Sourcing methodology
The Territory uses different sourcing methodology commensurate to the scale, scope and risk of a procurement. Understanding the quotation and tender thresholds may help you position your business to respond to opportunities for ACT Government work.
Quotation and tender thresholds
The Territory’s quotation and tender thresholds determine the way in which the ACT Government approaches the market.
The relevant thresholds and minimum quotation and tender requirements are specified in the Government Procurement Regulation 2007 (Regulation) which specify the dollar value at which quotations and tenders must be sought along with the minimum number of quotations that must be sought from suppliers. Understanding these value threshold requirements will help in responding to ACT Government procurements.
The relevant thresholds and minimum quotation and tender requirements are specified in our Procurement Framework Thresholds factsheet.
Procurements for goods or services of less than $25,000.
Procurements for goods or services that are not related to construction work of at least $25,000 but less than $500,000, and for goods or services that are related to construction work of at least $25,000 but less than $1 million must seek at least three (3) written quotations from suppliers.
Procurements for goods or services that are not related to construction work of at least $500,000, and for goods or services that are related to construction work of at least $1 million must conduct an open tender process. All public tenders will be advertised on the Tenders ACT website.
Standing Offer and Panel arrangements
Panels, multi-use lists (MUL) and schemes
The ACT Government uses panels, MUL and schemes as a way to procure goods or services that are regularly acquired. Opportunities to join new panels or existing panels through a refresh will be advertised on Tenders ACT website.
The advantages of joining a panel include:
- increasing your business profile to Government;
- participating within agreed terms, conditions, and performance criteria, which can apply over a series of different requests for goods, services or works provision; and
- agreed fees and pricing structures.
Being a member of a panel does not guarantee supplier work.
A list of existing panels, MUL and Schemes can be found on the Whole of government arrangements page.
Unsolicited proposals
An unsolicited proposal is an approach by a potential supplier which is not requested by the ACT Government. We welcome innovative and unique ideas that align with our strategic objectives.
More information on how to make an unsolicited proposal is available on the Unsolicited Proposals page. Unsolicited proposals sent by any other means, such as direct to Government Buyers, cannot be considered.
Subcontracting
Partnering with another business, or subcontracting to a larger business, can be a valuable way to successfully win ACT Government work. It is important to remember that sub-contractors often need to comply with the same ACT Government requirements as primary contractors, such as Secure Local Jobs Code Certification or construction pre-qualification.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Procurement Policy and Canberra Region Local Industry Participation Policy both encourage the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Enterprise and Canberra Region Businesses respectively as subcontractors to help achieve the policy intent.
Digital transformation agency marketplaces
The ACT Government uses the Digital Transformation Agency’s hardware, software, digital, and cloud marketplaces for some purchases. Visit dta.gov.au for information on how to become a DTA marketplace seller.