In the previous module, you learned how to locate procurement opportunities on CanadaBuys and conduct a preliminary review of Requests for Standing Offers (RFSOs).

In this module, I will take you a step further by introducing you to SOSA open data, a publicly available dataset that provides insight into active Standing Offers and Supply Arrangements across the federal government.

Using this dataset allows you to better understand the procurement landscape before you invest time preparing an offer.

Rather than approaching procurement opportunities without context, SOSA data can help you identify:

• How many suppliers currently hold a Standing Offer or Supply Arrangement in your category

• Which departments are purchasing those goods

• Whether a market appears highly competitive or more concentrated

• When existing arrangements may expire and potentially be renewed

This type of information can help you be more strategic when making decisions and evaluating procurement opportunities.