When undertaking a procurement project within Government, there are defined stages that make up the overall procurement lifecycle.

Pre-Market Approach

This is when a Government buyer engages the market and undertakes research, and develops a procurement strategy, including the proposed method for approaching the market. The overall strategy is approved before an opportunity is presented to the market. Once approved tender documents are developed ready for release.

Market Approach

Tender documents are released to the market and suppliers have a period of time to respond and lodge their bid or quote.

Evaluation

Once tenders close, the evaluation team will read and assess all bids against the specification and the assessment criteria in a predefined Evaluation Plan. The scoring from the evaluation team is checked and moderated to ensure a consistent approach by all team members.
In instances where there are a large number of responses, the evaluation team may shortlist suppliers for further review.

Negotiation

The bidders identified during the evaluation process as being able to best meet the requirements are offered an opportunity to attend negotiation meeting in order to finalise the proposed contract and optimise value for money.

Contract Award

Once final approvals granted, the contract is awarded to the winning supplier and executed.

Contract Management

Once a contract commences, the contract enters the ‘management phase’ which may include regular reviews and ongoing management of issues that may arise.