Purchase of Information Technology Equipment/Software

Grew past the open-tender threshold: first published at $13k. The Commonwealth Procurement Rules require an agency to estimate a procurement’s maximum value, including options and extensions, before choosing how to buy. Open tender is generally required at or above the threshold.

Common explanations: Extra work that could not have been foreseen at award. A nominal value published at award and updated once the actual amount was known. A construction contract outside AusTender category 72, which we cannot tell apart from other services.

Published long after it started: published 386 days after start. The Commonwealth Procurement Rules require agencies to report contracts on AusTender within 42 days of entering into them.

Common explanations: A start date set earlier than signing, to cover work under an earlier arrangement. A lease or agreement republished under a new notice when it was renewed or varied. Administrative delay in reporting.