We have advised on some of the world’s most complex procurement projects and on award-winning projects. The Blakes team has been at the forefront of some of Canada's largest procurement processes involving multiple stakeholders across a wide range of industry sectors. We are recognized in the global arena, representing and advising international governments and organizations on competitive procurement processes and elements in emerging markets for significant, multi-jurisdictional infrastructure procurement projects around the world.
Procurement Governance and Template Development
Our team advises both public-sector and private-sector clients on the development and implementation of enterprise-wide procurement policies and procedures ensuring compliance with the client’s procurement law obligations and internal governance requirements as well as reflecting global best practices.
We also regularly assist clients in the development of template procurement documentation, the creation of implementation tools and we often provide training to ensure consistent deployment of procurement tools and adherence to procurement policies. Our team has also been retained to survey clients’ existing procurement governance frameworks and actual on-the-ground procurement practices and make recommendations to align the client’s policies and procedures with international best practices for public or private procurement.
Procurement Projects
The Blakes team is regularly retained by clients to manage large complex procurement processes from conception to award. We often work with clients in circumstances where there is a novel commercial structure, where the project is a unique or particularly complex acquisition or for situations where a client is seeking to outsource a particular service for the first time. In many cases, these are high-profile projects where the client’s procurement reputation is on the line and expert management is a necessity. These projects require creativity in the development of the procurement process, procurement documentation and engagement with bidders and stakeholders in order to effectively meet the client’s objectives.
Our team is regularly called upon by clients in circumstances where a routine procurement process encounters challenges, whether related to evaluation, fairness, disqualification, negotiation or award. Our experience and practical approach to issue resolution allows us to work with clients to find a solution that meets their business objective while managing any procurement risks.
The Blakes team also assists domestic and international bidder clients in navigating complex procurement environments in Canada and understanding the evolving legal procurement landscape.
Procurement Disputes
Our litigators are skilled at resolving procurement disputes and bid protests through negotiation and litigation. We have represented both procurement authority and bidder clients in Canada’s trial and appellate courts, including the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal, as well as before administrative tribunals, including the Canadian International Trade Tribunal. Whenever possible, we use alternative dispute resolution techniques to quickly and cost effectively resolve disputes.