Frequently Asked Questions

• Contractor Accreditation - what is it and why do I need it?
• What is the tender process?
• How are tenders assessed?
• What happens to unsuccessful tenders?
• What should I know when preparing my tender response?
• Can I sub-contract part of the work?
• Why do you list potential tenders?
• How do I obtain a list of who has collected or downloaded tender documents?
• What is a selected tender?
• Does the NT Government accept oral Tenders?
• Can I lodge my tender at any time?
• Can I lodge a tender through the eMail or Internet?
• Can an Individual submit a tender or just a business entity?
• Why must Order Numbers be quoted?
• What is a "Firm Price" Tender?
• How can I find out about tenders which might be advertised in the future?
• What happens if I forget my Tenders Registration Password?
• Can government departments or agencies tender for government contracts?
• Help for Tenders Online

 

Can I sub-contract part of the work?

Some contractors are able to undertake the complete requirement within their own resources.

Some arrange for other contractors to carry out part/parts of the requirement on their behalf, and in so doing sub-contract.

Tender documents will clearly state if sub-contracting is not permitted.

Provision to sub-contract is always subject to approval by the Contract Authority.

Government Agencies when assessing tenders will take into consideration any proposed sub-contract.

In the case of "works and service" contracts (ie. capital works, minor new works, repairs and maintenance and associated services), all sub-contracts valued at $50,000 and above will require the sub-contractor to be accredited by Contractor Accreditation Ltd (CAL) at the appropriate category, sub-category and rating.

Even though the Head Contractor has gained approval to sub-contract part/parts of a job, the Head Contractor remains entirely responsible for all aspects of the contract.

Why do you list potential tenders?

There are two reasons for providing your business details when obtaining Request for Tender documents:

Notification of changes to the Request for Tender document (Addendum)

From time-to-time changes are necessary to the Request for Tender document.
All such changes need to be notified in writing to those that have already obtained tender documentation along with those that may pick up documents at a later date.

This notification is referred to as an Addendum (amendment) to the Request for Tender documents. Addenda are always numbered (ie. Addendum No 1 to D99-1234).

Contract and Procurement Services post out Addenda to all tenderers who have already taken out documents.

Sub-contractors seeking work know who to contact

Not all work can be undertaken by a single contractor. In many cases the Principal (or Head) Contractor will engage another businesses to undertake sections of the Work. This is particularly relevant in the construction industry where businesses operate in specific disciplines (or trades).

These sub-contractors are interested in which businesses have taken out Request for Tender documents so that they in turn can offer prices to undertake their specific trade packages.

How do I obtain a list of who has collected or downloaded tender documents?

From the Tenders Online home page go into Current Tenders. Once in Current Tenders select the appropriate tender and open. Once this tender is open there is a “List Tenderers” button a the top of the page. Click on this and it will produce a list of all the prospective tenderers who have collected or downloaded documents.

What is a selected tender?

Under certain circumstances government agencies may obtain a Certificate of Exemption to restrict the invitation of tenders to one or a few specific companies or businesses.

Does the NT Government accept oral Tenders?

At no time will oral Tenders be acceptable.

Can I lodge my tender at any time?

Yes. By using the eLodgement facility or the facsimile tenders may be lodged at any time prior to the closing date and time. Lodgement of all tenders by hand to the tender box must be during office hours. Office Hours and Tender Box Locations (Remember to check the closing location of the Tender this information is found on the front cover of the Request for Tender document).

Can I lodge a tender through the eMail or Internet?

The only option for lodging tenders electronically is via the eLodgement link on Tenders Online page. Click on the link and follow the instructions. The Conditions of Tendering and Contract also contain directions on the lodgement of electronic tender responses.

Can an Individual submit a tender or just a business entity?

The Northern Territory Government accepts tenders from registered companies, partnerships and sole traders.

Why must Order Numbers be quoted?

When preparing your Tax Invoice or any other correspondences ensure that you include the Official Purchase Order or contract Number.

Suppliers who fail to quote the Official Purchase Order or contract Number on documentations sent to a NT Government Agency, may experience delays in payment, or replies to correspondence.

What is a "Firm Price" Tender?

When Firm Prices are required, it means the price and all other conditions will remain unchanged for the Life of the Contract.

How can I find out about tenders which might be advertised in the future?

Future Tender Opportunities are published on Tenders Online. The Future Tender Opportunities lists details of requirements that have been identified within NT Government and are likely to be advertised in the coming months.

What happens if I forget my Tenders Registration Password?

If you have registered before or have been supplied with a user name and password from the Tenders Office and you have forgotten your user details, please contact Contract and Procurement Services

Can government departments or agencies tender for government contracts?

Northern Territory, State and Federal Government instrumentalities or semi-government organisations are not permitted to operate in competition to the private sector on Northern Territory Government funded projects without the prior approval of the cabinet.