Regional Master Standing Offer (RMSO) holders

Many federal purchases never appear as open tenders: departments order from suppliers who already hold a standing offer or supply arrangement. This directory shows who holds them, for which buyers and categories, and when they expire — so you can see which pre-qualified pools matter in your market and when the next refresh is likely.

⬇ Export CSV
Active agreements (per holder)
249
Distinct holders
156
Agreement numbers
249
Expiring in 12 months
142

What the numbers say

  • Sysco Canada, inc. holds the most active agreements here (17).
  • 142 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
Sysco Canada, inc.17RMSO2027-07-31
Drake International Inc.9RMSO2028-01-31
Upstaff Employment Services Inc8RMSO2028-01-31
LanceSoft, Inc.7RMSO2028-01-31
Service alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée Québec7RMSO2026-12-31
ALTIS RECRUITMENT & TECHNOLOGY INC.6RMSO2028-01-31
Advantage Personnel Ltd.5RMSO2028-01-31
Biskane Inc,4RMSO2026-12-31
David Aplin & Associates Inc.4RMSO2028-01-31
Findlay Foods (Kingston) Ltd4RMSO2026-12-31
GORDON FOOD SERVICE CANADA LTD.4RMSO2027-09-30
MaxSys Staffing & Consulting Inc.4RMSO2028-01-31
Atlantic Grocery Distributors Ltd.3RMSO2028-03-31
NATTIQ Inc.3RMSO2036-03-31
SERVICES DE TRAITEUR ETMO LTEE ETMO CATERING SERVICES LTD.3RMSO2027-04-30
StaffMax staffing & Recruiting Corp.3RMSO2028-01-31
Technical Support Group Staffing Services Ltd.3RMSO2028-01-31
The Adecco Group3RMSO2028-01-31
Wonderbrands3RMSO2026-12-31
7792395 Canada Inc.2RMSO2028-01-31

Expiring in the next 12 months

AgreementTypeHolderAwardedExpires
E6VIC-240001 - RMSO Food (ETMO Catering Services Ltd.)
CW2406038 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOSERVICES DE TRAITEUR ETMO LTEE ETMO CATERING SERVICES LTD.2025-05-012026-10-31
E6VIC-240001 - RMSO Food (Wonder Brands Inc.)
CW2406042 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOWonderbrands2025-05-012026-10-31
E6VIC-240001 - RMSO Food (Sysco Canada Inc.)
CW2406051 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOSysco Canada, inc.2025-05-012026-10-31
E6VIC-240001 - RMSO Food (Repko Fine Foods Ltd.)
CW2406066 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOREPKO FINE FOODS LTD / DBA OMNITSKY KOSHER2025-05-012026-10-31
E6VIC-240001 - RMSO Food (Islands West Produce)
CW2406074 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOIslands West Produce2025-05-012026-10-31
E6VIC-240001 - RMSO Food (Intercity Packers Ltd.)
CW2406077 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOIntercity Packers ltd.2025-05-012026-10-31
E6VIC-240001 - RMSO Food (Gordon Food Service Canada Ltd.)
CW2406079 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOService alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée Québec2025-05-012026-10-31
E6VIC-240001 - RMSO Food (Fresh Direct Produce Ltd.)
CW2406081 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOFRESH DIRECT PRODUCE LTD2025-05-012026-10-31
Contract Workspace - E6TOR25RM04 - 001 Boxed Lunches and Prepared Sandwiches
CW2426404 · 73130000 - Food and beverage industries
RMSOWholesome Cravings Inc.2025-10-072026-10-31
Contract Workspace - E6TOR25RM04 - 002 Boxed Lunches and Prepared Sandwiches
CW2435043 · 73130000 - Food and beverage industries
RMSOPrep Culinary a division of TEJA Global Ltd.2025-10-072026-10-31
Contract Workspace - E6TOR25RM04 - 003 Boxed Lunches and Prepared Sandwiches
CW2437916 · 73130000 - Food and beverage industries
RMSOScarlett House Food Group (Atlantic Division)2025-10-072026-10-31
EZ156-250001 - Tastefully Yours by Jeff
CW2450175 · 90101600 - Banquet and catering services
RMSOTastefully Yours by Jeff2025-12-082026-10-31
EZ156-250001 - Lori's Catering
CW2450172 · 90101600 - Banquet and catering services
RMSOLori's Catering2025-12-082026-10-31
EZ156-250001 - Pruckl Holdings - Gumtree Catering
CW2437658 · 90101600 - Banquet and catering services
RMSOGumtree Catering2025-12-082026-10-31
EZ156-250001 - Livewire Catering Ltd.
CW2450177 · 90101600 - Banquet and catering services
RMSOLivewire Catering Ltd.2026-01-092026-10-31
E6MON-26PQLA_P01 - RMSO Food - Dairy Products-cheeses-eggs - Service alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée Québec
CW2456010 · 50130000 - Dairy products and eggs; 50131800 - Cheese
RMSOService alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée Québec2026-06-262026-10-31
E6MON-26PQLA - RMSO Food - Dairy Products-cheeses-eggs - Agropur Cooperative
CW2456107 · 50130000 - Dairy products and eggs; 50131800 - Cheese
RMSOAgropur Coopérative2026-06-252026-10-31
E6MON-26PQEP RMSO Groceries, Miscellaneous - Period 01 - GFS
CW2456836 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products; 50150000 - Edible oils and fats; 50160000 -
RMSOService alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée Québec2026-06-232026-10-31
E6MON-26PQEP RMSO Groceries, Miscellaneous - Period 01 - Les Aliments Chicoine
CW2456852 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products; 50150000 - Edible oils and fats; 50160000 -
RMSOLes Aliments Chicoine Inc.2026-06-222026-10-31
E6MON-26PQPR - Period 02 - RMSO Food - Boxed Lunches - Impact Food Solutions Inc.
CW2469237 · 50192700 - Packaged combination meals
RMSOImpact Food Solutions Inc.2026-09-252026-10-31
E6MON-26PQFL - Period 06 - RMSO Food - Fresh Fruits and Vegetables - JG RIVE-SUD F-L-CA
CW2468795 · 50300000 - Fresh fruits; 50400000 - Fresh vegetables
RMSOJG RIVE-SUD F&L-CA2026-09-222026-10-31
CW2383298_E6QUE-230001 - Linde Canada Inc. - RMSO Compressed gas
CW2383298 · 12140000 - Elements and gases
RMSOLinde canada Inc2024-12-012026-11-30
CW2383375_E6QUE-230001 - Air Liquide Canada Inc. - RMSO Compressed gas
CW2383375 · 12140000 - Elements and gases
RMSOAIR LIQUIDE CANADA2024-12-012026-11-30
AMD 003 - E6TOR-25RM07-001 Dairy Products and Eggs RMSO - GFS
CW2427963 · 50130000 - Dairy products and eggs
RMSOGORDON FOOD SERVICE CANADA LTD.2025-11-242026-11-30
AMD 003 - E6TOR-25RM07-002 Dairy Products and Eggs RMSO - Sysco South
CW2428096 · 50130000 - Dairy products and eggs
RMSOSysco Canada, inc.2025-11-252026-11-30

Most recently awarded active agreements

AgreementTypeHolderForAwardedExpires
E60ML-26000-003-ML - Volvo Penta Eastern Canada
CW2470493 · 25111900 - Marine craft systems and subassemblies
RMSOWajax LimitedPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-09-282027-08-31
E6MON-26PQPR - Period 02 - RMSO Food - Boxed Lunches - Impact Food Solutions Inc.
CW2469237 · 50192700 - Packaged combination meals
RMSOImpact Food Solutions Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-09-252026-10-31
E6MON-26PQFL - Period 06 - RMSO Food - Fresh Fruits and Vegetables - JG RIVE-SUD F-L-CA
CW2468795 · 50300000 - Fresh fruits; 50400000 - Fresh vegetables
RMSOJG RIVE-SUD F&L-CACorrectional Service of Canada2026-09-222026-10-31
E6MON-26PQKO, RMSO Kosher Meals - Period 02 - Beso Montreal
CW2468391 · 50111500 - Minimally processed meat and poultry products
RMSOSERVICES DE TRAITEUR ETMO LTEE ETMO CATERING SERVICES LTD.Correctional Service of Canada2026-09-162027-01-31
E6MON-26PQVV - Per. 02 - RMSO Food - Meats, poultry, fish, seafood - Les Aliments Chicoine Inc.
CW2467437 · 50110000 - Meat and poultry products; 50112000 - Processed meat and poultry products; 5012
RMSOLes Aliments Chicoine Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-09-142026-12-31
E6MON-26PQVV - Per. 02 - RMSO Food - Meats, poultry, fish, seafood - H.A. Vaillancourt Inc.
CW2467442 · 50110000 - Meat and poultry products; 50112000 - Processed meat and poultry products; 5012
RMSOH.A. Vaillancourt Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-09-142026-12-31
E6TOR-25RM12.016 - Temporary Help Services - Ontario Region
CW2463892 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSOAdvantage Personnel Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-08-142028-01-31
E6TOR-25RM12.017 - Temporary Help Services - Ontario Region
CW2463898 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSOALTIS RECRUITMENT & TECHNOLOGY INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-08-142028-01-31
E6TOR-25RM12.021 - Temporary Help Services - Ontario Region
CW2463908 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSOUpstaff Employment Services IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-08-142028-01-31
E6TOR-25RM12.018 - Temporary Help Services - Ontario Region
CW2463902 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSOCYNET SYSTEMS CANADA INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-08-142028-01-31
E6TOR-25RM12.019 - Temporary Help Services - Ontario Region
CW2463904 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSO7792395 Canada Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-08-142028-01-31
E6TOR-25RM12.020 - Temporary Help Services - Ontario Region
CW2463906 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSONT Temps Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-08-142028-01-31
EW479-261194 012 Temporary Help Services Southern Alberta
CW2463318 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSO7792395 Canada Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-08-062028-01-31
EC095-260005 - RMSO Meat, Fish, Poultry AGD Zone 4
CW2460224 · 50110000 - Meat and poultry products; 50120000 - Seafood
RMSOAtlantic Grocery Distributors Ltd.Correctional Service of Canada2026-08-012027-07-31
EC095-260005 - RMSO Meat, Fish, Poultry Sysco Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
CW2460226 · 50110000 - Meat and poultry products; 50120000 - Seafood
RMSOSysco Canada, inc.Correctional Service of Canada2026-08-012027-07-31
EC095-260005 - RMSO Meat, Fish, Poultry GFS Zones 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
CW2460228 · 50110000 - Meat and poultry products; 50120000 - Seafood
RMSOGORDON FOOD SERVICE CANADA LTD.Correctional Service of Canada2026-08-012027-07-31
EC095-260005 - RMSO Meat, Fish, Poultry Viandes Riendeau Zone 1
CW2460230 · 50110000 - Meat and poultry products; 50120000 - Seafood
RMSOViandes Riendeau LteeCorrectional Service of Canada2026-08-012027-07-31
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
CW2460501_E6QUE-260003 - Standing Offer for rental of trucks, road tractors and trailers - LOCATION BROSSARD
CW2460501 · 78101805 - Tanker truck and trailer rental service
RMSOLocation Brossard IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-302028-08-11
CW2460585_E6QUE-260003 - Standing Offer for rental of trucks, road tractors and trailers - LOCATION SAUVAGEAU
CW2460585 · 78101805 - Tanker truck and trailer rental service
RMSOLocation Sauvageau IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-302028-08-11
E6MON-260006-2 - Standing Offer for aggregates - Carrières Bernier
CW2460810 · 30111800 - Aggregates
RMSOCarrière Bernier LtéePublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-222027-03-31
EC095-250011 - RMSO Atlantic Appliance Maintenance Heritage Food Service Group
CW2459402 · 23180000 - Industrial food and beverage equipment; 24131503 - Walk in refrigerators; 47110
RMSOHERITAGE FOOD SERVICE GROUP OF CANADA LIMITEDDepartment of National Defence2026-07-152028-05-31
E6MON-26PQBO - Period 02 - Bakery products - Wonderbrands
CW2459184 · 50180000 - Bread and bakery products
RMSOWonderbrandsPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-092026-11-30
E6MON-26PQBO - Period 02 - Bakery products - GFS
CW2459464 · 50180000 - Bread and bakery products
RMSOService alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée QuébecPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-082026-11-30
CW2459082_E6QUE-260001 - PERIOD 2 - Standing offer for wood and construction materials - CANAC
CW2459082 · 30000000 - Structures and Building and Construction and Manufacturing Components and Suppl
RMSOCANAC MARQUIS GRENIERPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-07-062026-11-30
E6MON-26PQLA_P01 - RMSO Food - Dairy Products-cheeses-eggs - Service alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée Québec
CW2456010 · 50130000 - Dairy products and eggs; 50131800 - Cheese
RMSOService alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée QuébecCorrectional Service of Canada2026-06-262026-10-31
E6MON-26PQLA - RMSO Food - Dairy Products-cheeses-eggs - Agropur Cooperative
CW2456107 · 50130000 - Dairy products and eggs; 50131800 - Cheese
RMSOAgropur CoopérativeCorrectional Service of Canada2026-06-252026-10-31
E6MON-26PQEP RMSO Groceries, Miscellaneous - Period 01 - GFS
CW2456836 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products; 50150000 - Edible oils and fats; 50160000 -
RMSOService alimentaire Gordon Canada Ltée QuébecCanadian Coast Guard2026-06-232026-10-31
E6MON-26PQEP RMSO Groceries, Miscellaneous - Period 01 - Les Aliments Chicoine
CW2456852 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products; 50150000 - Edible oils and fats; 50160000 -
RMSOLes Aliments Chicoine Inc.Canadian Coast Guard2026-06-222026-10-31
E6MON-260006 - Standing Offer for aggregates - Carrières Québec
CW2451049 · 30111800 - Aggregates
RMSOCarrières Québec inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-05-282027-09-30
E6QUE-220001_RMSO Temporary Help Services - Thomas & Schmidt
CW2454022 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSOThomas & Schmidt IncPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-05-252027-05-31
E6QUE-220001_RMSO Temporary Help Services - Andas Advisory Group
CW2454019 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSOAndas Advisory Group Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-05-252027-05-31
E6QUE-220001_RMSO Temporary Help Services - Altis Recruitment
CW2454016 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services
RMSOALTIS RECRUITMENT & TECHNOLOGY INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-05-252027-05-31
EP991-10081402 - NCR Taxi Chits Standing Offer
CW2451813 · 82121500 - Printing
RMSODeluxePublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-05-052027-03-31
RMSO - EV385-260128_B - SK Moving Services
CW2448333 · 78101804 - Relocation services
RMSONATTIQ Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-04-202029-04-08
SO E6TOR-25RM03 Soil and Water Testing ALS Canada Ltd
CW2449437 · 77140000 - Environmental laboratory services
RMSOALS Canada Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-04-162031-04-19
EC095-250004 - RMSO Miscellaneous Groceries AGD Zone 4
CW2446376 · 50000000 - Food Beverage and Tobacco Products
RMSOAtlantic Grocery Distributors Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-04-012028-03-31
EZ156-260001 - RMSO Temporary Help Services (005) - Step By Step Professional Services
CW2447157 · 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOSTEP BY STEP PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INCORPORATEDPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-03-302028-01-31
EZ156-260001 - RMSO Temporary Help Services (004) - LandSolutions Inc.
CW2447155 · 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOLandSolutions Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-03-302028-01-31
EZ156-260001 - RMSO Temporary Help Services (003) - LanceSoft Inc.
CW2447151 · 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOLANCESOFT INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-03-302028-01-31
EZ156-260001 - RMSO Temporary Help Services (002) - Drake International Inc.
CW2447148 · 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSODrake International Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-03-302028-01-31
EZ156-260001 - RMSO Temporary Help Services (001) - Altis Recruitment
CW2447098 · 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOALTIS RECRUITMENT & TECHNOLOGY INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-03-302028-01-31
EW479-261196 001 - Temporary Help Services - Red Deer, AB and Saskatchewan
CW2439832 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOADECCO SERVICES DE RESSOURCES HUMAINES LTEE/ADECCO EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LIMITEDPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-102028-01-31
EW479-261196 002 - Temporary Help Services - Red Deer, AB and Saskatchewan
CW2439835 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOALTIS RECRUITMENT & TECHNOLOGY INC.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-102028-01-31
EW479-261196 003 - Temporary Help Services - Red Deer, AB and Saskatchewan
CW2439837 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSODavid Aplin & Associates Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-102028-01-31
EW479-261196 004 - Temporary Help Services - Red Deer, AB and Saskatchewan
CW2439839 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSODrake International Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-102028-01-31
EW479-261196 005 - Temporary Help Services - Red Deer, AB and Saskatchewan
CW2439841 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOLanceSoft, Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-102028-01-31
EW479-261196 006 - Temporary Help Services - Red Deer, AB and Saskatchewan
CW2439843 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOUpstaff Employment Services Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-102028-01-31
EW479-261195 001 - Temporary Help Services - Manitoba
CW2439593 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSO22nd Century Technologies Canada Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-092028-01-31
EW479-261195 002 - Temporary Help Services - Manitoba
CW2439611 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSODavid Aplin & Associates Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-092028-01-31
EW479-261195 003 - Temporary Help Services - Manitoba
CW2439614 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSODrake International Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-092028-01-31
EW479-261195 004 - Temporary Help Services - Manitoba
CW2439621 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOLanceSoft, Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-092028-01-31
EW479-261195 005 - Temporary Help Services - Manitoba
CW2439626 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOStaffMax staffing & Recruiting Corp.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-092028-01-31
EW479-261195 006 - Temporary Help Services - Manitoba
CW2439629 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOTechnical Support Group Staffing Services Ltd.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-092028-01-31
EW479-261195 007 - Temporary Help Services - Manitoba
CW2439632 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOADECCO SERVICES DE RESSOURCES HUMAINES LTEE/ADECCO EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LIMITEDPublic Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-092028-01-31
EW479-261195 008 - Temporary Help Services - Manitoba
CW2439637 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOUpstaff Employment Services Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-092028-01-31
EW479-261194 006 Temporary Help Services Southern Alberta
CW2439462 · 80111600 - Temporary personnel services; 80111700 - Personnel recruitment
RMSOMaxSys Staffing & Consulting Inc.Public Works and Government Services Canada2026-02-052028-01-31

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 · 1635
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 · 500
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 · 249
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 · 227
A standing offer set up for one identified department's use across Canada.
RISO — Regional Individual Standing Offer · 746
A standing offer set up for one identified department's use in one region.
DISO — Departmental Individual Standing Offer · 313
A standing offer a department set up under its own authority for its own needs.