Frequently asked questions

  1. Who is the contract authority for the panel?
  2. Is it mandatory for agencies to use the panel?
  3. What is the maximum project value that can be procured through the panel?
  4. How many quotes do I need to obtain for a project using the panel?
  5. Do the recent SA Government Industry Participation Policy and Procurement Reforms apply to eProjects Panel?
  6. Can an agency approach a single supplier via the eProjects and Cyber Security Servicesportals?
  7. How does the contract authority determine supplier capability?
  8. What if an agency wishes to send a RFQ to a supplier that is not on the panel?
  9. How will a supplier know if they have been invited to respond to a RFQ?
  10. How will a supplier know if amendments have been made to a RFQ?
  11. Are suppliers required to respond to a RFQ?
  12. Is there an agreement that needs to be signed for each project?
  13. Does the eProjects Panel Agreement have an expiry date?
  14. Are the terms and conditions in the Agreement negotiable?
  15. Are agencies required to publicly disclose engagements under the panel?
  16. Can suppliers make public announcements or media releases in relation to panel work?
  17. Is there a State Levy?
  18. Can a supplier see other supplier's RFQ responses in the portal?
  19. What panel administration activities need to be completed after a project has been delivered?
  20. What happens with the performance reviews?
  21. When a Supplier is a member of the eProjects Panel can they approach Agencies to promote their services?
  22. I have forgotten my password; can I reset it?

1. Who is the contract authority for the panel?

The contract authority is Strategic Procurement, a business unit in the Department of Treasury and Finance. Email: Contract Management or phone 8462 1126

2. Is it mandatory for agencies to use the panel?

No. However there are a number of benefits in using the panel including:
  • pre-negotiated contract terms and conditions agreed by suppliers on the panel
  • agencies are not required to obtain CSO support to prepare contracts
  • the use of templates simplifies the process of supplier engagement
  • a large number and range of ICT suppliers are on the panel

3. What is the maximum project value that can be procured through the panel?

The panel is approved for use for procurements up to the value of $700 000 including GST.

4. How many quotes do I need to obtain for a project using the panel?

Agencies are required to seek at least two quotes for work up to the value of $200 000 including GST, and at least three quotes for work between $200 000 and $700 000 including GST.

5. Do the recent SA Government Industry Participation Policy and Procurement Reforms apply to eProjects Panel?

5. The requirements of the South Australian Industry Participation Policy (IPP) apply to the secondary procurement process (i.e. Request for Quotation Process (RFQ)) for all projects or engagements conducted through the eProjects Panel above $33,000 (inclusive of GST). Information is available here: https://innovationandskills.sa.gov.au/industry/south-australian-industry-participation-policy

6. Can an agency approach a single supplier via the eProjects and Cyber Security Services portals?

Yes, an agency can choose to seek a quote from a single supplier where the necessary agency specific procurement approvals are obtained.

7. How does the contract authority determine supplier capability?

The suppliers nominate and maintain their relevant service capabilities for the categories in the portal. The Supplier Statements in the portal also table the expertise of suppliers. The categories are used to assist agencies when selecting suitable suppliers to respond to a Request For Quote (RFQ).

8. What if an agency wishes to send a RFQ to a supplier that is not on the panel?

Suppliers can apply to join the panel at any time by following the steps outlined in How to use the Portals - Suppliers.

9. How will a supplier know if they have been invited to respond to a RFQ?

When an agency sends out a RFQ, an automated email is sent to the suppliers' nominated contact person.

10. How will a supplier know if amendments have been made to a RFQ?

When an agency sends out an updated RFQ, an automated email is sent to the suppliers' nominated contact person.

11. Are suppliers required to respond to a RFQ?

Suppliers are not obliged to respond to a RFQ. Further communication between the supplier and agency outside the portal is encouraged.

12. Is there an agreement that needs to be signed for each project?

Yes. The eProjects Panel Agreement contains a 'Customer Agreement Memorandum' template which, together with the Agreement and relevant schedule(s), forms the contract between the agency and supplier for each project.

13. Does the eProjects Panel Agreement have an expiry date?

No. The eProjects Panel Agreement is perpetual and will therefore remain in place until terminated by either party. Suppliers can apply to join at any time.

14. Are the terms and conditions in the Agreement negotiable?

Some are negotiable within limits. The following terms of the Agreement on a project by project basis require agreement. These are recorded in individual Customer Agreements:

15. Are agencies required to publicly disclose engagements under the panel?

Agencies need to comply with government policy, PC027 - Disclosure of Government Contracts from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet website.

16. Can suppliers make public announcements or media releases in relation to panel work?

Clause 45.1 of the Agreement relates to publicity and states that the supplier must not make a 'public announcement or media release' without consent of the agency.

17. Is there a State Levy?

No. From 1 July 2020, a contract administration fee/levy will no longer be charged by Strategic Procurement's across government suppliers. Strategic Procurement has directed across government contract suppliers to cease collection of the levy from 1 July 2020 and reduce their prices by an equivalent amount.

18. Can a supplier see other supplier's RFQ responses in the portal?

Suppliers do not have visibility of other suppliers RFQ responses or awarded projects.

19. What panel administration activities need to be completed after a project has been delivered?

Agencies complete a formal performance review within the portal. Suppliers complete the project learnings task in the portal. The Contract Authority invoices the supplier for the relevant contract levy.

20. What happens with the performance reviews?

Agencies and suppliers only have access to their own performance reviews, however other agency project contacts are visible to agencies to facilitate shared learnings.

21. When a Supplier is a member of the eProjects Panel can they approach Agencies to promote their services?

Suppliers can approach Agency representatives listed in the relevant portal(s) to discuss the services they provide.

22. I have forgotten my password; can I reset it?

Yes, you can reset your password. To do this select the radio button adjacent to the portal you want to log in to on the eProjects Panel Access Point and click on the �Reset your password� text below the login button. You will be asked to provide your email address for instructions to be emailed to you. When logging in to the portals please ensure you also use the correct Username.