Achieving social and community benefits through the City of Vancouver's procurement policies

This study examines methods of incorporating social and community development considerations into the City of Vancouver’s procurement policies. The City is currently a leader in environmental and ethical purchasing, yet lacks embedded procedures to reward suppliers that produce positive societal impacts. Social enterprises have social or environmental mandates, but are often small and lack the capacity to bid on large contracts. This study considers data and opinions compiled through interviews with Vancouver social enterprises and a City procurement manager. Results show that, while suppliers and purchasers are eager to work together, multiple capacity and informational barriers still exist. Drawing on international and domestic best practices, this study recommends the inclusion of separate social criteria in the bid evaluation process, as well as the disaggregation of large contracts where possible. It also suggests a targeted training program for social enterprises in order to address access issues and level the playing field.