Human resources services: standing offers & supply arrangements

Full award history for this category → · Expiring contracts → · ⬇ Export CSV

Active agreements (per holder)
56
Distinct holders
47
Agreement numbers
56
Expiring in 12 months
16

What the numbers say

  • Advantage Personnel Ltd. holds the most active agreements here (4).
  • 16 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

HolderAgreementsTypesLatest expiry
Advantage Personnel Ltd.4RMSO2028-01-31
Upstaff Employment Services Inc4RMSO2028-01-31
Drake International Inc.3RMSO2028-01-31
LanceSoft, Inc.2RMSO2028-01-31
9242112 Canada Inc.1NMSO2027-11-30
ADR EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP1NMSO2027-11-30
AHS Community Industries Inc.1NISO2027-04-30
ALTIS RECRUITMENT & TECHNOLOGY INC.1NMSO2027-11-30
ARCON Investigative Consulting Inc.1NMSO2027-11-30
Amyantek Inc.1RMSO2028-01-31
BLUEPRINT ADE1NMSO2026-11-30
CALIAN LTD.1NMSO2027-11-30
CALIBRATE Solutions Inc1NMSO2026-11-30
CANADA WORKS INC1NMSO2026-11-30
Canadian Corps Commissionaires (Ottawa Division)1NMSO2027-11-30
Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women1NMSO2026-11-30
Charron Human Resources Inc1NMSO2027-11-30
Crane Management Consultants Ltd.1NMSO2026-11-30
Deborah Jelly & Associates Inc.736471NMSO2027-11-30
Devlin and Associates Canada1NMSO2027-11-30

By department (end user)

DepartmentAgreements
Public Services and Procurement Canada55
Correctional Service of Canada1

Expiring in the next 12 months

AgreementTypeHolderAwardedExpires
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-009. Legacy agreement: KPMG LLP (CW2332072-ACM_154811289).
CW2332190 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOKPMG2023-11-162026-11-30
REV005 E60ZG-212007-001 Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services
CW2332421 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOBLUEPRINT ADE2024-04-242026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-002. Legacy agreement: CALIBRATE SOLUTIONS INC (CW2332072-ACM_174386500).
CW2332437 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCALIBRATE Solutions Inc2024-01-252026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-006. Legacy agreement: CANADA WORKS INC (CW2332072-ACM_174743873).
CW2332447 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCANADA WORKS INC2023-12-192026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-005. Legacy agreement: CANADIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN (CW2332072-ACM_172647406).
CW2332467 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCanadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women2024-06-112026-11-30
E60ZG-212007-006 REV 002 Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services
CW2332472 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCrane Management Consultants Ltd.2023-11-172026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-007. Legacy agreement: HOWSE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (CW2332072-ACM_173775071).
CW2332475 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOTARA HOWSE2024-03-282026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-011. Legacy agreement: MKG CONSULTING SERVICES (CW2332072-ACM_172038423).
CW2332490 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOMKG Consulting Services2024-06-182026-11-30
E60ZG-212007-013 REV 004 Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services
CW2332548 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOParriag Group Inc2023-11-172026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-014. Legacy agreement: PRA INC (CW2332072-ACM_148063947).
CW2332550 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOPRA Inc.2023-11-162026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-015. Legacy agreement: QUINTESSENTIAL RESEARCH GROUP INC (CW2332072-ACM_176053972).
CW2332552 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOQuintessential Research Group Inc.2024-03-282026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-016. Legacy agreement: SEASONOVA GROUP INC (CW2332072-ACM_173278076).
CW2332554 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOSEASONOVA Group Inc.2023-11-162026-11-30
E60ZG-212007-017 Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services
CW2332556 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOSustainable Human Empowerment (SHE) Associates Inc.2024-05-152026-11-30
Closed Out_Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-017. Legacy agreement: SUSTAINABLE HUMAN EMPOWERMENT (SHE) ASSOCIATES INC (CW2332072-ACM_176102068).
CW2332558 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOThe Smart Woman Enterprises Inc.2024-05-222026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-016. Legacy agreement: WOMAN ABUSE COUNCIL OF TORONTO (CW2332072-ACM_165919343).
CW2332560 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOWoman Abuse Council of Toronto2024-06-122026-11-30
21120-177597-001-ZH - Work Placement Management Services
CW2342888 · 80110000 - Human resources services; 81162307 - Human resource management process as a ser
NISOAHS Community Industries Inc.2024-04-302027-04-30

Most recently awarded active agreements

AgreementTypeHolderForAwardedExpires
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-012 -
CW2462716 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOAdvantage Personnel Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-312028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-013 -
CW2462718 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOAdvantage Personnel Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-312028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-014 -
CW2462720 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOAdvantage Personnel Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-312028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-015 -
CW2462722 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOAdvantage Personnel Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-312028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-011
CW2438709 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOAmyantek Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-010
CW2438546 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOUpstaff Employment Services IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-009
CW2438544 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOUpstaff Employment Services IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-008
CW2438542 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOUpstaff Employment Services IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-007
CW2438540 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOUpstaff Employment Services IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-006
CW2438537 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOLanceSoft, Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-005
CW2438535 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOLanceSoft, Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-004
CW2438533 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSOJill Peapell Personnel Consultantants LimitedPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-003
CW2438531 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSODrake International Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-002
CW2438528 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSODrake International Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
RMSO Temporary Help Services E6HAL-250004-001
CW2438524 · 80110000 - Human resources services
RMSODrake International Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-022028-01-31
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-011. Legacy agreement: MKG CONSULTING SERVICES (CW2332072-ACM_172038423).
CW2332490 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOMKG Consulting ServicesPublic Works and Government Services Canada2024-06-182026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-016. Legacy agreement: WOMAN ABUSE COUNCIL OF TORONTO (CW2332072-ACM_165919343).
CW2332560 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOWoman Abuse Council of TorontoPublic Works and Government Services Canada2024-06-122026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-005. Legacy agreement: CANADIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN (CW2332072-ACM_172647406).
CW2332467 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCanadian Research Institute for the Advancement of WomenPublic Works and Government Services Canada2024-06-112026-11-30
Closed Out_Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-017. Legacy agreement: SUSTAINABLE HUMAN EMPOWERMENT (SHE) ASSOCIATES INC (CW2332072-ACM_176102068).
CW2332558 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOThe Smart Woman Enterprises Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2024-05-222026-11-30
E60ZG-212007-017 Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services
CW2332556 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOSustainable Human Empowerment (SHE) Associates Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2024-05-152026-11-30
21120-177597-001-ZH - Work Placement Management Services
CW2342888 · 80110000 - Human resources services; 81162307 - Human resource management process as a ser
NISOAHS Community Industries Inc.Correctional Service of Canada2024-04-302027-04-30
REV005 E60ZG-212007-001 Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services
CW2332421 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOBLUEPRINT ADEPublic Works and Government Services Canada2024-04-242026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-007. Legacy agreement: HOWSE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (CW2332072-ACM_173775071).
CW2332475 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOTARA HOWSEPublic Works and Government Services Canada2024-03-282026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-015. Legacy agreement: QUINTESSENTIAL RESEARCH GROUP INC (CW2332072-ACM_176053972).
CW2332552 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOQuintessential Research Group Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2024-03-282026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-002. Legacy agreement: CALIBRATE SOLUTIONS INC (CW2332072-ACM_174386500).
CW2332437 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCALIBRATE Solutions IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2024-01-252026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-006. Legacy agreement: CANADA WORKS INC (CW2332072-ACM_174743873).
CW2332447 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCANADA WORKS INCPublic Works and Government Services Canada2023-12-192026-11-30
E60ZG-212007-006 REV 002 Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services
CW2332472 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCrane Management Consultants Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2023-11-172026-11-30
E60ZG-212007-013 REV 004 Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services
CW2332548 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOParriag Group IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2023-11-172026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-009. Legacy agreement: KPMG LLP (CW2332072-ACM_154811289).
CW2332190 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOKPMGPublic Works and Government Services Canada2023-11-162026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-014. Legacy agreement: PRA INC (CW2332072-ACM_148063947).
CW2332550 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOPRA Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2023-11-162026-11-30
Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Consultancy Services - E60ZG-212007-016. Legacy agreement: SEASONOVA GROUP INC (CW2332072-ACM_173278076).
CW2332554 · 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOSEASONOVA Group Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2023-11-162026-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/002/ZG. Legacy agreement: ADR EDUCATION (CW2272100-ACM_173165948).
CW2272107 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOADR EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-12-012027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/003/ZG. Legacy agreement: ALTIS SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES AND/OR ALTISSPR AND/OR ALTIS PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT (CW2272100-ACM_148347580).
CW2272110 · 80110000 - Human resources services; 80100000 - Management advisory services
NMSOALTIS RECRUITMENT & TECHNOLOGY INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-12-012027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/013/ZG. Legacy agreement: JUNO RISK SOLUTIONS (CW2272100-ACM_158576548).
CW2272140 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOJuno Risk Solutions Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-12-012027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/023/ZG. Legacy agreement: QUINTET CONSULTING CORPORATION (CW2272100-ACM_173477224).
CW2272170 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOQUINTET Consulting CorporationPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-12-012027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/025/ZG. Legacy agreement: ROBERT NERON (CW2272100-ACM_156013064).
CW2272176 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOSimner CorporationPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-12-012027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/001/ZG. Legacy agreement: 9242112 CANADA INC (CW2272100-ACM_173104802).
CW2272104 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSO9242112 Canada Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/004/ZG. Legacy agreement: ARCON INVESTIGATIVE CONSULTING INC (CW2272100-ACM_158135335).
CW2272113 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOARCON Investigative Consulting Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/006/ZG. Legacy agreement: CALIAN LTD (CW2272100-ACM_148073951).
CW2272119 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCALIAN LTD.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Closed due to retirement-Investigative services NMSO
CW2272122 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCharron Human Resources IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/008/ZG. Legacy agreement: COMMISSIONAIRES OTTAWA (CW2272100-ACM_171034388).
CW2272125 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOCanadian Corps Commissionaires (Ottawa Division)Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/009/ZG. Legacy agreement: DEBORAH JELLY & ASSOCIATES INC (CW2272100-ACM_173851851).
CW2272128 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSODeborah Jelly & Associates Inc.73647Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/010/ZG. Legacy agreement: DEVLIN AND ASSOCIATES CANADA (CW2272100-ACM_147192434).
CW2272131 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSODevlin and Associates CanadaPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/011/ZG. Legacy agreement: HILL ADVISORY SERVICES INC (CW2272100-ACM_173650419).
CW2272134 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOHill Advisory Services Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/012/ZG. Legacy agreement: INTEGRITY BY MCCARTHY INC (CW2272100-ACM_160995270).
CW2272137 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOIntegrity by McCarthy IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/014/ZG. Legacy agreement: LAURIN D ET ASSOCIES INC (CW2272100-ACM_159221048).
CW2272143 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOLaurin D. & Associés Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/015/ZG. Legacy agreement: LES ENQUETES HENRI INC / HENRI INVESTIGATION INC (CW2272100-ACM_173062175).
CW2272146 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOLES ENQUÊTES HENRI INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/016/ZG. Legacy agreement: MG HARASSMENT RESOLUTIONS INC (CW2272100-ACM_173344403).
CW2272149 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOMG Harassment Resolutions Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Revision 009 E60ZG-220399-017-ZG Investigative services NMSO
CW2272152 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOMobile Resource Group Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/018/ZG. Legacy agreement: NEWLEAF PERFORMANCE INC (CW2272100-ACM_171864775).
CW2272155 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSONewLeaf PerformancePublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO renewal (Professional Services). Legacy agreement: OKANAGAN WORKPLACE SERVICES (E60ZG-220399/019/ZG).
CW2272158 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOOkanagan Workplace Services, Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/020/ZG. Legacy agreement: CONFLICT RESOLUTION SERVICES (CW2272100-ACM_173190122).
CW2272161 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOPamela Large Moran Law CorporationPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/021/ZG. Legacy agreement: PROACTIVE SECURITY INC (CW2272100-ACM_157792957).
CW2272164 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOProActive Security / Sécurité ProActive Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/022/ZG. Legacy agreement: QMR CONSULTING & PROFESSIONAL STAFFING (CW2272100-ACM_147183050).
CW2272167 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOQMR Staffing Solutions IncorporatedPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/024/ZG. Legacy agreement: SAMSON & ASSOCIES/SAMSON & ASSOCIATES (CW2272100-ACM_157220710).
CW2272173 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOSAMSON & ASSOCIÉS CPA/CONSULTATION INC./SAMSON & ASSOCIATES CPA/CONSULTING INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30
Investigative services NMSO (Professional Services). Legacy agreement number: E60ZG-220399/026/ZG. Legacy agreement: TLS ENTERPRISES INC (CW2272100-ACM_173097755).
CW2272179 · 80100000 - Management advisory services; 80110000 - Human resources services
NMSOTLS EnterprisesPublic Works and Government Services Canada2022-11-302027-11-30

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.