Fed: New government procurement guidelines

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2004
Fed: New government procurement guidelines

CANBERRA, Dec 7 AAP - The federal government has overhauled its purchasing guidelines
for contract work worth $17 billion a year.

They include the production of annual procurement plans and more open tendering.

The rules have also been changed to meet conditions under Australia's free trade agreement
with the United States, which comes into effect on January 1.

"The (agreement) removes statutory trade barriers allowing Australian suppliers to
bid for the first time for a share of the $200 billion US federal government procurement
market," parliamentary finance secretary Sharman Stone said.

"The guidelines launched today will play a pivotal role in achieving an even more efficient
Australian government procurement market.

"We aim for best value for buyers and suppliers in an efficient and ethical market."

Dr Stone said the new guidelines maintain the government's commitment to small and
medium sized businesses, sourcing at least 10 per cent of purchases from such firms.

They also provided increased open competition for government business opportunities.

"The revised guidelines ... are the key to the door for huge opportunities for suppliers
of everything from computers to cleaning services, from pens to planes," Dr Stone said.

AAP rp/sb/cjh/jlw

KEYWORD: PROCUREMENT

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