Unlocking the Potential of Collaboration
This issue highlights OECM’s latest advancements in facilities and furnishings, featuring customer projects, cleaning technology, and modular building solutions. We explore technology’s impact on custodial services and insights on facilities and furniture agreements.
With U.S. tariffs impacting procurement, learn how OECM is actively supporting customers by providing guidance, engaging suppliers, and exploring alternative sourcing strategies to help navigate cost increases and supply chain disruptions. Our goal is to ensure transparency and stability, equipping customers with the tools and insights needed to adapt effectively.
Additionally, we celebrate the launch of our End-User Computing (EUC) agreement, introduce our new leadership team, and recap key takeaways from the Supplier Workshop and OAUG Conference. Plus, we explore AI in municipal procurement, sustainable sourcing, SEA funding for special needs products, and unveil OECM’s new ESGI Platform and Resource Hub.
Facilities Special Edition
Through the Lens: OECM’s Customer Facility Projects
Ever wondered what happens after a customer leverages an OECM agreement? Explore some of the recent facility projects of our customers undertaken by our awarded suppliers on our Educational Furniture and Related Services, Office Space Furniture and Related Services, and Residence Furniture and Mattresses’ agreements!
Cleaning for the Future: How Technology is Transforming the Custodial Industry
Don’t miss out on the future of facility maintenance — Learn how the latest technology and trends empower custodial professionals, enhance cleanliness standards, and create healthier environments.
OECM Visits the ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd. (Formerly NRB) Facility
Curious about the future of construction? We were invited to the ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd. facility to get a firsthand opportunity to view the innovative modular and portable building solutions offered under OECM’s Modular Buildings and Portable Classrooms.
Snapshot: OECM Facilities and Furnishings Agreements
Did you know that some of our facilities and furniture-related agreements are some of the most utilized agreements? Learn some quick facts about the agreements that are being leveraged for innovative designing, building, constructing, and furnishing your organizations!
Highlights
Navigating U.S. Tariffs: How OECM is Supporting Public Sector Procurement
With the implementation of 25% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods now in effect, public sector organizations across Ontario face new challenges impacting procurement strategies, operational budgets, and the delivery of essential services.
Learn more about how OECM is supporting customers through proactive, strategic procurement solutions.
Launching OECM’s Most Utilized Agreement: End-User Computing Products and Related Services
OECM is excited to introduce our third-generation End-User Computing Products and Related Services agreement, reaffirming our dedication to providing high-quality, cost-effective computing solutions for our customers.
How to Build Successful Team and Supplier Relationships through Collaboration
Read the article on how to ‘Build Successful Team and Supplier Relationships through Collaboration,’ developed in collaboration with executive coach Bruce Mayhew and published in the February 2025 issue of the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) Caveat Emptor publication.
Latest Agreements Awarded
Our Marketplace is expanding, bringing in exciting new and re-tendered agreements to help meet the purchasing needs of different sectors. Here’s an overview of our latest agreements, which have been launched since the last issue of the OECM Connection.
Upcoming Agreements
Explore our upcoming agreements in the pipeline and consider opportunities to engage in the sourcing process as a Project Advisor or Evaluator. We are in the process of retendering an amalgamated agreement, which combines the following three existing agreements:
• Educational Furniture and Related Services (expiring May 27, 2026)
• Office Space Furniture and Related Services (expiring April 30, 2026)
• Residence Furniture and Mattresses (expiring May 31, 2026)
Leverage Ontario’s SEA Funding for Specialized Equipment
Did you know?
Customers can leverage OECM’s Sports and Special Needs Products agreement to procure products related to special education under the Specialized Equipment Allocation (SEA) funding program.
Discover how OECM’s Sports and Special Needs agreement provides a diverse range of products designed to enhance sports education and support special needs requirements across multiple categories, including team and individual sports products, physical education essentials, specialized mats, and innovative multi-sensory room products.
Projects & Initiatives
OECM’s Dedicated Environmental, Social, Governance, and Indigenous (ESGI) Platform
Driving change: We invite you to explore our new ESGI webpage and Resource Hub, highlighting our commitment to Environmental, Social, Governance, and Indigenous considerations, goals, activities, and initiatives.
The AI Revolution: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Municipal Procurement
Continuing the discussion on how technology is transforming municipal procurement, we delve deeper into how procurement officials can leverage artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies for success and greater efficiency. OECM’s Business Development Advisor, Dan Munshaw, and Senior Manager for Strategic Sourcing, Deepali Vasisht, share key insights.
Industry Spotlight: Focus on Sugar Sheet Paper
In the latest issue of the Industry Spotlight, we highlight Sugar Sheet Paper, a groundbreaking alternative to traditional wood-based paper that aligns seamlessly with Net-Zero and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments.
Corporate Updates
Hats off to Karen Owen on her Retirement!
OECM celebrates Karen Owen’s retirement and thanks her for being the driving force behind many of OECM’s milestones.
OECM Names New Leadership Team
To further strengthen OECM’s executive-level leadership and strategy, along with support to our valued customers and supplier partners, OECM has appointed
new leadership roles across the organization.
Events & Community
OECM’s Supplier Workshop and OAUG Conference
From hosting our first-ever Supplier Workshop in Toronto, where suppliers engaged in discussions on best practices and growth strategies, to bringing together over 35 School Boards at the OAUG Conference to enhance collaboration and innovation in student information systems — OECM continues to foster meaningful connections.
Read more about these impactful events and how we’re supporting our stakeholders with strategic initiatives, procurement solutions, and industry insights!
Events, Webinars, and Conferences
We appreciate the opportunities to connect and chat with our procurement partners and industry friends! Check out our detailed list of events we’ve attended and where you can catch us next. We’d love to see you there!
Social Media
Follow us on our LinkedIn and X accounts for the latest news on OECM offerings available through our Marketplace, upcoming sourcing projects, sector events, and more! Be sure to follow OECM’s New President and CEO, Jim Hadjiyianni, on LinkedIn.
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