Environmental management: standing offers & supply arrangements
Full award history for this category → · Expiring contracts → · ⬇ Export CSV
Active agreements (per holder)
53
Distinct holders
31
Agreement numbers
53
Expiring in 12 months
38
What the numbers say
- WSP Canada Inc. holds the most active agreements here (8).
- 38 agreements expire in the next 12 months; replacement solicitations are often posted on CanadaBuys before an agreement lapses, but that is not guaranteed.
Holders with the most active agreements
| Holder | Agreements | Types | Latest expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSP Canada Inc. | 8 | RISO,NISO | 2028-10-31 |
| Stantec Consulting Ltd. | 5 | RISO | 2027-03-31 |
| Arcadis Canada Inc. | 4 | RISO | 2027-01-13 |
| EASTPOINT ENGINEERING LIMITED | 4 | NISO,RISO | 2028-10-31 |
| CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture | 3 | RISO | 2026-11-30 |
| AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. | 2 | RISO | 2027-01-13 |
| Exp Services Inc./Les Services Exp Inc. | 2 | NISO | 2028-10-31 |
| GHD Consultants Ltd. GHD Consultants Ltée | 2 | RISO | 2027-01-13 |
| AECOM Canada Ltd. | 1 | NISO | 2028-10-31 |
| AECOM Canada ULC | 1 | RISO | 2027-03-31 |
| AVAANZ LTD. | 1 | NISO | 2028-10-31 |
| Aevitas Inc. | 1 | NISO | 2026-10-31 |
| CBCL Limited | 1 | RISO | 2027-03-31 |
| CIMA Canada Inc. | 1 | RISO | 2027-01-13 |
| DIALOG Ontario Inc. | 1 | RISO | 2027-03-31 |
| DILLON CONSULTING LIMITED/LES CONSULTANTS DILLON LIMITÉE | 1 | RISO | 2026-11-30 |
| EnGlobe Corp., GESTION WIINIBEK INC. /WIINIBEK MANAGEMENT INC., in joint venture | 1 | DISO | 2027-01-13 |
| Englobe Corp. | 1 | RISO | 2027-01-13 |
| GHD Limited | 1 | NISO | 2028-10-31 |
| Golder Associates Ltd. (National) | 1 | RISO | 2027-03-31 |
By department (end user)
| Department | Agreements |
|---|---|
| Public Services and Procurement Canada | 38 |
| Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada | 15 |
Expiring in the next 12 months
| Agreement | Type | Holder | Awarded | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| recycling of scrap metal and lights (Environmental Services). Legacy agreement: AEVITAS (EP318-210001/001/FK). CW2254519 · 77100000 - Environmental management | NISO | Aevitas Inc. | 2021-10-28 | 2026-10-31 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 1 - Environmental Services - Stantec Consulting Ltd. CW2261528 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | 2022-03-23 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 1 - Environmental Services - ARCADIS Canada Inc. CW2261531 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Arcadis Canada Inc. | 2022-03-23 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 1A - Environmental Services - CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture CW2261534 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture | 2022-03-31 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 2 - Environmental Services - Stantec Consulting Ltd. CW2261537 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | 2022-03-18 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 2 - Environmental Services - ARCADIS Canada Inc. CW2261540 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Arcadis Canada Inc. | 2022-03-18 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 2 - Environmental Services - WSP Canada Inc. CW2261543 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | WSP Canada Inc. | 2022-03-18 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 2A - Environmental Services - CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture CW2261546 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture | 2022-03-31 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 - Environmental Services - Atkins Realis Canada Inc. CW2261549 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. | 2022-04-08 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 - Environmental Services - ARCADIS Canada Inc. CW2261552 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Arcadis Canada Inc. | 2022-04-11 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 - Environmental Services - Dillon Consulting Limited CW2261555 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | DILLON CONSULTING LIMITED/LES CONSULTANTS DILLON LIMITÉE | 2022-04-08 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 Environmental Services - Stantec Consulting Ltd. CW2261558 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | 2022-04-11 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 Environmental Services - WSP Canada Inc. CW2261561 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | WSP Canada Inc. | 2022-04-08 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3A - Environmental Services - CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture CW2261564 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture | 2022-04-19 | 2026-11-30 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: TECHNOREM INC (EF928-212177/001/MTC). CW2272752 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | TechnoRem Inc | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: GHD CONSULTANTS LTD GHD CONSULTANTS LTD (EF928-212177/002/MTC). CW2272755 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | GHD Consultants Ltd. GHD Consultants Ltée | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: WSP CANADA INC (EF928-212177/003/MTC). CW2272758 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | WSP Canada Inc. | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: ARCADIS CANADA INC (EF928-212177/004/MTC). CW2272761 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Arcadis Canada Inc. | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: SNC-LAVALIN INC (EF928-212177/005/MTC). CW2272764 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: CIMA + SENC (EF928-212177/006/MTC). CW2272767 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CIMA Canada Inc. | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: ENGLOBE CORP (EF928-212177/007/MTC). CW2272770 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Englobe Corp. | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: STANTEC EXPERTS-CONSEILS LTD (EF928-212177/008/MTC). CW2272773 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: NUNATECH INC (EF928-212177/009/MTC). CW2272776 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Nunatech inc/Englobe Corp in joint venture | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: GHD CONSULTANTS LTD GHD CONSULTANTS LTD (EF928-212177/011/MTC). CW2272782 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | GHD Consultants Ltd. GHD Consultants Ltée | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: SANEXEN SERVICES ENVIRONNEMENTAUX INC (EF928-212177/012/MTC). CW2272785 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Sanexen Environmental Services Inc. | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
Most recently awarded active agreements
| Agreement | Type | Holder | For | Awarded | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastpoint Stream 1 SO 001 CW2379663 · 77101600 - Environmental planning; 77102000 - Environmental reporting services; 77100000 - | NISO | EASTPOINT ENGINEERING LIMITED | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| Les Services EXP STREAM 1 SO 002 CW2385187 · 77102000 - Environmental reporting services; 77101500 - Environmental impact assessment; 7 | NISO | Exp Services Inc./Les Services Exp Inc. | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| WSP STREAM 1 SO 003 CW2385192 · 77101707 - Ecology advisory services; 77101500 - Environmental impact assessment; 77100000 | NISO | WSP Canada Inc. | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| Eastpoint STREAM 2 SO 001 CW2385194 · 77101500 - Environmental impact assessment; 77102000 - Environmental reporting services; 7 | NISO | EASTPOINT ENGINEERING LIMITED | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| J.L Richards STREAM 2 SO 002 CW2385196 · 77100000 - Environmental management; 77101600 - Environmental planning; 77102000 - Environ | NISO | J.L. Richards & Associates Limited | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| Eastpoint STREAM 3 SO 001 CW2385204 · 77101707 - Ecology advisory services; 77101500 - Environmental impact assessment; 77102000 | NISO | EASTPOINT ENGINEERING LIMITED | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| HDR STREAM 3 SO 002 CW2385208 · 77102000 - Environmental reporting services; 77100000 - Environmental management; 77101707 | NISO | HDR Corporation | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| WSP STREAM 3 SO 003 CW2385210 · 77100000 - Environmental management; 77102000 - Environmental reporting services; 77101500 | NISO | WSP Canada Inc. | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| WSP STREAM 4 SO 001 CW2385213 · 77101707 - Ecology advisory services; 77101600 - Environmental planning; 77102000 - Enviro | NISO | WSP Canada Inc. | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| Avaanz STREAM 4 SO 002 CW2385216 · 77101500 - Environmental impact assessment; 77101707 - Ecology advisory services; 77100000 | NISO | AVAANZ LTD. | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| Jacobs STREAM 4 SO 003 CW2385218 · 77100000 - Environmental management; 77101500 - Environmental impact assessment; 77101600 | NISO | JACOBS CONSULTANCY CANADA INC | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| WSP STREAM 5 SO 001 CW2385220 · 77101707 - Ecology advisory services; 77100000 - Environmental management; 77101500 - Envi | NISO | WSP Canada Inc. | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| GHD STREAM 5 SO 002 CW2385222 · 77101707 - Ecology advisory services; 77101500 - Environmental impact assessment; 77100000 | NISO | GHD Limited | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| Aecom STREAM 5 SO 003 CW2385224 · 77101600 - Environmental planning; 77100000 - Environmental management; 77101707 - Ecology | NISO | AECOM Canada Ltd. | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| Les Services EXP STREAM 2 SO 003 CW2385201 · 77101600 - Environmental planning; 77100000 - Environmental management; 77102000 - Environ | NISO | Exp Services Inc./Les Services Exp Inc. | Office of Infrastructure of Canada | 2024-11-01 | 2028-10-31 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: TECHNOREM INC (EF928-212177/001/MTC). CW2272752 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | TechnoRem Inc | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: GHD CONSULTANTS LTD GHD CONSULTANTS LTD (EF928-212177/002/MTC). CW2272755 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | GHD Consultants Ltd. GHD Consultants Ltée | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: WSP CANADA INC (EF928-212177/003/MTC). CW2272758 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | WSP Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: ARCADIS CANADA INC (EF928-212177/004/MTC). CW2272761 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Arcadis Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: SNC-LAVALIN INC (EF928-212177/005/MTC). CW2272764 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: CIMA + SENC (EF928-212177/006/MTC). CW2272767 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CIMA Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: ENGLOBE CORP (EF928-212177/007/MTC). CW2272770 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Englobe Corp. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: STANTEC EXPERTS-CONSEILS LTD (EF928-212177/008/MTC). CW2272773 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: NUNATECH INC (EF928-212177/009/MTC). CW2272776 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Nunatech inc/Englobe Corp in joint venture | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: GHD CONSULTANTS LTD GHD CONSULTANTS LTD (EF928-212177/011/MTC). CW2272782 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | GHD Consultants Ltd. GHD Consultants Ltée | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses (Environmental Studies). Legacy agreement: SANEXEN SERVICES ENVIRONNEMENTAUX INC (EF928-212177/012/MTC). CW2272785 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Sanexen Environmental Services Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations and analysis CW2272788 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Services Environnementaux Avataani inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses CW2272791 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | VCC Entrepreneur Général Inc., SANEXEN SERVICES ENVIRONNEMENTAUX INC. SANEXEN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., in Joint Venture | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Investigations et analyses CW2273432 · 77100000 - Environmental management | DISO | EnGlobe Corp., GESTION WIINIBEK INC. /WIINIBEK MANAGEMENT INC., in joint venture | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2023-01-13 | 2027-01-13 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3A - Environmental Services - CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture CW2261564 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-04-19 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 - Environmental Services - ARCADIS Canada Inc. CW2261552 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Arcadis Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-04-11 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 Environmental Services - Stantec Consulting Ltd. CW2261558 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-04-11 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 - Environmental Services - Atkins Realis Canada Inc. CW2261549 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-04-08 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 - Environmental Services - Dillon Consulting Limited CW2261555 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | DILLON CONSULTING LIMITED/LES CONSULTANTS DILLON LIMITÉE | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-04-08 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 3 Environmental Services - WSP Canada Inc. CW2261561 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | WSP Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-04-08 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 1A - Environmental Services - CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture CW2261534 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-03-31 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 2A - Environmental Services - CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture CW2261546 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC., STANTEC CONSULTING LTD., in Joint Venture | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-03-31 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 1 - Environmental Services - Stantec Consulting Ltd. CW2261528 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-03-23 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 1 - Environmental Services - ARCADIS Canada Inc. CW2261531 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Arcadis Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-03-23 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 2 - Environmental Services - Stantec Consulting Ltd. CW2261537 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-03-18 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 2 - Environmental Services - ARCADIS Canada Inc. CW2261540 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Arcadis Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-03-18 | 2026-11-30 |
| Amend 000 - Stream 2 - Environmental Services - WSP Canada Inc. CW2261543 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | WSP Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2022-03-18 | 2026-11-30 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation - Integral Group CW2254678 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Integral Group | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-12-10 | 2027-03-31 |
| recycling of scrap metal and lights (Environmental Services). Legacy agreement: AEVITAS (EP318-210001/001/FK). CW2254519 · 77100000 - Environmental management | NISO | Aevitas Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-10-28 | 2026-10-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation CW2254666 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | CBCL Limited | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation CW2254687 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Stantec Consulting Ltd. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation CW2254690 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | WSP E & I CANADA LIMITED | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation CW2254693 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | WSP Canada Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation - AECOM Canada Ltd. CW2254663 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | AECOM Canada ULC | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation CW2254669 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | DIALOG Ontario Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation CW2254672 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | EASTPOINT ENGINEERING LIMITED | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation CW2254675 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | Golder Associates Ltd. (National) | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
| Sustainability, Climate Mitigation CW2254684 · 77100000 - Environmental management | RISO | RDH Building Science Inc. | Public Works and Government Services Canada | 2021-03-24 | 2027-03-31 |
Method & sources
Source: the Government of Canada "Standing Offers and Supply Arrangements" open dataset (Open Government Licence – Canada), file published 2026-10-15, refreshed weekly. One row per agreement number and holder; delivery regions are merged. Holders are linked to company pages by exact name match, so some links may be missing. Listing here is not an endorsement by the Government of Canada.
Dataset on open.canada.ca · Data dictionary (agreement types)
Agreement types explained
- SA — Supply arrangement
- A pre-qualified pool of suppliers. Holding one does not guarantee work: departments run a second, limited competition among qualified suppliers before awarding a contract.
- NMSO — National Master Standing Offer
- An offer to supply goods or services at set prices and terms, which any federal department across Canada can use by issuing call-ups. No contract exists until a call-up is placed.
- RMSO — Regional Master Standing Offer
- Like a national master standing offer, but limited to one region; any department in that region may issue call-ups.
- NISO — National Individual Standing Offer
- A standing offer set up for one identified department's use across Canada.
- RISO — Regional Individual Standing Offer
- A standing offer set up for one identified department's use in one region.
- DISO — Departmental Individual Standing Offer
- A standing offer a department set up under its own authority for its own needs.