Activity in the Defence construction space is on the rise again with fourteen Request For Tenders (RFTs) currently open with atleast three weeks response time remaining. These RFTs range in their requirements and include civil works, asbestos removal, hydraulics, building design, construction and electrical upgrades. The work is also scattered across the country at a variety of Defence establishments. This week there are 4 RFTs requiring electrical work, high and low voltage in NSW and Queensland. As with all Defence Construction work there are some key features that tenderers need to be aware of:
Tender Particulars – Your first port of call should be the Tender Partuculars table. It will outline among other things, Industry Brief time and place, regulatory requirements, plans to be submitted and key personnel required. Its a good starting point to determine if your company capability is suited to this RFT. Note the preparation time for these tenders is usually 4-6 weeks.
Confidentiality Agreements – Most RFTs will not publish the scope of work details on Austender. You will be required to submit a Confidentiality agreement to receive the Scope of Work.
Building Works Code 2016 – All these RFTs require compliance with this Code at time of tender submission and some may also require a Workplace Relations Management Plan.
WH&S Accreditation – This is not always a requirement and is subject to the scope of work for each tender. Most of the electrical upgrade tenders released this week do NOT require it.
Indigenous Procurement Policy – Mandatory requirements are not applicable in the case of this weeks highlighted RFTs, however you will still need to outline your policies and practices with regards to indigenous procurement.
Medium Works Contract – All Defence Estate Works Program RFTs are based on a Medium Works Contracting template. So its worth your while becoming familiar with its contents.
Alternate Tenders – Defence will accept alternative tenders only with respect to alternate designs and only if you have submitted a conforming tender with the RFT requirements and the alternative proposal is in addition, not instead of a conforming tender.
More details on preparing for Defence Construction RFTs can be found here.
If you are after specific advice on these or any other opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us.
