B2B Program for the Team Canada Trade Mission to India, October 12-17, 2026

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (GAC) is seeking a contractor to provide business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking services for a select group of small and medium-sized Canadian enterprises (SMEs) during the Team Canada Trade Mission to India, scheduled for October 12-17, 2026. The primary objective is to facilitate connections that will enable these SMEs to explore and capitalize on business opportunities in India, specifically in six priority sectors: Aerospace and Space, Clean Technologies and Energy Transition, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Life Sciences, Agri-food, and Forestry and Wood Products.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION

The issuing organization is the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (GAC), located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The primary contact for this RFP is Sarah-Lynn Laventure, reachable at [email protected].

KEY DATES

• Posted Date: July 30, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: August 10, 2026
• Anticipated Award Date: Not specified
• Performance Period: October 12-17, 2026

CONTRACT DETAILS

The contract type is not explicitly stated, but it is likely to be a firm-fixed-price contract given the nature of the services required. The estimated contract value or budget range has not been disclosed.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Bidders must meet the following mandatory requirements:

• Relevant experience in providing B2B matchmaking services, particularly for SMEs.
• Proven track record of facilitating successful business connections in international markets, especially in the sectors mentioned.
• No specific certifications or registrations are listed, but bidders should be prepared to demonstrate their capabilities and past performance.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Bidders should possess expertise in:

• Event management and meeting planning services.
• Knowledge of the Indian market and the six priority sectors outlined.
• Ability to utilize effective matchmaking methodologies and tools to connect Canadian SMEs with potential Indian partners.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Key deliverables include:

• A detailed matchmaking plan tailored to the participating SMEs.
• Coordination of meetings and events during the trade mission.
• Reporting on the outcomes of the matchmaking efforts, including metrics on business connections made and potential deals initiated.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on a combined score for technical merit and price. Specific weighting is not provided, but bidders should focus on demonstrating their technical approach and past performance alongside competitive pricing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

While not mandatory, the following qualifications will enhance a bidder's competitiveness:

• Experience working with Canadian SMEs and knowledge of their unique needs.
• Familiarity with the Indian business landscape and cultural nuances.
• Previous success in similar trade missions or international matchmaking initiatives.

This summary captures the essential details necessary for potential bidders to assess their fit for the opportunity, focusing on the requirements and expectations set forth by GAC.