December 19, 2024
Overview
Supply Ontario has established a new enterprise-wide Vendor of Record (VOR) Arrangement for IT & Business Research Subscription Services (Tender-19721). The (VOR) Arrangement features multiple vendors across two (2) streams.
The VOR Arrangement, which became effective on September 16, 2024, is for an initial term of four (4) years, to September 15, 2028, with one (1) additional optional extension term of up to two (2) years. The VOR Arrangement is mandatory for OPS ministries and agencies and is optionally available to non-OPS entities including municipalities, academic institutions, school boards, health care providers, and major transfer payment recipients.
The list of qualified Vendors, for both streams and categories are:
- Gartner
- Info-Tech
The VOR Arrangement consists of two (2) streams, which are comprised of two (2) categories:
STREAM 1 – IT RESEARCH SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
This stream focuses on research, analysis, and advisory services related to information technology. It encompasses a wide range of topics such as software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, networking, and emerging technologies. Services in this stream may include, but are not limited to, market analysis, technology assessments, case studies, strategic planning, and implementation guidance to help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure, systems, and operations, such as through the use of tutorials, questions and answers, and insight from analysts. It also includes any other online and published products and services as part of the subscription service.
STREAM 2 – HR RESEARCH SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
This stream centers on research, analysis, and advisory services pertaining to human resources (HR) management and practices. It covers areas such as talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, organizational development, compensation and benefits, workforce planning, diversity and inclusion, and HR technology. Services in this stream may include HR benchmarking, best practices research, policy development, training and development strategies, and guidance on compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Both streams are comprised of two categories:
Category A – Research Subscription Services
Category A of services includes, but is not limited to, research and analysis where the client can obtain access to a repository of subject matter insight and analysis, both high-level and in-depth. It could include for example a searchable database, alerts if fresh information is available on the topic of interest, teleconferences, webcasts, audio/video sessions or any other research techniques that are available on-line.
Category B – Access to Analyst Services
Category B encompasses the combination of both Research Subscription Services and Analyst Services. Analyst Services entails the provision of advisory assistance encompassing comprehensive insights into all subject matter material related to the proponent’s published research and informational repositories, covering but not limited to the available topics.
Benefits
- savings and cost avoidance for the province
- price control mechanisms in place to minimize drastic year-over-year price increases
- introduction of a new HR stream
- use of a second stage selection process to garner greater savings
- introduction of a trial period licence
How to access the VOR arrangement
For Ontario Public Service (OPS) ministries
This VOR arrangement and the user guide are available on InsideOPS.
For non-OPS entities
Access is available through the Doing business with Ontario website.
Contacts
Questions about the VOR arrangement for IT & Business Research Subscription Services can be directed to:
OPS Service Centre