use their awarded Recognition Level on their marketing material but are requested to work with OECM... Read more

How will OECM support supplier partners who have a score below 70?

OECM will meet with supplier partners who score below 70 and work to build a performance improvement plan that increases... Read more

How long would the recognition level last for?

The 2023 Supplier Recognition Program (SRP) recognition levels will be valid until March 31, 2025... Read more

Will current recognition level from the 2021 program still be valid or promoted throughout 2022?

Yes, recognition levels from the 2021 Supplier Recognition Program (SRP) will be available on our website until the 2022 SRP... Read more

Will OECM share Net Promoter Score (NPS) with supplier partners?

Yes, OECM will share NPS and qualitative responses received from customers and suppliers with our supplier partners. However, OECM will... Read more

On the OECM website, should customers prefer supplier partners with recognition levels over supplier partners without recognition levels?

Customers should not prefer supplier partners with recognition levels over supplier partners without recognition levels. The Supplier Recognition Program (SRP... Read more

How does recognition level equate to incentives being provided to supplier partners with recognition?

Depending on recognition level, awarded supplier partners will be referenced on OECM Marketplace, be mentioned in OECM marketing materials, and... Read more

Trade Agreements

Bid Dispute

How does OECM align to the bid dispute resolution stages per the Ontario government’s Bid Dispute Resolution Guide for Public Sector Organizations?

There are two important bid dispute resolution stages outlined in the Province’s Bid Dispute Resolution Guide; Stage 1 Consultations and Stage... Read more

Buying Group

Is OECM considered a Buying Group?

The Trade Agreements and the BPS Procurement Directive recognize collaborative procurements as a coordinated event that facilitates purchasing on behalf... Read more

Compliance

What steps has OECM taken to ensure compliance with the CFTA and CETA?

OECM conducts open, fair, transparent, and competitive procurements and OECM has taken the following steps under the guidance of legal... Read more

Debriefings

How does OECM satisfy the requirements for a debrief session for unsuccessful bidders?

All bidders who participate in a procurement opportunity are offered a debriefing by OECM. Once the award announcement has been... Read more

Negotiations and Posting Awards

Does OECM use negotiations as part of their evaluation process?

Yes, OECM primarily uses a non-binding procurement process for our sourcing projects. As such, part of the evaluation process may... Read more

Does OECM publish award notifications?

Yes, OECM’s standard practice is to publish an award notification on the electronic tendering system where the RFX was posted... Read more

Other

Is there anything else OECM can do to provide clarity to the trade agreement requirements related to buying group?

Yes, OECM is in discussions with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, Supply Ontario to adopt a consistent... Read more

Posting Procurement Opportunities

What information does OECM include in its notice of procurement to comply with the trade agreements?

OECM ensures compliance with trade agreements by including the following information in its notice of procurement: Contact information Description of... Read more

How long does OECM post their RFX opportunities for?

OECM posts RFX opportunities for a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days on a public electronic tendering platform. Under CFTA... Read more

Reporting

How will OECM assist its client members to meet the new reporting requirements?

The specific details of the reporting requirements and the manner in which data will be provided are still being worked... Read more

Second Stage Selection

What is OECM’s second stage selection process?

OECM issues an RFX document based on the requirements identified by client members and may award agreements to multiple suppliers... Read more

Tender Notices

How does OECM post tender notices?

OECM uses the Ontario Tenders Portal (“OTP”) to post its RFX documents. Additionally, a tender notice is posted on MERX™... Read more

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