The Northern Territory Government 2015/16 financial year infrastructure program is currently valued at a record $1.596 billion, creating opportunities across the Territory’s construction sector for local businesses to tender for Government work.
The Department of Infrastructure wants to see all businesses get a fair go in sharing the delivery of construction projects across the Territory. The Department has implemented transparent and fair procurement processes to ensure all businesses tendering for these contracts have a clear understanding of how their tenders are assessed and the timeframes within which these tenders are finalised.
Chief Executive Dave McHugh said the Department held industry forums in Alice Springs and Darwin this month where productive discussion took place around procurement processes as well as open communication about how the system works.
“The Department is committed to engaging with industry as well as business operators across the construction sector to look at how the Department can best meet industry needs while delivering the best outcome for the Northern Territory public in the delivery of this record infrastructure program.
“We have listened to industry feedback and included a shortlisting process which must include a minimum of three submitted tenders from the NT, and within seven days businesses will know whether or not they have been shortlisted.
“All tenders which are submitted are assessed with regard to achieving the best value for Government’s investment. Price is one factor which is considered, but past performance is also assessed, as are other benefits such as local content and compliance.
“Last month the Department implemented a specialised group of tender assessment panel chairpersons to ensure expertise and consistency is included in every tender assessment. The Tender Assessment Group (TAG) chairs all Tiers 3, 4 and 5 tender assessments.
“The Department also aims for a quick turnaround, and with recent changes to the conditions of tendering we can now fast track tender assessments. Under these changes we have now committed to a seven-day turnaround for shortlisting of the top three tenders and a target duration of a maximum of 28 days from tender close to tender award.
“The Northern Territory Government’s Buy Local policy is also applied, with the minimum weighting for local businesses now at 25 per cent since last month, up from the previous weighting of 20 per cent under Local Development Value Adding (LDVA).
“Under the Buy Local policy, weighting is given to Indigenous employment, apprentice employment, NT social and economic contribution and use of local suppliers and sub contractors.”
Media enquiries: Shannon Rice, Communications Manager, Department of Infrastructure 0477 388 404