Procurement Watchdog Launches Probe Into ‘Bait and Switch’ Practices Across 5 Federal Departments

Procurement Watchdog Launches Probe Into ‘Bait and Switch’ Practices Across 5 Federal Departments
Procurement Ombudsman Alexander Jeglic prepares to appear before the Standing Committee on National Defence in Ottawa, on Oct. 24, 2023. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
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Canada’s federal procurement watchdog has launched a review into a contracting method known as “bait and switch,” a practice that occurs when suppliers identified in a winning procurement bid are not the same ones who perform the work.

Bait and switch occurs when suppliers apply for contracts by proposing “highly qualified individuals,” but later substitute them for “less qualified personnel” to carry out the actual work, according to Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic.