Purchasing

This section of the guide covers purchasing goods and services (procurement) by Commonwealth entities.

It is relevant to all non-corporate Commonwealth entities and certain corporate Commonwealth entities prescribed in section 30 of the PGPA Rule.

Other corporate Commonwealth entities are encouraged to apply these procurement policies and processes.

Topics covered in this section of the guide:

• Commonwealth procurement framework
• Whole of Australian Government procurement arrangements
• Whole of Australian Government travel arrangements
• AusTender
• BuyRight Tool
• Commonwealth Contracting Suite

Useful resources and contact information are available in the table below.
 

First steps

When establishing your new entity you will need to:

• Determine your internal governance, procedures and policies for purchasing. See the ‘Governance and compliance’ section of this guide for more information on internal governance including spending delegations and Accountable Authority Instructions.
• Contact the Department of Finance to establish key procurement contacts and arrange an initial meeting with Procurement Policy via email procurementagencyadvice@finance.gov.au.

Commonwealth procurement framework

The Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) are the core of the Commonwealth procurement framework, containing the basic rule set for all Commonwealth purchases and governing how entities buy goods and services. Supporting the CPRs are web-based guidance, tools and templates.

Familiarise yourself with the Buying for the Australian Government guidance.

Be aware that Procurement Connected Policies may be relevant depending on the nature of your purchase.

Finance has developed numerous guides, tools and templates to assist entities undertaking procurement processes. Relevant resource management guides are available under Tools and templates. 

Further information and guidance on the Commonwealth procurement framework is available on the Finance website. 

Whole of government arrangements

Whole of Australian Government Procurement arrangements are set up for Commonwealth entities when purchasing certain goods or services such as stationery, major office machines, car leasing and travel, among other things.

These arrangements, some of which are mandatory, ensure more efficient processes to deliver better prices, service and quality for the Commonwealth.

Contact the relevant panel manager for access to panel documentation and guidance (via the link above).

Whole of government travel arrangements

Whole of Australian Government (WoAG) Travel Arrangements are mandatory for non-corporate Commonwealth entities. Corporate Commonwealth entities and Commonwealth companies can participate in the Arrangements with the agreement of Finance.

For information on WoAG Travel Arrangements and the shared services program is available on the Finance website or email woagtravel@finance.gov.au.

AusTender

AusTender is the Australian Government's procurement information system. It provides centralised publication of Australian Government business opportunities, annual procurement plans and contracts awarded.

There are mandatory publishing and reporting requirements for Commonwealth procurements on AusTender.

BuyRight

BuyRight is a tool developed to assist you through the procurement process. It is designed to step you through the process to ensure you understand your obligations under the relevant policies and regulations including the Commonwealth Procurement Framework.

Commonwealth Contracting Suite

The Commonwealth Contracting Suite (CCS) is mandatory for purchases under $200,000. For queries in relation to accessing and using the CCS and ClauseBank contact CCSDesk@finance.gov.au.

Key tasks