The CPAG Request for Proposal was distributed to invited suppliers on January 18, 1999. In addition the RFP was posted on Canada's Electronic Tendering Service (MERX listing) in conformance with the agreement between Ontario and Quebec to advertise bids for goods, services and construction contracts valued at $100,000 or more.

Suppliers were required to send a "Letter of Intent" to respond to the RFP by January 27, 1999 and to attend a mandatory clarification meeting on February 3, 1999. The clarification meeting was an opportunity to allow suppliers to ask questions relating to the RFP and to ensure that all suppliers had the benefit of that information. Suppliers were also informed of any areas of concern or interest expressed by the campus community to CPAG that were not specifically addressed in the formal RFP. A list of the suppliers that attended the meeting is included at the end of this note.