While many industries are shutting down, there are key services such as health, supply chain and government services that certainly aren’t. These services are essential for lives and livelihoods during this crisis and will continue to employ and operate. Additionally, while we are not in complete lock down, industries such as civil works, building and construction can maintain some level of momentum.
Construction sites may not be buzzing with as many workers due to social distancing measures, but projects can still progress. This is reflected in the tendering space where a large portion of Requests for Tender (RFT) that remain active and that are still being released are for construction related projects. This is reflected in Commonwealth and state based tenders where the trend extends to transport and infrastructure projects. With the majority of this work due for commencement in 4-6 months, maintaining momentum on these RFTs will ensure these projects are well placed to assist economic growth at a time when the country will be ready to restart.
So if you are in the building/construction/civil works industry, a few points to note when considering related RFTs:
Closing Dates are Changing: As company workflows become disjointed with staff separation, government is extending the closing date of many RFTs. So keep a look out for addendum. Note not all RFTs are being extended!
Industry Briefs/Site Visits: With RFT extensions comes changes in industry briefs. Keep a look out for variations in dates and arrangements for these briefs and site inspections, many of which are being held remotely/virtually, or via one on one meetings. If a site inspection is no longer being held on site, you will need to be extra careful with your due diligence to ensure that you have sufficient information to undertake pricing and assess the risks. Ask for photos/videos and past inspection data that may assist you.
Questions: Closing dates for questions will be extended with an RFT extension, so be sure to inform your bid team. Use this time wisely and ensure you obtain all the clarification you need, particularly if you no longer have access to a site visit.
Defence Estate Specifics: The majority of Commonwealth tenders in this space are issued by Defence for the upgrade of establishments and facilities across the country. Working on a Defence construction project has its peculiarities, so there are a few items you need to be aware of when tendering, such as security, heritage and operational requirements. More information can be found here.
There is still plenty of activity in the tendering space, so if you are after further advice on this topic or any opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
