Getting government work

To supply goods and services to government and win government work, it is important for you as a potential supplier to understand the Western Australian Government’s contracting and tendering processes.

Contracting with the Western Australian Government offers advantages to your business, including:

  • experience
  • a reliable source of business
  • a valuable reference that may assist you to secure contracts in the private sector or overseas

The taxpayers’ dollar must be spent wisely using an accountable and transparent process. Whilst the tender process can be complex, it is a proven framework and selection process that is:

  • consistent
  • free from bias
  • transparent
  • accountable

We have developed the following sections to assist you to understand the tendering process. You can also view more detailed information at Procurement Guidelines

What does government buy?

In the interest of giving suppliers fair opportunities, the Western Australian Government regularly releases information on its buying activities.

The Western Australian Government buys billions of dollars worth of goods and services each year and does so in a number of ways based on their type and value. The Who Buys What and How Report gives an overview of what agencies are purchasing.

The Strategic Forward Procurement Plan (SFPP) Public Report provides an overview of agencies planned procurements valued at $250,000 and above across two financial years, including goods, services, community services and works procurements.

A listing of current and future infrastructure projects can be accessed through the Pipeline of Works

Government wants to give suppliers fair and equal access to supply opportunities and has procurement policies in place that ensure open and effective competition.

When buying goods and services, government looks for value for money. Once you are awarded a contract, government expects you to fulfil your contractual obligations including pricing, quality of your goods and services, reliability and financial reporting.

We can help you with general advice and information about the tender process and tender training.

Tenders WA

Tenders WA is the central source of information on the WA Government’s tenders and contract awards.

​ Most government agencies use Tenders WA to advertise:

  • Requests
  • Requests for comment
  • Early notice of tenders
  • Contract awards

Sometimes, Requests are also advertised in metropolitan, national or regional newspapers.

​The best way to get a copy of the Request documents is by downloading them via the Tenders WA website

What are Common Use Arrangements (CUAs)?

Common Use Arrangements (CUAs) are whole of government contracts (often called standing offers) for goods and services that government agencies commonly use.

​Some examples of goods and services currently on a CUA include:

  • stationery
  • computers
  • fuel
  • telecommunications
  • electricity

Under a CUA, suppliers offer goods and services under specified terms and conditions including price and a fixed period (often between two and five years). After this period, CUAs are reviewed with the possibility of being re-tendered.

Most CUAs are mandatory in the Perth Metropolitan area so if an item is available on a CUA, government officers must buy it from one of the contracted suppliers unless Finance grants an exemption.

As a supplier, the process to apply to be on a CUA is generally the open tender process, explained in Open Tender.

Each CUA has a contract manager who provides advice and works with suppliers to ensure that they meet their contractual obligations.

To find out if there are CUAs relevant to your business, go to the Common Use Arrangements (CUAs) page.

Opportunities for Aboriginal businesses

The State Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal owned businesses and organisations.

There are government and agency initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of Aboriginal businesses.

The Contracting with the Western Australian Government - A Guide for Aboriginal Businesses helps businesses understand WA government procurement policies and processes to harness the opportunities presented by the Aboriginal Procurement Policy and other procurement initiatives.  It also identifies organisations that assist businesses with:

  • finance and economic support
  • training, mentoring and capability
  • brokering and connecting

 

Marketing your business to government buyers

When buying goods and services up to $250,000 that are not on a CUA, government buyers may source from suppliers that they have identified and deem appropriate.

Marketing your business to relevant agencies will help to make sure that you are on the radar of potential buyers.

These following tools will help you identify potential buyers.

If you are emailing government buyers, you should use government email addresses carefully and thoughtfully.

When you are marketing your product or service, purchasing officers will be looking for:

  • proof of value for money
  • competitive price
  • quality
  • evidence of your capability and experience as a supplier

For the best response from purchasing officers:

  • keep your pitch specific and relevant to their needs
  • identify yourself – provide clear details of who you are and the company or business that you work for. Offer your contact information (direct phone number, email address, country of origin etc)
  • clearly and succinctly describe your product, and offer a link to a website or more documentation if they request it

The Western Australian Government encourages its staff to use government purchasing cards when paying suppliers. If you have credit card facilities in place and accept the government purchasing card, you can:

  •  eliminate payment delays
  •  benefit from improved cash flow
  •  reduce paperwork from purchase orders and requests for duplicate invoices​

Acting ethically - with integrity and accountability

Government also expects suppliers to act ethically with integrity and accountability. Some agencies may publish their integrity and accountability expectations on their websites.

Suppliers that are found to engage in the worst cases of wrongdoing may be prevented from contracting with Government under the Debarment Regime. The Debarment Regime: Guide for suppliers contains more information to help suppliers understand their responsibilities under the Regime.

Training opportunities and support resources

Where you can find support for suppliers.

​Finance provides training and support for suppliers seeking to supply goods and services to government.

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