FAQs

Do you have a question in mind? See our list of FAQs to assist.

If you have any further questions, please contact Council on 13 226 336.

 

Frequently asked questions

Where does Council advertise its procurement needs and how do I get involved?

You can view upcoming tenders or projects on the Camden Council website HERE. All Council invitations will be available through an electronic tendering facility provided by NSW eTendering. Organisations may register their company details, download documents, and lodge submissions online free of charge. 

For all quotes, these opportunities are selectively invited through VendorPanel Marketplace and registered suppliers will be able to get access to quoting opportunities. 

What are the rules governing Council’s purchasing practices?

Council works within the framework of the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021. These regulations outline what Council can do and the various conditions of tender that may be enforced for specific projects. Council also has a Statement of Business Ethics which describes the expected behaviour of both Council Officers and those who conduct business with Camden Council. You can read the Statement of Business Ethics HERE. 

How can I do business with Camden Council?

The first step is to register your business details on the VendorPanel Marketplace for Council buyers to source suppliers. Stay up-to-date with tender opportunities by registering to receive Council's monthly Business E-News HERE and checking our website for current tender opportunities HERE.

What is a Tendering and Expression of Interest process?

Tendering and EOI is the selling of goods and services to Council through the request of formal bids – otherwise known as tenders.

  • Expressions of Interest (EOI): The EOI process is used to test market availability and interest of suppliers. A formal tender process will follow the EOI. 
  • Request for Quotation (RFQ): This process is used for purchases between $15,000 and $250,000 (inc. GST)Council buyers are required to obtain multiple quotes and suppliers are selectively invited to quote. 
  • Request for Tender (RFT): This process is used for purchases over $250,000 (inc. GST). Council is required to advertise these opportunities on the Council website HERE.

Do I need an Australian Business Number (ABN)?

All individuals and organisations lodging tender, quotation, or EOI submissions with Council for the provision of materials, equipment and/or services must have an ABN and be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST). All submissions must clearly state your company's ABN.

Can I lobby or talk to Councillors and staff?

Lobbying or talking to Council staff and Councillors is not permitted and will result in disqualification from the RFT or RFQ process. This is outlined in Council's Statement of Business Ethics.

What is best value?

Best value for money is when the submission satisfies all the essential criteria, specifications, safety, environmental and statutory requirements stated in the RFT, RFQ or EOI document. Lowest price does not necessarily mean best value. The lowest-priced submission may not necessarily be accepted.

Is there an opportunity to negotiate the contract if I am awarded the work?

After the offer from Council is accepted, there is no opportunity to negotiate the contract. Departures to the contract must be submitted in full as part of your RFT or RFQ submission, provided you have lodged a conforming submission as well. 

What happens if I submit after the closing time ?

The eTendering and VendorPanel Marketplace portals will not accept any submissions after the advertised closing time. The tender box at Camden Council's Administration Building is cleared at the closing tender time and no further tenders will be accepted.

Can I lodge my submission via email?

No.  All responses must be submitted via the eTendering or VendorPanel Marketplace portals, or lodged by hand to the tender box located in the Camden Council Administration Building at 70 Central Ave, Oran Park 2570.

What happens after the RFT or RFQ closes?

RFT and RFQ submissions are evaluated by an evaluation panel to determine conformity and are then assessed using pre-set evaluation criteria. The panel then makes a recommendation to accept the preferred submission and a contract is entered into to provide the works and services.

What is a conforming and non-conforming submission?

A conforming submission is one that meets the conditions outlined in the RFT or RFQ documents and all requirements of the specifications. A submission may be ruled non-conforming if it is incomplete, does not meet the requirements of the specification or contract as required under the RFT or RFQ. 

What is a preferred supplier contract?

This is a contractual agreement between your company and Council. It brings you the benefits of being an approved supplier that has met specific requirements including insurance and licenses relevant to a specific service. These are contracts that are a range of specific goods and services provided over a specific period (eg. 3-5 years). A panel of suppliers may be appointed.

Council will issue a public invitation (via a tender process) for businesses to join its preferred supplier panel. This is done at the end of an existing contract. Council cannot add businesses to an existing preferred supplier panel, so it's important that you keep up to date on tender opportunities HERE.

What is a prescribed contract?

These are arranged through Local Government Procurement (LGP) on behalf of all NSW Councils. For information on how to become a supplier click HERE.

What is the difference between VendorPanel Marketplace and eTendering?

The VendorPanel Marketplace is a portal for Council buyers to source suppliers for quotes under $250,000 (inc. GST). eTendering advertises formal tenders above $250,000 (inc. GST).