The Australian Government is committed to capability uplift in procurement. In March 2019, the Department of Finance launched the Centre of Procurement Excellence (CoPE), which aims to build public sector capability in procurement, strengthen partnerships with the business community and encourage innovation to drive better value for money outcomes.
The CoPE runs a number of initiatives aimed at uplifting the procurement and contract management capability of Australian Public Service officials and raising the profile of procurement and contract management across the Commonwealth. These initiatives are described below:
Pathways to Procurement Program
The Pathways to Procurement (PtP) program is an initiative designed to enhance procurement and contract management capabilities within the Australian Public Service (APS). It aims to establish a structured and sustainable pathway that supports APS officials who are new to procurement and contract management roles, enabling them to quickly build the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
The program incorporates procurement and contract management training modules developed and delivered by Finance, a Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting delivered by a Registered Training Organisation, and additional professional development content.
Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Community of Practice (CoP)
The CoP is an online community which aims to improve procurement and contract management capability and practices across the Commonwealth. The CoP brings together officials undertaking procurements or managing contracts to share best practice, raise procurement and contract management related issues, seek guidance, hear from industry and government experts, and receive updates on policy, guidance and associated systems and tools. This forum also hosts regular meetings.
Membership to the CoP is open to all Australian Government Officials who undertake procurement or contract management in their role.
Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Awards for Excellence
The Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Awards for Excellence (the Awards) program is hosted by Finance and aims to promote the important role procurement plays in delivering services and outcomes for government, the business community and the Australian public.
The Awards celebrate the positive procurement achievements delivered by entities by showcasing better practice, leadership, innovation and excellence.
The Awards help build a community of engaged procurement and contract management professionals who share knowledge on innovative approaches and lessons learned on procurement and contract management activities.
Procurement Bulletin
The procurement bulletin is a bimonthly publication that consists of procurement related entity notices, information on coordinated arrangements, upcoming events, Frequently Asked Questions and more. Membership to receive the Bulletin is restricted to Australian Government Officials only.
Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Capability Self-Assessment Survey
The Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Capability Self-Assessment Survey (the Survey) aims to provide insights into entity processes and capability, tracks performance against the results from previous years, as well as providing comparisons with other Commonwealth entities.
It is a useful tool for entities to identify areas where internal capability can be targeted for improvement, and a useful tool for the Department of Finance to identify target areas for training, tools, and guidance.
You can view the most recent Whole of Government Snapshot Report here.
Learning and Development
Finance offers procurement and contract management training through the Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite to APS officials from non-corporate Commonwealth entities and prescribed corporate Commonwealth entities at no cost.
The suite is suitable for APS officials who are new to procurement, need a refresher, or want to transition to a role in procurement or contract management. Courses benefit those working in procurement or contract management on an ad hoc basis, regular procurers and contract managers, or delegates (including SES).
The suite comprises training courses that aim to develop sustainable and enduring procurement and contract management capabilities across the APS. The suite enhances the capability and confidence of APS procurers, contract managers, and delegates to ensure value for money is achieved.
These courses are available on the APS Academy.
For more information, please contact procurement.training@finance.gov.au.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the Centre of Procurement Excellence or its initiatives, contact us at procurementexcellence@finance.gov.au.
