This Direction deals with procurement of goods and services (including construction) by or for a government agency within the meaning of the Public Works and Procurement Act 1912.

The Procurement Board aims to simplify prequalification processes for agencies and contractors, especially where businesses have undertaken prequalification processes with other Australian governments. Part of the Board’s 2014/15 Work Plan is to trial recognising businesses qualified to supply to the Australian Government as being eligible suppliers to the NSW Government, without additional red tape requirements.

Accordingly, under this Direction, when procuring goods or services a NSW Government agency may approach any business listed on a Standing Offer Notice or Multi-Use List arrangement published on the Australian Government’s Austender website.

If an agency decides to invite one or more businesses listed on the Austender website to tender or quote, the request should make it clear to all recipients that the agency is accessing Australian Government Standing Offer and Multi-use List arrangement as part of the procurement activity.

This Board Direction does not oblige agencies to include businesses listed on the Austender website in any approach to market.

This Direction was approved by the NSW Procurement Board on 26 November 2014 and takes effect from 1 January 2015. This Direction is to be reviewed after three years of operation.

Guidance for agencies

The purpose of this Board Direction is to enable agencies to use the AusTender website to identify potential suppliers.

If one or more potential suppliers are identified, the agency must undertake its own procurement process, including directly approaching supplier(s) and then assessing any quotes received for value for money.

If an agency decides to engage a supplier listed on the Austender website, this must be done use the appropriate NSW Government-approved contractual arrangements. Agencies are not to use Australian Government contractual arrangements.

Please note that agencies are not to use any Standing Offer Notice or Multi-Use List arrangement published on the Austender website which is restricted to one or more nominated Commonwealth Government agencies or entities.

This Board Direction should not be used to source goods or services:

• which are available through existing NSW Government procurement arrangements (including panel contracts and prequalification schemes)

• which are available through the Central Contracts Register

• on a routine basis (ie where an agency is likely to have a continuing need for the goods or services) and

• which are of a nature, significant or cost which warrant a full open tendering process.

This Board Direction is not intended to impose additional costs on Australian Government contract administrators.

All enquiries about this Board Direction should only be directed to the NSW Procurement Service Centre by email or phone 1800 679 289. Agencies are not to contact the Austender Help Desk or the agency administering the Standing Offer Notice or Multi-Use List arrangement.