eProjects Panel Operations

Q1: Who is the Contract Authority for the Panel?

A1: The Contract Authority is the Contract Management Group in Government Information and Communication Technology Services (Government ICT Services). Email the Contract Authority for more information.  See the Information Website for background information on the eProjects Panel.

Q2: How is the Panel maintained?

A2: Vendors and Agencies must ensure that their details on the Portal are kept accurate and up to date.

Q3: How do Vendors apply to join the Panel?

A3: Vendors who are not on the Panel are able to apply at any time by completing the Request for Tender [RFT] documentation and submitting this to the Contract Management Group of Government ICT Services (email the Contract Authority).  RFT documentation is available from the Information Website.  From time to time the Contract Authority will nationally advertise the eProjects Panel, to remind the ICT industry of its existence.

Q4: Will the general public know which Vendors are successful in winning bids via the eProjects Panel?

A4: Agencies need to comply with the Government policy regarding the disclosure of Government contracts.  PC027 – Disclosure of Government Contracts is available from http://www.premcab.sa.gov.au

Q5: Will the list of Vendors achieving membership of the Panel be made publicly available?

A5: A list of current suppliers is available from the Information Website.

Q6: Will Agencies need to have a centralised list of users with access to the Portal?

A6: Each Agency will nominate an Agency Administrator to access the eProjects Panel Portal.  Agency Administrators are responsible for maintaining the users from their Agency that access the Portal.  Agency Administrators also have oversight of all projects raised within their Agency.

It is important that each user of the eProjects Panel Portal understands the policies and standards that determine the Panel.  A self paced learning package is available from the Information Website to guide users in the use of the Panel and the Portal.

Q7: Do Agencies need to have a full procurement plan in place prior to going to the market?

A7: The procurement plan is a mandatory requirement for Agencies using the Panel.  A template is available from the Information Website and within the templates section of the Portal for Agencies to complete.  For most Agencies this will be no more than 1-2 pages.

Q8: What communication of the eProjects Panel has occurred to Agencies?

A8: The UnderTreasurer (as head of Future ICT Steering Committee) has written to all Agency Chief Executives and Chairs of Accredited Purchasing Units regarding the use of the eProjects Panel. 

The Project Team has visited a number of Agencies to promote the eProjects Panel.  Most Agencies have nominated their Agency Administrators.
Agencies and Vendors wishing to know more detail about the eProjects Panel should visit the Information Website or contact the Contract Authority.

Q9: Will Vendors be able to know who the Agency Administrators are for the Portal?

A9: Vendors have access to Agency information, including a contact name and number.  Vendors should note that this is not an invitation to cold call Agencies.  Continued harassment is grounds for removing Vendors from the Panel.

Q10: Can Vendors see all projects that are put up by Agencies on the Portal (but only apply for the ones they have been invited to apply for)?

A10: No.  Vendors will only have access to those projects to which they have been invited.

Vendors have access to Agency Procurement Plans for background information on the types of projects Agencies are looking to undertake during the financial year.  Note: This is not an invitation to cold call Agencies.  Continued harassment is grounds for removing Vendors from the Panel.

Q11: Who has visibility of Agency procurement plans?

A11: Everyone.  See answer to Q10:

Q12: Can Vendors see other Vendors’ solution designs via the Portal?

A12: No.  Vendors only have access to their own information and limited Agency information.

Q13: Can a Vendor see how many Vendors an Agency has invited to bid for a project on the Portal?

A13: Only the Contract Authority, as manager of the Portal, has the ability to report on this type of information.

Q14: Is the Portal transparent?  Can everyone see each other’s information?

A14: Vendors can only see the information for which they have been invited to tender.
 
Agencies will be able to view the information they post, and once closed, background information on other projects raised through the Portal.

Q15: How do users within Agencies obtain access to the Portal?

A15: Chief Executives have been asked to nominate Agency Administrators from their respective Agencies.