Procurement changes to help boost local businesses during COVID-19

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Changes to procurement of works contracts to stimulate the economy from 22 July
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On 27 May 2020, the Minister for Finance announced measures to support the Western Australian economy and local businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Those measures - in effect from 2 June 2020 – recognised the exceptional circumstances faced by Government, the community and industry, and serve to expedite government procuring activities and reduce barriers for local business participation in supplying goods and services to government.

A further announcement by the Minister for Finance made on 22 July 2020 now extends these measures to works procurement and introduces additional measures to benefit businesses operating in and supporting the Western Australian Building and Construction Industry.

The Department of Finance will provide a co-ordinated response with agencies to introduce changes to procurement thresholds that includes:

  • allowing agencies to purchase direct from a local business up to $250,000
  • lifting the threshold for public tender processes up to $500,000 when at least one local business is involved
  • enabling agencies to obtain written quotations, in place of a tender, between $250,000 and $500,000, where one or more local businesses can supply.

These threshold changes remain in place until 31 December 2020 and will make it easier for local businesses to contract with government. If you are not purchasing from a local business, the original thresholds apply.

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