About the ACCP Commissioning project
In 2022, the Department of Treasury conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the ACCP to inform consideration of the longer-term funding of the Program. One of the recommendations was to recommission the ACCP through a procurement process.
In 2023, Keogh Bay undertook the Service Redesign Project for the ACCP. These two significant reviews underpin the 2024-25 ACCP procurement approach.
The ACCP seeks to increase the number of ACCOs leading ACCP services in line with the National Agreement and Communities’ Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) Strategy with the aim of having all 13 locations serviced by ACCOs.
Procurement approach
Currently 10 ACCOs are delivering ACCP services in 11 locations statewide, with an additional two non-ACCOs providing services in their respective locations. Communities is now recommissioning the ACCP and seeks to procure services from ACCOs first and foremost in all 13 locations.
Communities recognises the importance of ACCOs and their pivotal role in delivering culturally secure services to Aboriginal people. Communities’ method of procuring ACCP services has been tailored to best support ACCOs.
The procurement method supports numerous national, state and departmental strategies and plans committed to building the ACCO sector and increasing ACCO-led service delivery. These include:
- National Agreement on Closing the Gap
- Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy 2021–2029
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Strategy 2022–2032.
To support ACCOs and Aboriginal businesses to tender for ACCP services, additional features have been built into the procurement process, including publishing a draft RFT for feedback, extending the length of Tender advertisement from four to six weeks, and the inclusion of a verbal offer or interview component as part of the evaluation.
Additionally, Communities completed a service redesign in October 2023. The service redesign is underpinned by the extensive consultation and codesign with current providers, service partners and service users. The service redesign now informs the procurement approach.
The three proposed procurement approaches are:
- Two Stage Process – a Registration of Interest (ROI) followed by an RFT. This is restricted to ACCOs in 8 locations, namely Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Wyndham, Hedland, Roebourne, Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie at a fixed price per location. This approach supports the participation of emerging place based ACCOs, with local knowledge and connections to communities where the services will be delivered. It also gives ACCOs the opportunity to bid for services in that location. Additionally, it provides opportunities for capacity building of smaller regional ACCOs.
- Preferred Service Provider Request for Tender (RFT) for 4 locations, these being Halls Creek, Geraldton, Meekatharra, and Perth at a fixed price per location.
- Direct negotiation for one location, namely Laverton.
Download the ACCP Commissioning Procurement Approach infographic (PDF, 307KB)
Service providers in the 8 locations have submitted a register of interest via Tenders WA. Submissions closed on 17 December 2024.
The second stage of the procurement process is underway. Requests for Tenders were released to all locations on 8 April 2025. The tenders close on 23 May 2025.
View the ACCP tenders on Tenders WA
To support ACCOs with their written offer, a one-hour Verbal Offer session with each respondent forms an important element of the procurement process. The Verbal Offer sessions are generally held on location following the submission of the written offer for this Request for Tender (RFT). These will be held throughout June and July 2025.
For more information, view the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below or contact the Aboriginal Community Connectors Program team aboriginalcommunityconnectors@communities.wa.gov.au.
FAQs
1. What is the proposed procurement approach for ACCP services?
Show morePlease note: All respondents must complete a request for tender (RFT) whether their location is a two-stage process (ROI/ RFT), PSP or direct negotiation.
- ACCOs submitting an ROI will be invited to submit an RFT to demonstrate their capacity and capability to deliver the services.
- The ROI closed on 17 December 2024.
2. How have the different approaches (PSP, ROI/RFT, direct negotiation) been determined in each location?
Show moreThe procurement approach is underpinned by significant market research and extensive consultation with service providers and community members.
Each location is unique in terms of its demographic profile, the number of ACCOs, their core business focus, the capacity and capability of respective ACCOs and the types of ACCP services that need to be delivered.
Preferred service providers (PSPs) have been identified in locations where:
- the current service provider continues to deliver an effective service according to contract requirements i.e. continuously meeting agreed service specifications, outcomes, quality standards;
- the client-to-service provider relationship is working well with positive relationship outcomes;
- the provider is delivering services in line with the updated (redesigned) service model while operating efficiently and effectively; and/or
- there is a limited number of ACCOs or no ACCOs operate in the location.
A registration of interest (ROI) / request for tender (RFT) approach is being adopted where:
- the market research has identified several potential providers in that location;
- ACCOs have expressed interest in the opportunity to tender for ACCP service delivery during the community consultation for the ACCP service redesign.
An ROI process will identify other ACCOs looking at the opportunity to deliver ACCP services (current or other potential service providers)
ACCOs submitting an ROI will then be invited to submit an RFT to demonstrate their capacity and capability to deliver the services.
Direct negotiation applies to the location where there is only one ACCO in the area. This service provider will transition from a Grant Agreement to a Service Agreement.
Please note: All respondents must complete a request for tender (RFT) whether their location is a two-stage process (ROI/ RFT), PSP or direct negotiation.
- ACCOs submitting an ROI will be invited to submit an RFT to demonstrate their capacity and capability to deliver the services.
3. What is the proposed procurement approach for ACCP services delivered in the Perth metropolitan area?
Show moreA preferred service provider (PSP) approach will be adopted for the metro region.
The size and scope of ACCP operations in the metro region is considerable and the resources required to deliver an effective service in the metro area are significant. This includes the number of locations, transport and staffing arrangements, as well as links to other services and projects.
It is vital community members are not adversely affected by service gaps in ACCP service delivery and no impacts on the provision of integrated services with other not-for-profit organisations, local governments and other state government agencies.
The organisation delivering the redesigned ACCP services in the metro region must have the capacity, capability and resources to deliver a service of this size and scope.
Nyoongar Outreach Services (NOS) will be tendering to deliver the metropolitan ACCP services under a PSP approach.
NOS deliver effective ACCP services aligned to the updated service model. The services this organisation delivers are unique to this ACCO, being an outreach focused model and providing integrated services with several not-for-profit service providers.
NOS has built good relations with clients across 8 metro locations and with other service providers for a number of years.
Over the years, NOS has built considerable resources to deliver an effective service in the metro area.
4. Do I need to complete a request for tender?
Show moreAll respondents must complete a request for tender (RFT) whether their location is a two stage process (ROI/ RFT), PSP or direct negotiation.
5. How will I be notified when the ACCP tenders have been released?
Show moreCommunities will notify ACCOs in each of the locations of an impending procurement process. This will be via telephone and email initially.
Communities will then notify ACCOs when the RFT has been posted on Tenders WA.
Please note: The RFT is currently advertised on Tenders WA and closes on 23 May 2025.
This website will be regularly monitored and updated.
6. When does the procurement process start and end?
Show moreThe procurement process starts in November 2024 and ends in November 2025.
The ROI was released in November 2024 and closed on 17 December 2024.
The RFT was released on 8 April 2025 and closes on 23 May 2023.
Verbal offers will be held throughout June to August with all respondents completing the RFT. See Q10
Evaluation of written and verbal offers from August to November 2025.
7. What are the proposed commencement dates for each of the ACCP program service agreements?
Show moreAll new Service Agreements will commence on 1 July 2026.
8. How are Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) being supported to participate in the tender for ACCP services?
Show moreCommunities is committed to supporting ACCO-led service delivery of ACCP and where this is not possible, strengthening partnership arrangements between ACCOs and non-ACCOs to deliver these important services.
Communities will be undertaking a different procurement approach depending on the location.
Communities recognises that the ACCP services in both metropolitan and regional locations support Aboriginal people and it is important that the procurement approach supports local ACCOs to tender for these services.
There are 8 locations where a two stage ROI followed by an RFT has been determined as the procurement approach.
ACCOs in these locations who identify that their organisation has the capacity and capability to deliver ACCP services are encouraged to apply.
- The registration of interest (ROI) template has been designed to be straightforward and easy to complete.
- The request for tender will require your organisation to provide detail on how the ACCP is delivered. These tendering requirements are tailored to support ACCO participation. It is designed to balance the tendering requirements with a tailored approach to support ACCO participation.
- The tender will be open for 6 weeks to support ACCOs completing the RFT.
- There is also an interview that respondents are required to attend.
- The interview provides an opportunity for the ACCO / respondent to clarify or further explain their organisation’s approach to ACCP service delivery.
- Additionally, there is opportunity for ACCOs to provide feedback on the RFT. Communities will hold a workshop (date tbc) to enable prospective respondents to discuss content and the procurement process.
9. Are there any additional ways Communities is supporting ACCOs to tender for the ACCP services?
Show moreCommunities will provide early notification to ACCOs of the impending tender.
Communities will ensure timely communication updates to keep ACCOs informed, for example updating the ACCP webpage.
Communities will interview respondents as part of the evaluation process. The interviews will be held in each location where services are being tendered for. The Evaluation Panel comprises Aboriginal representation.
Communities will be working with Aboriginal Regional Coordinators and Aboriginal Practice Leaders on how Communities can additionally support ACCOs throughout the tender period.
10. What is involved in the interview or 'verbal offer' process?
Show moreThe verbal offer is a key component of the evaluation process along with the written RFT submission.
The verbal offer enables ACCO respondents to provide additional detail to their responses and clarity around their RFT submission. The verbal offer questions are detailed in the RFT and this provides good guidance and support to shape ACCO responses in the RFT. The same interview questions are asked to all organisations undertaking the verbal offer.
The verbal offer/interview will be one hour long. Communities’ preference is to have face-to-face interviews in each location. An interview panel generally comprises 4 people, including three from Communities and one representative from another government agency. Aboriginal representation on the verbal offer panel is required.
ACCOs can have five (5) representatives (maximum) attending the verbal offer session. Representatives can include the following:
- CEO
- Staff members
- Consultant
- Emerging leadership
- Elders
- CSO representative (if partnering)
11. Will ACCOs be required to provide ACCP services to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families?
Show moreACCP services provide support to Aboriginal people in each of the 13 locations. ACCOs will work alongside Aboriginal community members and the respective cohorts in each community.
12. My organisation is a non-ACCO community services organisation. What is the process for tendering for ACCP services?
Show moreThe procurement process aims to have ACCOs deliver the ACCP in each of the 13 locations across WA, therefore ACCOs will be prioritised to tender for a service.
ACCOs may elect to partner with a non-ACCO community services organisation if that ACCO deems it a preferable approach to service delivery.
13. Will non-successful tenderers be provided with feedback?
Show moreNon-successful respondents will receive written advice outlining why they were not successful. Formal debriefs will be scheduled at a time to be advised.
14. What happens when a new organisation is awarded a contract? How are they supported?
Show moreThe Department of Communities will work collaboratively with each new ACCO. It is vital that newly contracted ACCOs are able to get off to a good start. The ACCP has developed a transition plan to support these new ACCOs; this support covers areas such as contract management, Connect App training, resources and tools, staff training. Exiting providers may also share information and resources with the new provider.
The Department acknowledges the focus and willingness to prioritise the best interests of Aboriginal community members and their circumstances to enable a seamless transition.
15. When will the transition occur?
Show moreNew contracts will commence on 1 July 2026.
Contract meetings will be held with ACCOs new to the ACCP. This is the first step in the transition process and other elements will happen throughout the first few months of service delivery.
What if I have further questions?
Show moreThis Frequently Asked Questions resource has been developed to provide some initial responses to questions you may have after viewing the Pre-Tender Information PPT presentation.
If you have further questions or are seeking additional information, please contact aboriginalcommunityconnectors@communities.wa.gov.au
Links for further information:
The following provides links to relevant National and State initiatives and websites:
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