Methods of procurement

At Murrumbidgee Council, we carry out all procurement and contracting activities according to these principles:

  • comply with the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (General) Regulation, and all other relevant legislation 
  • promote open and effective competition between suppliers
  • give primary consideration to achieving value for money (not necessarily at the lowest price), taking a big-picture view that compares lifetime benefit to lifetime cost
  • aim to enhance the capabilities of local business and industry
  • promote purchasing practices which align with our commitment to sustainable development by conserving resources, saving energy, minimising waste, protecting human health, and maintaining environmental quality and safety
  • consider any relevant Work Health and Safety regulations to ensure that staff are operating in a safe work environment

Any council officers with procurement responsibilities must:

  • behave with impartiality, fairness, independence, openness, integrity and professionalism in their dealings with suppliers’ representatives
  • advance the interests of council in all transactions
  • attain a high level of credibility with suppliers’ representatives

The documents we are guided by in our procurement and contracting activities are:

Generally, the appropriate procurement method is dependent on the expected expenditure

  • $1 - $2,999 - One quotation will be obtained by invitation
  • $3,000 - $14,999 - A minimum of two (verbal or written) quotations will be obtained by invitation. An additional quote will be sought if there is more than 20% variance between the two quotes.
  • $15,000 - $49,999 - A minimum of three written quotations will be obtained
  • $50,000 - $249,999 - We will formally request quotations
  • $250,000+ - We will formally request tender (as per section 55 of the Local Government Act 1993) via Tenderlink or on our website

A number of exemptions apply to the above thresholds are specified in our Procurement Manual which allow for an adjustment to the procurement procedure, namely:

  • emergency procurement
  • urgent procurement
  • sole or specialist supply
  • preferred suppliers
  • purchase within contract
  • purchase via prescribed entity
  • when a satisfactory result would not be achieved by inviting tenders (due to extenuating circumstances such as remoteness)
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