Acquiring or disposing of goods and services

Under the Public Sector Management (Goods and Services) Regulation (NSW) 2000, authority to procure goods and services for public sector agencies lies with the State Contracts Control Board (SCCB) and with agencies with delegated authority from the SCCB.

All public sector agencies must use SCCB whole-of-government period contracts, where they are available, when procuring goods and services. 

In the absence of a period contract for required goods and/or services, agencies are authorised by the SCCB to undertake their own procurement, up to a maximum of $150,000, in accordance with the conditions of the SCCB's General Purchasing Delegation.

For procurement of goods and/or services valued over $150 000, agencies not accredited under the Agency Accreditation Scheme for Goods and Services Procurement are required to submit details and specifications to the Department of Commerce (NSW Procurement - Contracting Services) for the invitation of tenders.

Agency Accreditation Scheme for Goods and Services Procurement

Agencies accredited under the Agency Accreditation Scheme for Goods and Services Procurement will be delegated authority by the SCCB to undertake procurement activities for agency-specific goods and services valued over $150,000 (and up to their level of delegation).

The purpose of the Scheme is to manage risks and reduce costs by improving goods and services procurement practices in government agencies.  The Scheme will improve government procurement capability by ensuring agencies apply expertise to:

• undertake effective procurement planning at a strategic level;
• undertake procurement efficiently and effectively to meet government procurement policies, priorities and objectives;
• manage the risks and complexities of the procurement projects undertaken; and
• manage the total life costs of assets procured.

The scope of goods and services procurement includes:

• all types of goods and services including information, communication and technology services and equipment (ICT), and consultancy or professional services not related to construction procurement; and
• the disposal of all types of surplus or unserviceable goods and assets (excluding real property – such as land and buildings).

NSW Procurement will manage the accreditation process on behalf of the SCCB. The SCCB will consider and prioritise agency requests to be assessed for accreditation from January 2008.

Further Information

Agency Accreditation - Information Brochure

Agency Accreditation - Background, Concept and Operational Framework

Agency Accreditation - FAQ and Fact Sheet

Agency Briefing Presentation