WAIPS requirements

Depending on the value of the supply contract, an agency may need to prepare a simple participation plan requirement that will involve prospective suppliers to:

• Estimate workforce numbers.
• Demonstrate how they will generate local economic benefits.
• Explain how they will provide full, fair and reasonable opportunity to local industry.
• Provide information on engagement of subcontractors valued at $20,000 and above.

A more detailed plan requiring the same information as the simple participation plan, with detail about subcontractor requirements and supply packages which have a threshold of $100,000 and above also sought.

Procuring agencies are responsible for ensuring that the link to the participation plan template is inserted into the tender document. This link is generated via the WAIPS Portal by creating a participation plan requirement, questions will be generated based on the estimated contract value provided.

This ensures that all participation plans and their subsequent reports are linked to the appropriate tender.

Procuring officers can refer to the Tender and contract model clauses document for guidance. These clauses detail important wording for consideration in relation to WAIPS participation plans and reporting obligations.

Participation plans are assessed by the procuring agency. At their discretion, participation plans can be weighted at either 10% or 20% of the qualitative evaluation criteria in a tender for a WAIPS supply.

For more information, visit the Agency guidelines for assessment of a participation plan page.

Contracting agencies must submit the successful bidder's participation plan to the WA Industry Link within 2 months of contract award, through the WAIPS Portal(link is external). For detailed instructions, refer to the WAIPS Portal user guide for agencies. 

The Western Australian Jobs Act 2017 allows for a procurement agency to be exempt from WAIPS procurement planning obligations.

Exemptions can be granted by the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade or his delegate, the Director General of JTSI or their delegate. Exemptions can be granted in 2 ways:

1. On a case by case basis or
2. As a standing exemption in relation to a prescribed class or circumstance of WAIPS supply.

All approved WAIPS exemptions are published on this website.

Exemptions can be requested via the WAIPS Portal. Further information on exemptions and the application process can be found on the WAIPS participation plan exemption process guide page.

Reporting on outcomes from the participation plan is required on contract completion or as negotiated with the responsible government agency.

All reporting requirements must be completed via the WAIPS Portal. Further instructions on how to fulfil these obligations can be found on the WAIPS Portal User Guide for Businesses page.

Reporting requirements are a contractual obligation, and these reports may be subject to an independent audit. You should also inform suppliers that their business may be listed in a non-compliance register, and any unfulfilled commitments will be considered in the assessment of future bids.

The government may use project-specific employment information, either committed or reported, for the business of government.

Reporting obligations apply to all WAIPS contracts, including those exempted from participation plans, as well as grants, Common Use Agreement and agency panel contracts, and Delivering Community Services in Partnership service providers.