How many quotations do public authorities have to obtain when purchasing goods and services?
The Commission's policy on Open and Effective Competition specifies that public authorities can direct purchase the goods and/or services by placing an order directly with the supplier of choice, up to $5,000, seek verbal quotations for purchases between $5,001 and $20,000 and written quotations for purchases between $20,001 and $150,000. Open tenders must be called for purchases over $150,000.

Sufficient quotations means an adequate number of bids from bona fide sources of supply so as to ensure open and effective competition. To demonstrate competition, the number of suppliers requested should range from two to five.

What do I need to do to claim the regional business preference under the Buy Local Policy?
When tendering, regional tenderers have to clearly state within their bid that they are claiming the regional business preference in order for public authorities to apply the preference.

Tenderers based outside the prescribed distance for a regional contract can still claim regional content preference on the portion of their bid that is spent in the region. The Buy Local Policy can be accessed under 'Procurement Policies/Other Government Policies' on this website.

How do I lodge a complaint against a public authority?
The State Supply Commission has responsibility for investigating complaints that suppliers lodge in relation to government purchasing. Suppliers are required to attempt to resolve their concerns with the public authority concerned before lodging a complaint with the Commission. If no agreement is reached between the parties, then the Commission may undertake a formal investigation. It should be noted that the State Supply Commission is unable to overturn a contract once it is signed.

Complaints can be submitted through the "Supplier Complaints" section of the website or alternatively, call the State Supply Commission on (08) 9222 5700 and requesting a "Formal Complaint Form".

Should a public authority accept the Terms and Conditions of the supplier of the good or service?
No, in most circumstances the procurement will be governed by the WA Government General Conditions of Contract for the Supply of Goods and/or Services. This information is available at the Department of Treasury and Finance website.

Can a public authority waive the calling of open tenders for purchases over $150,000?
Yes, in exceptional circumstances, and where justification has been documented, the Accountable Authority may approve an exemption from open tender. Refer to the Open and Effective Competition Policy.

What is the relationship between the State Supply Commission and the Department of Treasury and Finance(DTF)?
The State Supply Commission is a statutory body established in accordance with the State Supply Commission Act 1991 to oversee the purchase of goods and services across Government. Its role encompasses that of policy maker and regulator for public sector purchasing and contracting and promoting best practice through its supply policies. The State Supply Commission operates a framework through which a public authority's devolved purchasing authority is assessed. The State Supply Commission also monitors public authority procurement practices and reviews supplier complaints.

The State Supply Commission has formally delegated whole-of-government contracting powers to the Under Treasurer of the Department of Treasury and Finance. Public authorities have been issued with an unlimited partial exemption with the special condition to involve the Department of Treasury and Finance for purchases in excess of $20,000.