Increasingly, government departments are using Standing Offer Panels to bring about efficiency in procurement and improve value for money. A standing offer is a contracting mechanism, usually referred to as a Deed, whereby a set of terms and conditions are agreed upon up front as well as a schedule of rates per item/task/service. There is no guarantee of order placement under a standing offer, and the deed can be signed with more than one service provider, ie a panel of providers. From a service provider’s perspective, the value of a Standing Offer will depend on the number of providers on the panel and how often the government department intends to use the agreement.
This week sees the release of five different Standing offers, four of which are seeking a panel of providers, thereby increasing the chance of bid success.
ISREW Security Services: The Department of Defence is seeking security services to projects within the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) Branch. The service provider will be required to develop and deliver Commonwealth security procedures, protocols, practices and policies. This includes developing and delivering security risk assessments and training as well as security services related to commonwealth facilities. An Industry Briefing may be held on 12th September 19, but is yet to be confirmed. This RFT closes 8 Oct 19.
Navy Port Agency Services: Another opportunity from the Department of Defence, this approach to market seeks the provision of a range of logistic support services to Navy vessels. Services include:
a. management services, including ship liaison prior to, during and after the visit, meet and greet, delivery of mail and newspapers, emergency and general information, collection and delivery of naval stores and personnel, sport and recreational information and invoicing;
b. port services, including port entry clearances, pilotage, tugs, wharfage, anchorage, brows and fenders, cranes, power, water, waste, sewage removal and fuel;
c. general services, such as telephones, domestic repairs and laundry;
d. transport, such as personnel boats and hire vehicles;
e. force protection including containers, fencing, razor wire, vehicle barriers, signage, security guards, water borne barriers, patrol boats and lighting; and
f. supply of provisions, canteen and consumable items.
g. support to Logistic Support Elements
An Industry Briefing is being held on 20th September 19 at Defence Plaza, Sydney NSW, and this RFT closes 15th November 19.
Rotary wing aerial surveillance services: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is seeking potential suppliers to carry out aerial surveillance services within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and potentially within broader Queensland. Suppliers will be primarily involved in conducting aerial surveillance work using its own aircraft and have its own aircraft pilots with an expected usage over the next 12 months of 60 days (390hrs) of aerial surveillance. Specific requirements have been specified for both the aircraft and the pilot and it is to be noted that no subcontracting of any part of this Standing Offer Arrangement is permitted. This RFT closes 4th Oct 19.
Process Server: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is looking to establish a Standing Offer panel of providers who have the necessary skills and capacity to act as process servers on an “as needed” basis. The services include regular document pick up from ASIC offices (plus others from time to time) and the ‘serving’ of documents to specified parties. The services are required nationally and tenderers are to specify the states and territories that they are offering to provide the Services. Suppliers will be required to provide accurate sworn affidavits of service in the form agreed by ASIC, and may be required to give evidence in court in respect of any affidavits or statements they have served or attempted to serve. The closing date for this RFT is 30 Sept 19.
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