Where there is an arrangement of the kind outlined above which is already established by an agency, government agencies are authorised to procure under these arrangements, where the establishing agency agrees.

The establishing agency should agree unless the establishing agency considers there are cogent reasons not to do so. Examples of cogent reasons may include the incapacity or unwillingness of a supplier to extend the supply as required; or that there is a significant or substantial risk that cannot be managed. Other reasons of cogency may exist.

Where practicable, the establishing agency may wish to consider formally amending the conditions of the scheme to allow government agencies to procure under it.

For new arrangements, the establishing agency should make provision for other government agencies to procure under it. Sample multi-agency access clauses and assistance in relation to these matters can be obtained from NSW Procurement, Department of Finance, Services and Innovation.

This Direction applies from 18 December 2012 until it is revoked.

Note:

The Procurement Board's Procurement Policy Framework provides more details about multi-agency access contracts, or ‘piggybacking’ arrangements.

Multi-agency access contracts - or piggybacking contracts - occur where one agency has established a procurement arrangement and has made the arrangement available to other agencies. Piggybacking requires agencies to accept the terms and conditions of the existing contract.   

The Procurement Policy Framework provides additional guidance about the inclusion of piggy-back clauses, as well as sample clauses which can be incorporated into market documents.

The Board Direction was withdrawn from 1 July 2019. It is replaced by the revised NSW Government Procurement Policy Framework 2019.