First of all, I think it's very, very important to keep in mind that we buy on behalf of all the departments, and departments are determining their needs. The strategy we have developed as a way forward in department renewal is that for all of what is commonly bought in large quantities, we are developing strategies, government-wide, on access that, if you look at the results right now, qualify as many firms as possible.
We could have looked at temporary help and said let's go with one or two firms--after all, it's just NCA. But that was not part of the strategy when you look at all the considerations we have. Public Works has a lot to say when it comes to common goods and services.
When you do move into what you call the supply chain...I will give you an example. When the Department of National Defence needs to look at maintenance for its large fleets, at that time you move the discussion to a different level, in the sense that you have to analyze with the department how you get the best value in order to ensure maintenance of the fleet. Then you could lead to a strategy that you have larger contracts related to that and that are more long term.
It is all related to what you buy, the quantity, and the timeframe: tied to social and economic benefits and other priorities of the government within the trade agreements.