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). The Regulation sets out 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 threshold requirements will help in responding to ACT Government procurements.
The relevant thresholds and minimum quotation and tender requirements are provided below. Further information is available on the Policies and Guidance page.
Procurements for goods or services of less than $500 require the procuring Territory entity to seek at least one oral quotation from a supplier.
Procurements for goods or services of at least $500 but less than $25,000 require the procuring Territory entity to seek at least one written quotation from a supplier.
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 require the procuring Territory entity to seek at least:
- three written quotations from suppliers, or
- one written quotation from a supplier that is a certified Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander entity, or small or medium business entity based in the ACT or surrounding region.
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 require the procuring Territory entity to conduct an open tender process.
All open 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 the 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. While we welcome innovative and unique ideas that align with our strategic objectives, unsolicited proposals must be made in accordance with the guidance 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 subcontractors often need to comply with the same ACT Government requirements as primary contractors, such as Secure Local Jobs Code Certification or construction prequalification.
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.