Low value and high value purchases: procurement process

If a standing offer doesn’t exist, government and public sector entities need to buy goods, services or construction using the procurement process for low value purchases or high value purchases depending on the value of what’s being purchased.

The procurement thresholds are in effect as of 1 January 2026.

Low value purchases

Purchases under $10,000

For purchases under $10,000, government and public sector entities need to use an existing standing offer. If a standing offer doesn’t exist, they can approach a business directly.

Purchases of goods between $10,000 and $34,699

For purchases of goods between $10,000 and $34,699, government and public sector entities need to use an existing standing offer. If a standing offer doesn’t exist, they need to use a limited competition procurement process to get competitive quotes from 3 or more suppliers that can provide the goods they need. They ask for a price, timeline and anything else that’s important to meet their purchasing needs. Procurement isn’t involved in the purchasing process.

Purchases of services or construction between $10,000 and $138,999

For purchases of services or construction between $10,000 and $138,999, government and public sector entities need to use an existing standing offer. If a standing offer doesn’t exist, they need to use a limited competition procurement process to get competitive quotes from 3 or more suppliers that can provide the goods or services they need. They ask for a price, timeline and anything else that’s important to meet their purchasing needs. Procurement isn’t involved in the purchasing process.

High value purchases

Purchases of goods over $34,700

For purchases of goods over $34,700, government and public sector entities need to use an existing standing offer. If a standing offer doesn’t exist, they need to use a competitive procurement process. A competitive procurement process is when any business can submit a bid. Procurement advertises the tender on Nova Scotia Tender Notices. Procurement coordinates competitive procurements for government and Nova Scotia Health.

Purchases of services or construction over $139,000

For purchases of services or construction over $139,000, government and public sector entities need to use an existing standing offer. If a standing offer doesn’t exist, they need to use a competitive procurement process. A competitive procurement process is when any business can submit a bid. Procurement advertises the tender on Nova Scotia Tender Notices. Procurement coordinates competitive procurements for government and Nova Scotia Health.