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How to know what’s available
NT Government is not required to publicly advertise projects that are under $100,000. Instead, Government Departments invite businesses to quote for these projects directly.
Government Buyers use a range of sources to find businesses.
You can be proactive by:
- letting departmental agency buyers know about your business; focus on the agencies that need your goods or services, and make sure they understand what you can do and trust your skills and expertise.
- registering with the Industry Capability Network of the Northern Territory (ICNNT); Government Buyers use ICNNT to match with local suppliers capable of delivering the goods and services they need.
- for Aboriginal Business Enterprises, registering with a certifying authority to increase visibility to Government Buyers and get the benefits of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy
These steps can help you get more opportunities to bid for NT Government work.
For businesses ready to take on higher value contracts, you can find more information:
How to Quote
Preparing a Quote for Government work requires attention to detail to give you the best chance of winning the work.
For more detailed information we encourage you to access the Tendering Guide for the most up to date information:
As part of your Quote you will need to provide written details of how and when you will complete the work.
As you consider each quote opportunity be sure to carefully:
- Review the requirements on the documentation you will need to prepare and submit
- Consider the Assessment criteria which the Government uses to decide who will be successful
- Ask if you need further information. Reach out to the contact person for each opportunity
- Decide if this opportunity is for you
- Begin to plan your response.
Give yourself the best chance at being successful by submitting your full response within the required time frame. If you can, submit your response as early as you can, without rushing it.
Read the full Tendering Guide which details lots of information which may be helpful in writing your response.
Remember, you can always ask questions if you are unsure.
1. Include all the documents required to be submitted as part of your response
2. Your response to all the assessment criteria
3. Include competitive pricing
4. If required, check that you hold any relevant accreditation or business licencing.
After you submit your quote, the relevant NT Government Department will consider all quotes that have been received.
Your documentation will be reviewed against the requirements in the Request for Quotation document. If you meet all of these requirements your application may be assessed.
Note:
if you are not eligible to proceed in the process it is called ‘inadmissible’ and you will be notified in writing. There is no opportunity to appeal this decision for quotations under $100,000.
You may be asked for additional information, or be required to meet with the assessment panel as part of the decision-making process.
You can find out more about who will be assessing your submission and how it is assessed in the tendering guide.
The assessors will be considering who is the best individual or business for the job and provides the best value for the Territory.
Notifications of outcomes will only be sent once all the submissions have been assessed.
If you are successful you will be contacted by the NT Government Department who will outline the next steps in the process.
If you are unsuccessful you can request feedback on your submission from the assessment panel. This is a great way to help you with future submissions.
Government tendering is generally highly competitive and usually results in more unsuccessful notifications than successful. Asking for feedback will help you in your next submission and is encouraged by the NT Government.
There are rules that you need to be aware of regarding quoting, tendering and contracts that keep the process fair, equitable and in line with Government policy.
Explore:
This is a summary and overview of how quoting for government works. The Tendering Guide is online tool with more detailed information which we encourage you to read which includes information to help you develop a professional quote.
Tips and tricks for being successful in tendering with the NT Government
Putting together a Quote
- Structure your application around the detailed criteria
- Make sure you respond to all the required questions and tailor your responses to suit any parts of the listed works. Make sure your claims against each requirement is clear and concise. Ensure your claims can be proven.
- Make it clear that you can do the works and explain how you will do it. Draw on previous experiences to provide examples of your capability and experience as evidence.
- Be direct and clear in your writing, no need to overexplain.
- When writing about your past performance be specific about what you did. Don’t just describe the problem or issue; it is useful to provide examples that are similar to the required works, avoid using examples that are nothing like this particular project.
- Set yourself apart by emphasising areas where you exceed the requirements and where you feel you can add extra value by how and what you do.
Pricing
NT Government departments are looking for best value, in line with tendering policy. If you competitively price your quote, that will increase your chances of being successful. This doesn’t mean you need to underquote, as quality of work and experience also are considered. If you explain how and why you have quoted, this will help in your assessment.
Get your documents and evidence right
If you are asked to provide contact details for referees make sure they know about your application, the scope of works and agree to be a referee for you. A good idea is to use past performance referees to show the assessors that you are capable of delivering this type of work.
Make sure you have provided everything you need, including signing the appropriate forms and be sure to submit your tender on time.
