What is “Classification”
Classification is a process whereby we evaluate products and related technologies against relevant standards and specifications. In Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Standards (OPS) Products Management Committee (PMC) is responsible for the process of Classification. TRA acts as the “register” and “publisher” of the decisions taken by OPS PMC.
OPS PMC makes it decisions based upon standards and specifications utilized in Ontario. To support procurement activities of governments in the province, OPS created the Products Management Committee to review products, compare them to recognized standards and evaluate their applicability for Ontario jurisdictions.
The "Accepted for Use" designation (symbolized by a green "A" classification icon beside the product name) indicates that a product has been reviewed by the OPS PMC and meets established criteria to be
recommended as acceptable for use in Ontario.
The "A" classification, as it is commonly referred to, is qualifier to doing business with the Province of Ontario and for placement on MTO’s pre-qualified products listing (the "Designated Sources of Material - DSM").
Local governments in Ontario also refer to the "A" classification as a contributing factor in their decision-making processes. Since every jurisdiction in Ontario makes its own decisions on what products to use, the Classification accepts products into their pre-qualified products lists.
The "A" classification from OPS-PMC does not require a municipality to place a product on their list. However, the "A" does strengthen the case for the product, and in some cases, such as the Region of Durham, local governments have made the "A" classification one of the pre-requisites to being placed on their lists.
Other municipalities, especially smaller ones that do not have the resources to manage their own pre-qualified products lists and to review products, rely purely on the lists published by the MTO or other municipalities, as well as The Road Authority and the products listed with an "A" classification.
The Classification Process
The first step towards Classification of your product is to ensure that you have completed and saved the “product profile” for the product in question. This includes identifying any applicable product categories, and recognized standards that the product meets.
Once the product’s details are complete, you can begin the application process. Click on the "Pre-Qualification Application" link for the product. This application is what will be submitted to the OPS - PMC. The online application will request the information that is required to complete the process.
If you are looking to do business with any specific municipalities or if you know of a municipal or MTO product list that you wish to be listed on (as found in the "Pre-Qualified Products Lists" section of the TRA site), you may want to add those under Step 3 of the application. These lists can be searched by keyword or list number.
The application will also allow you to upload documents certifying the standards that your product meets and any testing or evaluations conducted on the product. Upload all supporting documentation (in PDF, DOC, or JPG format) for the standards, such as a verification from a third-party agency or lab noting that a standard has been met. In particular, include documentation for the standards specifically referenced at the top of any pre-qualified products list you wish to be added to.
If your product is in use by public owners or road authorities in Ontario or another province or state them under "Evaluating Agencies" and attach any documentation or correspondence (in PDF, DOC, or JPG format) from these jurisdictions expressing approval or acceptability of the product.
For assistance and advice in completing the OPS-PMC product pre-qualification application, contact the TRA at 905-459-9200.
After you submit the application, it will be sent to the OPS-PMC committee co-ordinator to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Meetings are usually held monthly. If everything is in order, they may make a decision at that meeting. If they need more information, they will ask for it and would re-consider the product at a subsequent meeting, once the information is received.
For assistance and advice in completing the OPS-PMC product pre-qualification requirements, contact the TRA at 905-459-9200.
Classification Matrix
The Committee employs a classification matrix in their product evaluations. Whatever classification they assign to the product is reflected in The Road Authority database. The classification system is based on a progressive matrix; at the lowest level, manufacturers can post a product without verified qualification; and at the highest level, posted products are tested by an accredited laboratory, then successfully applied by a reputable organization. Some products, however, may not require verification. The Committee also considers "grandfathering" of proven or existing products for inclusion in the matrix. Technical support documentation is maintained on file with The Road Authority providing a reference for review. Companies are encouraged to assemble their findings and submit them to The Road Authority for review and analysis. Download a copy of the
Product Classification Matrix.
Product Classification Matrix