June 27, 1996
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Local companies briefed on federal government high technology needs

A federal government senior civil servant is in St. John's today to exchange information on the federal government's high technology needs and the capabilities that exist in Newfoundland and Labrador. Noel Bhumgara, Director General of the Science, Informatics and Professional Services Sector of Public Works and Government Services Canada, arrived yesterday and will complete meetings today. During the visit, Mr. Bhumgara, who is responsible for an annual business volume of $1 billion on behalf of the federal department, gave a presentation today to private companies on the most effective way to participate in the federal procurement process.

Mr. Bhumgara's visit is an initiative coordinated by officials in the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology's recently-opened Ottawa Strategic Procurement office. The request for the presentation and company visitation by Mr. Bhumgara was made in an effort to provide Newfoundland and Labrador business people with an opportunity to have a better understanding of the federal procurement market in the area of informatics and professional services. It also provided Mr. Bhumgara with the opportunity to see first-hand the capabilities and expertise of Newfoundland and Labrador companies.

Charles Furey, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, said: "Through our office in Ottawa, we hope to arrange more of these types of information exchanges between the decision-makers in the federal government and our companies and provincial government officials. In order to be considered for federal government work, the first step is to ensure that there is a fundamental awareness of what we are capable of doing and how to go about being considered for specific work. This is part of our overall approach to capitialize on the significant federal procurement market that exists."

Media representatives interested in speaking with Mr. Bhumgara can contact John Doody, (709) 729-0050.