Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Repeated limited tenders to one supplier

What it measures

The same agency awarded the same supplier several contracts by limited tender in one financial year.

When it applies

Five or more limited-tender contracts at or above the open-tender threshold ($80,000, or $125,000 for contracts published from 17 November 2025; $400,000 for corporate entities; $7.5 million for construction), worth $1 million or more in total, published in the same financial year. Contracts below the threshold, where limited tender is routine, and contracts under Appendix A exemptions (such as legal counsel) are not counted.

Why it matters

Above the threshold, limited tender is allowed only in defined circumstances, such as urgency or a single capable supplier. Repeated use with one supplier reduces competition.

Common explanations

A specialised supplier with no practical alternative. Additional deliveries that must match existing equipment or systems. Urgent requirements, such as disaster response.

Showing Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade only. Show all agencies.

Reasons given

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

By supplier and year

Each row is one agency’s contracts with one supplier in one financial year, most contracts first. Suppliers who are individuals are counted in the totals but not listed (why).

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).