What does being "on the Panel" mean?
Being “on the Panel” means a Service Provider is approved to deliver services under the MAS Panel. Providers deliver services in one or more Service Categories or Subcategories. Selected providers demonstrated they can deliver value for money.
The Panel can be refreshed during its term. This lets new Service Providers join and allows existing ones to apply for new service categories over time.
Is this a mandatory coordinated procurement?
Yes.
The Panel is mandatory for non‑corporate Commonwealth entities (NCEs).
The Panel is optional for:
- corporate Commonwealth entities (CCEs)
- Commonwealth companies (CCs) and
- Government Business Enterprises (GBEs).
These entities must be approved by the Department of Finance to use the Panel through a Deed of Participation.
What Services are available under the MAS Panel?
The MAS Panel provides the following management advisory services:
- financial
- corporate and
- commercial management advisory services.
These services are often classified as consultancy services.
The MAS Panel website includes an interactive Scope of Services, a printable PDF, and a Search Tool. These tools can help you find Service Providers by Service Category and Subcategory.
What is the term of the Panel and will it be refreshable?
The Panel will end on 30 September 2027. Finance can extend it for up to two more years, in full or in parts, at its discretion. In 2024, Finance extended the Panel by two years through a Deed of Variation.
The Panel can be refreshed during its term. This lets new Service Providers join and allows current providers to qualify for new Service Categories that may be added over time.
The refresh for Financial Advisory Services is now closed. The refresh for Corporate and Commercial Management Advisory Services is underway. Interested parties should register on AusTender for updates. More details are available on the MAS Panel Refresh webpage.
Industry requests to join the Panel outside a formal refresh will not be considered.
Under the MAS Panel Flexibility Framework, entities can buy services from providers not on the Panel. They may use $50,000, or 5% of their total consultancy spending each year, whichever is greater. They also have an extra 5% or $50,000 to engage First Nations businesses.
These allowances give entities more flexibility to meet specific needs. They also create opportunities for:
- new market entrants
- First Nations businesses
- SMEs and
- specialists not on the Panel.
The allowances help First Nations businesses build capability and compete for government work.
How to decide whether you need consultancy or contractor services?
To decide if the services you need are consultancy or contractor services, consider:
- the type of work and
- how much direction and control the entity has over it.
The Panel covers Management Advisory Services, which are commonly known as consultancies. These are defined as
“the provision of professional, independent advice, and other strategic services that involve the development of an intellectual output which represents the independent view of the Service Provider and assists with Entity decision‑making."
Services procured by entities under the Panel must meet the definition of a consultancy as per Resource Management Guide No 423: Procurement Publishing and Reporting Obligations.” (RMG423)
Any services bought through the Panel must meet the definition of a consultancy in Resource Management Guide No. 423 (RMG 423).
The Scope of Services is broad, how do I select the right category?
The MAS Panel covers a wide range of services. It is designed this way to:
- reflect the different types of management advisory services entities commonly use
- give SMEs and First Nations businesses more flexibility to offer specialised services
- help entities find providers that meet their business needs.
To find suitable Service Providers:
- use the Search Tool to look at Service Providers by Service Category. This can include requirements across several Service Categories.
- use the Scope of Services Guide to search by Service Subcategory for specific requirements.
The service descriptions listed under each Service Subcategory are examples only. They are not exhaustive and are not intended to limit the types of services that can be provided.
Can entities seek services across multiple Service Categories or Subcategories?
Yes. Entities can approach one provider across multiple service categories.
The Service Provider must be approved for all the Service Categories or Subcategories needed.
In the Request for Quotation or Order for Services, select the Service Category and Subcategory that covers most of the work.
Are there any services that are not in scope of the Panel?
The services available under the Panel do not include:
- contractor services managed directly by an entity, unless approved as an associated output.
- recruitment or labour hire services
- services available under other Whole of Australian Government arrangements such as legal services
- services that are unique to information and communication technology, and property consultancy services
- environmental management and assessments
- delivery of training
- engaging an eminent or prominent individual appointed to provide services and
- specialist services that are specific to an entity and not included in the Service Categories.
Can any Management Advisory Services be procured outside the Panel?
Yes. Under the Flexibility Framework, entities can purchase services outside the Panel.
Entities can spend at least $50,000 or up to 5% of their total consultancy spend per financial year (whichever is greater) on services within scope of the Panel from suppliers not on the Panel. This includes First Nations businesses.
Entities can spend an additional $50,000 or 5% (whichever is greater) to engage First Nations businesses.
The Flexibility Framework:
- gives entities flexibility to meet specific business needs
- supports new market entrants, First Nations businesses, SMEs, and specialist providers that are not on the Panel
- supports the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy. It helps First Nations businesses build capability and take part in government procurement.
The Flexibility Framework applies to non‑corporate Commonwealth entities that must use the Panel. It does not apply to the following entity types:
- corporate Commonwealth entities
- Commonwealth companies or
- Government Business Enterprises.
Entities must track their yearly consultancy spend to stay within the allowance. Finance may check compliance at the end of each financial year using:
- AusTender data
- entity annual reports and
- Panel operational reporting by Service Providers.
Can entities see the Head Agreement?
A single Head Agreement applies to all Service Providers. It is available on the Panel website and in AusTender’s Dynamic Sourcing for Panels (DS4P).
The only differences between agreements with Service Providers are:
- the contact details and address for notices
- the Service Subcategories they have been approved to provide
- the Service Provider’s rates and
- any applicable Order Value Discounts.
All of this information is in DS4P. Service Provider rates can also be viewed in the secure GovTeams community.
How will we know which Service Providers are on the Panel?
Entities can see which Service Providers are on the Panel by using the Search Tool on the MAS Panel website. The Search Tool lists Panel Service Providers and the Service Subcategories they are approved to deliver.
Service Providers are also listed:
- on AusTender under SON3751667
- in Dynamic Sourcing for Panels (DS4P) and
- in the Supplier Portal.
Is there flexibility for agencies to obtain more favourable rates than the Panel rates?
Yes, Panel rates are maximum rates. Entities can negotiate with Service Providers, especially for larger pieces of work. Negotiations can cover lower fees or different pricing arrangements. Many Service Providers also offer order value discounts.
Entities are encouraged to seek quotes from more than one supplier. The Best Practice Guide for Approaching the Market explains how to do this and how to negotiate prices.
How can entities view the Panel rates?
A secure GovTeams community provides Entities with access to rates. Requests to access the rates must show a requirement for the information. To gain access:
- log into your GovTeams account
- access the Strategic Contracting - Panel Info & Pricing community here
- request access to the community
- once you have access to the community, you will see a private pricing channel, for the MAS Panel. This hosts the Supplier Matrix with Pricing. Access to the private pricing channel is restricted to Central Procurement Teams.
- to access the private pricing channel, an Access Request Form must be completed. The form is found on the General page within the GovTeams community. You must provide:
- your contact information
- confirmation of ongoing APS employment and
- SES endorsement and their contact details.
Once the access request is approved, you will be able to access the Supplier Matrix with Pricing. Only three contacts from an Entity can have access to the GovTeams channel at once.
For help, call the MAS Contract Management Team on (02) 6215 3399 or email MASPanel@finance.gov.au.
How are quotes obtained, and contracts placed under the Panel?
Entities can request quotes from one or more relevant Service Providers. The number of quotes should reflect the size and scope of the work. Service Providers must be listed in the relevant Service Subcategory. Finance recommends approaching more than one Service Provider to increase competition and help achieve value for money.
Your internal procurement area may have entity-specific requirements. You should check with them for advice on your approach to market.
More information is available on the Purchase Services webpage.
Is there a requirement to approach an SME when issuing an RFQ?
Yes. When using the Panel, entities must support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- For procurements under $125,000 (including GST), only SMEs can be approached. Paragraph 5.5 of the CRPs provides additional guidance on this requirement.
For procurements of $125,000 (including GST) or more, entities must include at least one SME in the RFQ.
Entities must document reasons if:
- no suitable SME is available or
- an SME confirms it cannot deliver the work.
These requirements help SMEs compete for government work.
Entities can use the MAS Panel Search Tool to find SME or First Nations Service Providers.
Entities are responsible for meeting these requirements. Finance will conduct compliance checks to confirm they are being followed.
Is there a Performance Management Framework for the Panel?
Yes. The Panel has a Performance Management Framework.
Service Providers must deliver services to a high standard. Provider personnel and subcontractors must comply with:
- the Head Agreement and
- any requirements set out in an Order for Services.
The framework includes:
- Performance measures — services must meet requirements set out in the Order for Services
- Performance assessment — Finance assesses performance using information and feedback provided by entities.
- reviewing entity performance reports
- entity feedback and
- records of any security incidents or clause 23 breaches.
The Service Levels and Minimum Expected Performance requirements are set out in Schedule 7 of the Head Agreement. Service Level 3 (SL3) and Service Level 4 (SL4) are relevant to entities. Finance will assess whether Service Providers are meeting these requirements by:
For more information see Guide to Performance Reporting.
What information do Service Providers report to Finance?
Service Providers must record each signed Work Order in the Contractor Reporting, Integrity Information Solution (CRIIS) for entity endorsement. They must report paid invoices against those endorsed Work Orders.
Entities are responsible for:
- reviewing Work Orders submitted in CRIIS
- approving or rejecting Work Orders and
- ensuring CRIIS records align with signed Orders for Services.
This information is used to prepare entity Acquittal Statements for Coordinated Procurement Fee invoices.
Entities do not need to report expenditure to Finance. Entities can view their Coordinated Procurement Fee invoices and acquittal information in CRIIS.
How do I report contracts under the Panel on AusTender?
Entities must report contracts on AusTender in line with Resource Management Guide 423.
Panel contracts that meet the CPR reporting threshold must be reported on AusTender. When reporting an Order for Services under the MAS Panel, entities should:
- link the contract to Standing Offer Notice (SON) 3751667
- use the UNSPSC code 80100000 (Management Advisory Services)
- select “Open Tender” as the procurement method
- select “Yes” for Consultancy and choose the most relevant reason
This ensures contracts are reported as part of the whole‑of‑government MAS Panel.
How can entities report on Service Provider performance issues?
Entities can contact Finance to provide information on Service Provider performance issues.
Email: maspanel@finance.gov.au.
Entities using the Panel have a responsibility to:
- engage with and ensure their own understanding of the Head Agreement
- identify and manage any perceived or actual conflicts of interest
- ensure understanding of the performance measures provided
- not contribute to a perceived Service Provider performance failure and
- work with the Service Provider to resolve issues where possible, and report unresolved performance issues to Finance.
Do entities pay to use the Panel?
Yes. A Coordinated Procurement Fee applies to cover the costs of setting up and managing the Panel. Finance will manage the Head Agreement with Service Providers on behalf of Entities. The Panel Fee is charged quarterly to participating entities. The Panel Fee is calculated at 1 per cent of all Service Provider invoices paid that are reported against related Panel Work Orders. The Panel Fee is payable by entities, not Service Providers.
For information on the fee, please see Guide to the Coordinated Procurement Fee.
Are data security and consequences of a data breach covered in the Head Agreement?
Yes. The Head Agreement covers data security and data breach requirements.
Service Providers must:
- comply with these requirements and report any data breaches
- meet any additional data storage requirements set out by an entity in an Order for Services.
How does the Indigenous Procurement Policy apply to the Panel?
The mandatory set‑aside under the IPP generally does not apply to whole-of-government panels. However, entities are encouraged to source services from First Nations businesses where possible. Contracts awarded to First Nations businesses through the Panel count towards IPP targets.
For procurements over $7.5 million, the Mandatory Minimum Requirements of the IPP apply. In these cases, entities must request an Indigenous Procurement Plan when seeking quotes.
Entities can use the Search Tool on the Panel website to identify First Nations Service Providers. These providers are also flagged in Service Provider lists.
Under the Flexibility Framework, entities can commit at least $50,000 or up to 5% of their total consultancy spend per financial year (whichever is greater) on services within scope of the panel from suppliers not on the Panel, including First Nations businesses. An additional $50,000 or 5% (whichever is greater) is available specifically to engage First Nations businesses.
These allowances help First Nations businesses build capability and participate in government procurement.
Services purchased using the Flexibility Framework are not through the Panel. IPP requirements apply in full.
Further information regarding the IPP is available on the NIAA website.
Does the Australian Industry Participation Policy apply to the Panel?
For procurements valued at $20 million or check if an Australian Industry Participation Plan is required.
Contact Australian Industry Participation to discuss:
Phone: 02 6213 6404 or
Email aip@industry.gov.au.
How does the Shadow Economy Policy apply to the Panel?
The Shadow Economy Policy applies to all Panel procurements over $4 million (including GST).
All Service Providers have provided a Statement of Tax Record (STR) as part of their tender. Service Providers must keep a valid and satisfactory STR for the life of the Head Agreement and provide it to Finance or an entity if requested.
When the policy applies, entities must obtain and keep a current STR for each Order for Services.
How does the Supplier Code of Conduct apply to the Panel?
The Commonwealth Supplier Code of Conduct applies to the Panel. It came into effect on 1 July 2024.
The Code sets minimum expectations for suppliers working with the Commonwealth. Service Providers must act ethically and with integrity and accountability.
The Code must be included in all Commonwealth contracts. An entity may decide not to include the Code, or part of it, but must document the reasons for doing so.
You can find standard contract clauses and documents to support the Code in ClauseBank.
Further guidance is available on the Supplier Code of Conduct page on finance.gov.au.
How does the National Anti-Corruption Commission requirements apply to the Panel?
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) commenced operations from 1 July 2023. The NACC is an independent Australian Government entity. It detects, investigates and reports on serious corruption in the Australian Government.
Service Providers are required to cooperate with the NACC and meet all obligations relating to the prevention, detection, and reporting of corrupt conduct.
What are the Country of Tax Residency Disclosure requirements?
For procurements valued at $200,000 or more, Service Providers must declare:
- their country of tax residency and
- the country of tax residency of their ultimate parent entity (if applicable).
This disclosure is part of the general business identifier information required under Australian Government procurement policy.
Tax residency is determined under a country’s domestic tax laws. It affects where a business’s income is taxed.
Finance maintains country of tax residency information for Panel Service Providers. This information is available in Dynamic Sourcing for Panels (DS4P). It can be found under ‘Panel Documents’.
For further information on tax residency, visit the Australian Taxation Office.
How does the Workplace Gender Equality Act apply to the Panel?
Finance checked Service Provider compliance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 when the panel was established. Finance will continue to monitor the compliance during the life of the Head Agreement.
How do exemptions 6 and 16 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules apply to the Panel?
Exemptions 6 and 16 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules do not apply to the MAS panel. These exemptions relate to:
- research and development services and
- procuring goods and services from SMEs that are at least 50 per cent First Nations owned.
The Flexibility Framework allows entities to spend at least $50,000 or up to 5 per cent of their total annual consultancy spend (whichever is greater) on Service Providers not on the Panel, including SMEs and First Nations businesses.
Entities can also access an additional $50,000 or 5 per cent allowance (whichever is greater) specifically to engage First Nations businesses.
What is an Associated Output?
An Associated Output is a small amount of contractor‑type work that is needed to support or complete the main Management Advisory Services.
It must:
- be directly related to the consultancy services, and
- be necessary to deliver the work.
Any Associated Output must be clearly identified before the contract is entered into.
When issuing an RFQ, entities must describe:
- the main services required and
- any Associated Outputs in the Detailed Statement of Work.
Can Service Providers publish their inclusion to the MAS Panel on their company website?
Service Providers can publish their inclusion on the MAS Panel on their website and social media pages. All wording must be approved by Finance before any publication (Head Agreement clause 32.6.1).
Approval to publish details of any contract must be sought separately from the commissioning entity, not Finance.
Service Providers can also provide a 200-word pitch to promote their service offerings to include on the MAS Panel Search Tool. This will be approved by Finance before publishing.
When are the Service Provider Reports due?
Service Providers and entities must use the Contractor Reporting, Integrity Information Solution (CRIIS) to report work orders and paid invoices.
In CRIIS:
- Service Providers must first record the Work Order in CRIIS and nominate an entity contact to endorse it.
- The entity contact is notified when a Work Order is ready for review.
- Service Providers can record a Paid Service Invoice at any time after the Work Order has been endorsed by the entity.
Entities are responsible for:
- reviewing Work Orders submitted by Service Providers
- approving or rejecting Work Orders in CRIIS, and
- ensuring CRIIS records align with the signed Orders for Services.
Accurate Work Order records are essential for panel reporting and integrity.
How do Service Providers become aware of potential opportunities for work from the Panel?
Entities will issue an RFQ to selected authorised MAS panellists by invitation only. Requests, follow the requirements as set out in Part B (Ordered Services) and Schedule 5 (RFQ template) of the Head Agreement.
