Initiative Act (BOBIA)

Updates to the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Act (BOBIA), O.Reg. 422/23, will impact procurement requirements for purchases under the Open Competitive procurement threshold starting April 1, 2024. BOBIA applies to OCAD as a Broader Public Sector institution, and its purpose is to give Ontario Businesses preference when conducting procurement processes. The university will be required to demonstrate compliance with our BOBIA obligations by submitting a report on its procurement activity by Procurement Services.

BOBIA does not override the university’s requirement to engage in Competitive Procurement (ex: receiving competing quotations or engaging in Open Competitive procurement where required by the Procurement Policy).

 

As per Ontario Regulation 422/23, a business that meets the following requirements is considered to be an Ontario Business for the purposes of the Act:

  1. The business is a supplier, manufacturer or distributor of any business structure that conducts its activities on a permanent basis in Ontario.
  2. The business either,
    1. has its headquarters or main office in Ontario, or
    2. has at least 250 full-time employees in Ontario at the time of the applicable procurement process.

The university may rely on the representation of the vendor regarding their status as an Ontario Business as defined by BOBIA. The Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Act (BOBIA) (O.Reg. 422/23)

BOBIA Ontario Business Attestation Form