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 (as amended).

The Procurement Board accredits agencies under section 174 of the Public Works and Procurement Act 1912 to procure goods and services for that agency or for other government agencies.

The Board recognises that administrative changes in the allocation of legislation and the structure of government occur from time to time, and that these changes may have consequences for agencies and agency clusters operating under grants of accreditation.

The Board confirms that where an agency or part of an agency is transferred to another agency or agency cluster, it can continue to rely on the authorities, policies and procedures adopted as part of the original grant of accreditation, subject to the agreement of the relevant Secretary or delegate (usually the Chief Procurement Officer). 

Agencies and agency clusters which are restructured should ensure that procurement legislation, policies and Board directions are complied with. 

The Board anticipates that most agencies will be able to continue to operate under existing grants of accreditation until the expiry of the grant and/or its renewal.

Where a Secretary or delegate considers that changes to existing grants of accreditation are necessary, the Chair of the Procurement Board may approve the request if satisfied that the agency’s procurement system is capable of dealing with additional responsibilities. Any approvals will be reported to the Procurement Board.

As part of this Direction, the Board confirms all grants of accreditation made on a permanent or interim basis prior to 1 July 2015. Grants of accreditation issued on an interim basis remain in force until repealed by the Board.

This Direction was considered by the NSW Procurement Board on 22 July 2015 and takes effect immediately until withdrawn.