Department of Defence

Several contracts just under the open-tender threshold

What it measures

The same agency awarded the same supplier several contracts by limited tender, each valued just below the open-tender threshold, in one financial year.

When it applies

Three or more limited-tender contracts within 10% 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) from one agency to one supplier, published in the same financial year. Open-tender and panel contracts, and contracts under Appendix A exemptions, are not counted.

Why it matters

For non-corporate Commonwealth entities, open tender is generally required at or above the threshold. Splitting a requirement to stay under it is not permitted.

Common explanations

Separate, genuine requirements that happen to be similar in size. Call-offs from a standing offer or panel with fixed engagement sizes. A construction contract outside AusTender category 72, which we cannot tell apart from other services.

Showing Department of Defence 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).