Procurement

The department’s approach to procuring goods and services, including consultancies, is consistent with, and reflects the principles of, the Commonwealth Procurement Rules. These rules are applied to activities through the department’s accountable authority instructions, supporting operational guidelines and procurement framework.

Information on significant procurements expected to be undertaken in 2017–18 is in the department’s annual procurement plan, available from the AusTender website.

Australian National Audit Office Access clauses

No contracts of $100,000 or more (inclusive of GST) were let during 2016–17 that did not provide for the Auditor-General to have access to the contractor’s premises.

Exempt contracts

No contracts in excess of $10,000 (inclusive of GST) or standing offers were exempted by the Secretary from being published on AusTender on the basis that they would disclose exempt matters under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

Initiatives to support small business and indigenous business

The department supports small business participation in the Australian Government procurement market. Participation statistics for small and medium enterprises and small enterprises are available on the web page Statistics on Australian Government Procurement Contracts on the department’s website.

The department recognises the importance of ensuring that small businesses are paid on time. The results of the survey of Australian Government payments to small business are available on The Treasury website.

The department’s support for small business includes using the Commonwealth contracting suite for low-risk procurements valued under $200,000.

The department supports the goals of the Indigenous Procurement Policy. Its successful achievement of its 2016–17 target is reflected on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.