# CanadaBuys #BPM025958/34899

Invitation to Qualify for Virtual Hosting Solutions (ITQ) – Round Two by Shared Services Canada

**Posted:** September 16, 2026
**Respond By:** October 13, 2026
**Identifier:** BPM025958/34899
**NAICS:** 518210, 541512, 541519

Shared Services Canada (SSC) is launching a second round Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) for Virtual Hosting Solutions to modernize its virtualization infrastructure.
- Government Buyer:
  - Shared Services Canada (SSC), Government of Canada
- Opportunity Details:
  - ITQ aims to pre-qualify Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) for future procurement phases
  - Focus is on large-scale, enterprise-grade x86 virtualization hosting solutions
  - Potential to support up to 150,000 Virtual Machines (VMs) across data centres and edge environments
- OEMs and Vendors:
  - No specific OEMs or vendors named; open to all ISVs who are primary stewards of their software
  - ISVs must control development, maintenance, and lifecycle of their virtualization solutions
- Products/Services Requested:
  - Pre-qualification for virtual hosting solutions (no specific products, part numbers, or quantities at this stage)
- Unique/Notable Requirements:
  - Strict security, data residency, and operational continuity requirements
  - Solutions must be scalable for enterprise environments
  - Qualified ISVs may partner with resellers or service firms in later procurement stages
  - Governed by multiple international trade agreements; open to Canadian and global suppliers
- No contract award or bid solicitation during ITQ phase; this is a qualification step for future procurements.

### Description

Shared Services Canada (SSC) is advancing the modernization of the Government of Canada's on-premises virtualization footprint across enterprise data centres and regional or edge environments. This procurement process involves a second round Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) for Virtual Hosting Solutions for enterprise on-premises x86 environments. Suppliers are invited to pre-qualify to become "Qualified Respondents" for later procurement phases. This ITQ phase is not a solicitation of bids or tenders and no contract will be awarded during this phase.

[View original listing](https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/ssc-26-00034899t)