SME Roster Program

1 Program Overview

What is the OECM Subject Matter Expert Roster Program?

The OECM Subject Matter Expert Roster Program is a community of professionals who create an Expert Profile and may be engaged to support OECM sourcing initiatives as opportunities arise. It will support OECM to deliver greater value to customers through specialized industry expertise and market understanding, while ensuring transparency across OECM initiatives.

How does the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program benefit OECM customers?

The program strengthens OECM’s sourcing activities by bringing specialized expertise, current market intelligence and leading practices into procurement projects. This helps OECM develop stronger sourcing strategies, encourage innovation, improve supplier engagement and deliver procurement solutions that create greater value and better outcomes for customers across Ontario’s broader public sector.

Is this a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Supplier Qualifications (RFSQ)?

No. The OECM Subject Matter Expert Roster Program is an ongoing strategic program – not a procurement process. It enables OECM to identify and engage qualified professionals as business needs arise.

2 Joining the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program

Is there a cost to join the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program?

No. Joining the OECM Subject Matter Expert Roster Program and creating an Expert Profile is free of charge.

Is there a deadline to join the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program?

No. The Subject Matter Expert Roster Program is an ongoing program, and professionals are welcome to join at any time. OECM continuously reviews and expands the network to support evolving sourcing priorities and future business needs.

What commitment is required to join the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program?

There is no ongoing commitment required to remain a member of the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program. Participation is voluntary, and opportunities are offered as business needs arise. Members can choose whether to accept or decline individual engagement opportunities based on their availability and interests.

Can consultants and retired professionals participate?

Yes. OECM welcomes experienced professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including independent consultants, industry specialists, retired executives and former public sector professionals. We value the diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge these individuals bring to our sourcing initiatives. All members of the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program are expected to comply with OECM’s confidentiality, conflict of interest and engagement requirements.

Can suppliers or employees of supplier organizations join the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program?

Professionals from supplier organizations may join the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program; however, participation in specific engagements will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. OECM will manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in accordance with its policies and the requirements of individual projects. Suppliers and employees of supplier organizations are not permitted to bid on projects for which they serve or have served as subject matter experts.

Additional questions about the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program?

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact us at customersupport@oecm.ca.

3 Engagement Opportunities

Does joining the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program guarantee work?

No. Joining the OECM Subject Matter Expert Roster Program does not guarantee an engagement. The Subject Matter Expert Roster Program is an ongoing resource that enables OECM to identify and engage professionals whose expertise aligns with specific project requirements. When opportunities arise, OECM will contact members whose experience, qualifications and availability best match the needs of the initiative.

How are experts selected?

Experts are selected based on the specific needs of each project. OECM considers factors such as relevant expertise, professional qualifications, industry experience, project experience, availability and alignment with the project’s objectives. Depending on the nature of the engagement, OECM may also consider geographic location, technical specialization or other project-specific requirements to ensure the right expertise is engaged at the right time.

Is participation paid?

Yes. Experts engaged by OECM are compensated for their knowledge and expertise. Compensation and other terms are determined before each engagement based on the scope of work, project requirements and nature of the assignment. Experts selected to participate in a project will be required to sign an independent consulting agreement.

Are engagements conducted remotely or in person?

Engagements may be conducted remotely, in person or through a hybrid approach, depending on the nature of the project and business requirements. Details will be discussed with selected experts before each engagement.

Can I decline an opportunity if I’m unavailable?

Yes. Participation in the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program is flexible. If you’re unavailable or a particular opportunity isn’t the right fit, you may decline the invitation. Declining an opportunity does not affect your standing within the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program.

4 Your Expert Profile

Can I update my Expert Profile?

Yes. We encourage members to keep their Expert Profile up to date by adding new experience, certifications, qualifications, areas of expertise or changes to their availability. Maintaining a current profile helps OECM identify the right expertise for future opportunities. To update your Expert Profile, please submit a new form.

How long will my Expert Profile remain active?

Your Expert Profile will remain active as part of the OECM Subject Matter Expert Roster Program. We encourage members to review and update their profile periodically to ensure their expertise, experience, availability and contact information remain current.

5 Privacy and Confidentiality

How will my information be used?

Information submitted through your Expert Profile will be used to assess your qualifications and identify potential opportunities that align with your expertise. OECM will manage your information in accordance with its privacy practices and will only use it for the administration of the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program and related engagement opportunities.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes. Information submitted through your Expert Profile will be managed in accordance with OECM’s privacy practices and used solely for the administration of the Subject Matter Expert Roster Program and the identification of qualified professionals for future opportunities.

Will I be required to sign a confidentiality agreement?

Yes. Depending on the nature of the engagement, selected experts may be required to sign confidentiality, non-disclosure or conflict of interest agreements before participating in a project. These measures help protect sensitive information and ensure the integrity of OECM’s procurement processes.

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