Overarching Procurement Requirements

The Government’s procurement policy provides the framework for agencies to achieve value for money from their procurement whilst being fair, ethical and transparent.

These overarching documents are relevant to all procurement categories and steps

NSW Government Procurement Policy Statement

The NSW Government Procurement Policy is implemented as a Treasurer’s Direction under Section 9 (1) of the Public Finance and Audit Act. The primary objective of the Procurement Policy is to ensure government procurement activities achieve value for money in support of government service delivery, whilst being fair, ethical and transparent. The Policy applies on a whole-of-government basis to all government departments, statutory authorities, trusts and other government entities. State Owned Corporations under the State Owned Corporations Act are exempt although they are encouraged to adopt aspects of the Policy that are consistent with their corporate intent.

View the TPP04-01 Policy Paper

NSW Government Code of Practice for Procurement

The Code of Practice and its related Implementation guidelines cover all government procurement and outline the philosophy, obligations and standards of behaviour applicable to all parties in the supply chain during the procurement process.

View the NSW Government Code of Practice for Procurement

NSW Government Tendering Guidelines

The Tendering Guidelines provide agencies with a structured approach to planning and implementing tendering and associated processes. The Guidelines also provide industry with an understanding of the processes undertaken by NSW Government agencies to ensure fairness and probity in tendering.

View the NSW Government Tendering Guidelines

Engagement of Government Agencies as Service Providers

Subject to value for money considerations, the use of public sector expertise and resources to undertake a work or service, especially for simple low risk procurements, is encouraged.

View the C2006-55 Department of Premier and Cabinet Circular

View the C2008-40 Department of Premier and Cabinet Circular

 Corruption prevention

• ICAC Advice on Major Government Contracts or Proposals M2005-08
• Use of Probity Auditors by Public Sector Agencies M1998-12
• ICAC documents:
  • Managing conflicts of interest in the public sector - resources (2004)
  • Probity and Probity Advising: guidelines for managing public sector projects (2005)
  • Pitfalls or Probity: Tendering and Purchasing Case Studies (1993)
  • Contracting for Services: The Probity Perspective (1995)
  • Direct negotiations - guidelines for managing risks in direct negotiations (2006)

Gateway Review System

Gateway reviews are independent assessments applied at key decision points in the procurement process. If the estimated cost of the project is $10m or above, or the project is assessed as high risk using the Gateway Project Profile Assessment Tool, a Gateway Strategic and a Business Case Review are to be completed.

View the Gateway Review System

Trade Agreements

The NSW Government is a signatory to or has agreed to participate in a number of trade agreements that impact on government procurement, including the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement, the Australia-Chile Free Trade Agreement, and the Australian and New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement. The obligations and requirements of these Agreements are incorporated in varius government policies and guidelines, particularly the NSW Government Tendering guideline.

View the M1998-07 Ministerial Memorandum

Total Asset Management

Total Asset Management (TAM) aims to achieve better planning and management of the State’s physical assets. Agencies’ TAM submissions are used in the development of the State’s 10 year Infrastructure Strategy.

View the TPP08-02 Policy Paper

View the TC08-06 Treasury Circular

Records Management Standards and Practices

Actions and decisions need to be accounted for and, in particular, good record keeping of decisions is imperative for auditing and accountability purposes. Records are to be kept in accordance with government or agency requirements.
 

View the M1998-16 Ministerial Memorandum

Agencies are required to ensure that any record keeping requirements for business done using new ICT systems are met, in line with the minimum requirements of the Standard on digital record keeping
  View the M2009-11 Ministerial Memorandum
View the State Records advice on considering digital recordkeeping as part of systems development or procurement 

Privately Financed Projects

Working with Government web site provides a framework that enables both the public and private sectors to deliver privately financed projects (PFPs) and major infrastructure development in NSW.

View the TC06/25 Treasury Circular

Public Disclosure of Information arising from NSW Government Tenders and Contracts

The government is committed to transparency in its tendering and contracting practices. Disclosure requirements for contracts are captured within the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

View the M2007-01 Ministerial Memorandum and guideline

Major Capital Projects Reporting System

Agencies are required to report on all major capital projects that are included in the Budget Paper No.4 State Asset Acquisition Program. The reporting system is internet based and operated by NSW Treasury. The report is prepared for Cabinet for its monitoring of the State’s capital projects.

View the Major Capital Projects Reporting System

Guidelines for Assessment of Projects of State Significance

This guideline details the requirements to be met by government businesses before they enter binding commitments in relation to Projects of State Significance (as defined in the guidelines).

View the TPP02-4 Policy Paper

Sustainability Policy for NSW Government

The policy sets targets and strategies for sustainable water and energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste and fleet management and sustainable purchasing.

View the M2008-28 Ministerial Memorandum