Getting Known

Making yourself known to the relevant government agencies is very important. Tasmanian Government purchasing is conducted by encouraging fair and open competition between suppliers, with the objective of achieving best value for money. For these reasons the purchasing process used depends on the type and value of the purchase.

Invitations to quote (purchases up to $100 000) do not need to be advertised, therefore it is important to make sure government buyers are aware of your business. Tenders (purchases valued at $100 000 and over) are advertised in the Saturday edition of at least one Tasmanian paper, and on the Tenders section of www.purchasing.tas.gov.au. However, when purchasing from businesses that employ people with disabilities, agencies can choose at their discretion to streamline the procurement process. If you are such a business, refer to the section 'Procuring from businesses that employ people with disabilities' under Purchasing Policies for further information.

If you have made yourself known to government buyers and requested the opportunity to bid or expressed an interest in supplying a good or service, the buyer should send you a request for quotation or tender.

To get known you should:

• identify which agencies use your goods or services;
• determine if these agencies offer potentially rewarding and cost-effective opportunities for you to pursue;
• make personal contact with the relevant buyers in those agencies;

Never assume that, as a local business, the buyers know who you are and what you sell.

• provide information to the buyer on your services;

Make sure it is concise and relevant. Useful information for the buyer includes your company profile, testimonials and contact details.

• maintain regular contact with buyers until an opportunity arises;
• become familiar with each targeted agency's usual purchasing procedures;
• register with BIZTAS; 

Government buyers regularly use BIZTAS to search for businesses that may be able to quote or tender for Government contracts.

• build a reputation for quality, service and innovation;

Add value to the purchasing process.

• build a reputation for providing value for money;

Pitch competitively every time.

• if you supply goods and services, register with the Industry Capability Network Tasmania (ICNTAS); and/or

Remember that government buyers must check local capability with the ICNTAS for all purchases of goods and services valued at $100 000 or more. Buyers often contact ICNTAS for smaller value purchases if they are having trouble identifying a suitable local business.

• if appropriate, register as a Building and Construction or Roads and Bridges consultant or contractor.

The key to marketing your business is to target those agencies that use your goods or services and to make sure that they know your capabilities and are confident in your performance.

Click here to identify who buys what on the agency buying directory.