Glossary

​​​​​A, B, C

Agency

For the purposes of this website, agencies are those entities which are subject to the Financial Management Act 2016 and are subject to the purchasing principals and policies outlined on this website.

Alternative Tender

An alternative tender is a tender that offers an alternative proposal that still satisfies the agency's requirements. Alternative tenders will not be considered unless they are allowed in the Conditions of Tendering. If you wish to submit an alternative tender, check with the contracting agency first to ensure that it will be considered.

Building and Construction procurement

Procurement​ related to the construction and refurbishment of buildings and residential properties, and associated maintenance (services and residential) and professional services (eg architects).

Common Use Contract

A whole-of-government contract established by the Department of Treasury and Finance or the Department of Premier and Cabinet for the supply of goods and services. Generally, a Common Use Contract must be used by agencies and may, in some circumstances, also be accessed by other approved organisations.

Consultant

A Consultant is a particular type of contractor and is a person or organisation engaged to provide recommendations, specialist or professional advice (or more generally, non-manual services) to assist or influence decision-making. A consultant is usually engaged by way of a short term or temporary contract, is normally expected to work without direct supervision, to exercise their own judgement, conduct complex research or investigations and provide advice or recommendations. A consultant may include, where the context is appropriate, building and construction consultants such as architects and engineers. 

Contract

A contract is legally binding agreement (including deeds) between parties. Such an agreement does not need to be in writing - although generally it is documented in some way, which may include an exchange of letters or emails. 

Contractor

A Contractor is a person or organisation engaged under a contract (other than as an employee) to provide specified goods and/or services to an agency. A contractor will usually work under the supervision of an agency manager.

D, E, F, G

Dumped Goods

Dumped goods are goods that:

  • are imported from overseas at less than their normal value;
  • may cause injury to an Australian industry producing similar goods, or hinder the establishment of an Australian industry; and
  • have been classified as being "dumped" by the Anti-Dumping Commission (Department of Industry, Innovation and Science).
Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria are used to assess the merit of offers received. The evaluation criteria are specified in the quotation or tender documentation.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

An Expression of Interest (sometimes called a Registration of Interest) is a process used to shortlist potential suppliers before seeking detailed bids in accordance with the procurement thresholds. An EOI process is generally used when the information required is specific and the agency is unsure of the capability of suppliers to provide the required goods or services.

Government Agency

See "Agency".

Government Business Enterprise

Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) are entities which operate outside the Public Account, principally on the basis of funds derived through their operations. GBEs are subject to their own enabling legislation and the Government Business Enterprises Act 1995.

Government Information Technology Contract (GITC)

The Government Information Technology Contract is used for most purchases of computer hardware, software and IT services, regardless of value.

H, I, J, K, L

Local Small and Medium Enterprises/Local SMEs

Australian and New Zealand businesses employing less than 200 people.

M, N, O, P

Major Works

Building and Construction works and Roads and Bridges works projects ​valued at $500 000 or more. 

Minor Works

Building and Construction works and Roads and Bridges works contracts with a value less than $500 000.

Open tendering

A market approach where all interested suppliers may submit an offer in response.

Prequalification

Prequalifica​tion is a pre-procurement registration system which classifies particular types of contactors and consultants according to expertise and capability in specific work categories within a specific financial range. 

Probity Adviser

A Probity Adviser provides advice on probity issues before and during the process of tendering and contracting to ensure the process is fair and in accordance with government guidelines.

Purchasing

Also known as procurement. Purchasing is the acquisition of goods or services.

Q, R, S, T

Quality Assurance

A system of activities whose purpose is to provide assurance that the quality control is being done effectively.

Quotation process

A market approach where a minimum number of quotes are sought from potential suppliers.

Request for Quotation (RFQ)

A Request for Quotation is a document soliciting offers from businesses capable of providing specified works, goods or services. A request for quotation  can be either a verbal or written and is generally only directed to specific businesses (ie it is not publicly advertised).

Request for Tender (RFT)

A Request for Tender is a document soliciting offers from businesses capable of providing specified works, goods or services. Requests for Tender are generally always in writing and advertised.

Roads and Bridges procurement

Procurement relating to the construction and maintenance of roads and/or bridges and associated professional services (eg civil engineers).

Secure Facility

A secure facility must be provided for receipt of procurement submissions at each designated lodgement location and could include a lockable tender box, the electronic tender box on the Tenders website or secure email/ facsimile facilities.

Specification

A document which describes the essential requirement of the works, goods or services that an agency wishes to purchase.

State-owned Company

State-owned Companies (SOCs) operate outside the Public Account, principally on the basis of funds derived through their operations and are subject to the Corporations Act 2001, Company Constitutions and their respective Portfolio Legislation, eg Aurora Energy Pty Ltd and TT-Line Company Pty Ltd.

Statutory Authority

Statutory authorities are each established under specific legislation which defines the purpose for which they are established and the general functions for which they are responsible.

Tasmanian Business

A businesses operating in the State, which has a permanent office or presence in Tasmania and employs Tasmanian workers.

Tender

A proposal, bid or offer that is submitted in response to a request for tender.

Tender Box

A tender box is a point of lodgement for tenders to ensure that the documentation is kept secure until the tender period closes. The Tenders website also allows for an "electronic tender box" to be established where submissions can be electronically received.

U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Value for Money

Value for money is one of the principles that agencies are required to meet when purchasing. Essentially, it means achieving the desired outcome at the best possible price.

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