eProjects Panel Thresholds

Q51: What is the lowest value project that the eProjects Panel supports?

A51: There is no lowest value.  Agencies need to seek at least two (2) quotes for work under $200,000 and at least three (3) quotes for work between $200,000 and $700,000.

Q52: Do Agencies need to list projects worth more than the threshold limit of $700,000 in their Agency procurement plans?

A52: Agency procurement plans should provide a list of procurements the Agency is looking to undertake.

Q53: What is the process for Agency Buyers that do not meet the thresholds for the Panel?

A53: CTO Notification #61 has replaced the requirement to obtain a minimum numbers of quotes with an obligation to seek the minimum number of quotes according to the value of the project. See Q 51 for more details.

Q54: What if a project is close to a threshold and is likely to breach the thresholds with contract variations?

A54: The thresholds have been agreed by Cabinet and must not be breached.  If an Agency is unsure whether they will breach the $700k limit, they are advised to use another form of procurement process.

Q55: Is the $700k threshold driven by the US Free Trade Agreement?

A55: No – although the eProjects Panel meets the requirements of the US Free Trade Agreement.  There has been no bias to any companies or organisations in the implementation or evaluation of Panel members.  The Government has provided a mechanism for a fair and equal playing field for each Vendor, whether SME, National or Global.

Q56: How does the eProjects Panel monitor threshold breaches?

A56: Agencies are reminded that thresholds cannot be breached.  The Contract Authority monitors projects to ensure thresholds are not breached either via total project costs or potential order-splitting. 

If an Agency is genuinely unsure of the size of a piece of work, it may be able to commission a small piece of work through the eProjects Panel to help scope further details regarding its requirements.  Once the result is obtained, a decision can be made on which procurement process best fits the need.