Procurement panels combine as one, improved 'super' panel

18 December 2020

Bega Valley Shire Council is set to launch a new, consolidated ‘super’ procurement panel to cover all categories of civil and trade works and services, making it easier for suppliers to bid for Council work.

Council’s Procurement and Contracts Co-ordinator, Tim Cook said the new panel will go live early in the new year and replace the three existing panels.

“Our three panels—Trade Services, Sewerage and short-term bushfire recovery Civil Works—were due for a review, and we’ve taken the opportunity to simplify how we work with suppliers and improve transparency and fairness,” Mr Cook said.

“The three panels are being condensed into one with categories streamlined to make it easier for suppliers to apply for the panel and bid for Council work.”

Under the new arrangements, suppliers will be able to join the new panel at any time over the initial three-year term provided they meet council’s requirements including quality of work and competitive rates. CPI-based increases (based on Australian Bureau of Statistics modelling) will be applied to the schedule of rates each year rather than fixed for the whole three years. Two (2) x one (1) year extension options will also be offered for the first time.

While existing members of the three panels will need to reapply to be accepted on the consolidated ‘super’ panel, the benefits will make it worthwhile.

“We’re excited about making these improvements because we know our panels can be more effective. We’ve learnt lessons along the way, taking on board supplier feedback and setting out to do things better,” Mr Cook said.

“This is also a necessary step for Council to ensure insurances and qualifications are up to date, as things may have changed for our suppliers since the last review.

“The next steps for us are to complete the tender specification, including streamlined terms and conditions, processes and forms, and launch the panel early in the new year. “We’ll be in touch to help guide suppliers through the new application process, but for now we will continue to work with panel members as we have been.”