Former SAP Exec Cossette Testifies on SAAQ's Digital Shift, Raising Conflict of Interest Concerns
A former SAP executive, Guy Cossette, recently testified before the Gallant Commission. The testimony focused on the SAAQ's digital shift and the role of SAP in the process. Cossette expressed concerns about the Quebec's auditor general's conclusions, which suggested a conflict of interest for SAP.
Cossette, who previously worked at SAP and promoted the idea of an integrated management software (IMS) to the SAAQ, was involved in SAP's recommendation of its IMS in three deliveries to replace the SAAQ's computer systems. This recommendation came just a few months before the call for tenders process.
SAP had a previous contractual link with the SAAQ, worth $126,000, aiming to expand its solution within the organization. The total budget for the SAAQ's computer modernization project is estimated to reach at least $1.1 billion.
SAP organized workshops for SAAQ employees to demonstrate the IMS model, with auditors present to prevent unfair advantage. However, the former auditor general, Guylaine Leclerc, reported that only one IMS publisher was significantly involved in the evaluation work, potentially giving it an advantage in the call for tenders.
In 2017, SAP won the $458 million framework contract for the SAAQ's computer modernization project, partnering with LGS-IBM. The contract partner with whom SAP previously had a contract valued at $126,000 was CGI.
Guy Cossette's testimony has raised questions about SAP's involvement in the SAAQ's digital shift, with concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The Gallant Commission will continue to investigate the matter, with the total budget for the project estimated at $1.1 billion.
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