Overview
We take a proactive approach to supplier diversity. This promotes equal opportunity in the supply marketplace by encouraging the purchase of goods and services from a more diverse range of businesses including those owned by, or that assist, under-represented groups.
When considering a quote, tender or potential supplier, we consider if the purchase represents value for money.
Indigenous businesses
We adhere to the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP)External Link, in conjunction with Exemption 16 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs)External Link, to provide a streamlined framework when engaging Indigenous businesses.
We use the Supply NationExternal Link website to identify Indigenous businesses that can provide the goods or services required. Only businesses registered with Supply Nation will show in the search results on their website.
Supply Nation outlines the eligibility criteriaExternal Link for their Indigenous business registration. Once registered, they provide support to Indigenous businesses applying for corporate and government contracts through their ‘Winning’ guidelines and resources.
The Selling to Government guide also has Information for Indigenous businessesExternal Link. This provides additional information around the government’s approach to procuring with Indigenous businesses. It also advises how to locate opportunities, respond to tenders, and provides general guidance for selling to the Australian Government.
Under the IPPExternal Link, a non-Indigenous supplier may have minimum participation or engagement requirements, depending on the value or industry sector that the contract relates to. Details of these requirements or any Indigenous Participation Plan conditions will be included in the request for tender documents.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan encourages the inclusion of Indigenous businesses through direct procurement and throughout our supply chain.
Australian Disability Enterprises
Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) are generally not-for-profit organisations. They provide supported employment opportunities to people with disability to help them gain training and experience.
ADEs support people with moderate to severe disabilities to engage in a wide variety of work tasks. They offer similar working conditions as other employers and an opportunity for people with a disability to contribute to their local community.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has contracted the National Disability Services (NDS) to provide the BuyAbilityExternal Link website. BuyAbility provides a directory of ADEs and the goods or services they offer.
The ATO considers Exception 15 (in Appendix A of the CPRs) when reviewing procurement requirements and can identify ADEs to provide goods or services by searching the BuyAbilityExternal Link website.
The DSS provides further information on Disability Employment ProgramsExternal Link.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Under Exemption 17External Link of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), we can directly contract with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)External Link for procurements up to $500,000 (GST included), as long as value for money is demonstrated.
Before engaging with an SME under this exemption, we must first satisfy the requirements under the Indigenous Procurement Policy, namely allowing Indigenous businesses the opportunity for the chance to bid for the good or service.
If we engage an SME under Exemption 17, they may be required to provide proof of their SME status.
The Selling to Government guide has Information for small businessesExternal Link to navigate the government’s tender processes and supports SMEs selling to the Australian Government.