National Archives of Australia

Grew past the open-tender threshold

What it measures

A contract awarded by limited tender below the open-tender threshold later rose in value to the threshold or above.

When it applies

Limited tender, first published below the threshold ($80,000, or $125,000 for contracts published from 17 November 2025; $400,000 for corporate entities; $7.5 million for construction), with a current value at least 25% above the threshold and at least 50% above the first published value. Contracts under Appendix A exemptions are not counted.

Why it matters

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.

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Reasons given

The reason each agency recorded on AusTender for using limited tender.

Contracts

Contracts published in 2025-26 and 2026-27 to date, largest amount first. Contracts with suppliers who are individuals are counted in the totals but not listed (why).