Operational Telecommunications Equipment, Infrastructure and Services Scheme
- Mandatory
| Date: | 1 May 2013 - 30 Apr 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: | 1 Aug 2023 | |
| Managed: | DCS - Telco Authority | Contact owner |
| Type: | Whole of government | |
| Scheme Number: | SCM0053 |
What's covered
The scheme covers of a broad range of operational telecommunications and radio communications equipment, infrastructure and services to support the operational delivery by NSW Government agencies and other eligible buyers.
It includes goods and services for government-operated networks.
The scheme offers 3 categories with relevant subcategories that suppliers can register under:
Equipment used for provision of voice and data services via radio communications (RC), mobile broadband communications (MBC) and satellite communications. Sub-categories:
A01 Network equipment (narrowband)
Narrowband radio and database stations, including antenna system related passive equipment (for example, multicoupling, combiners, RF antennas) and controlling equipment.
A02 Network equipment (mobile broadband – radio)
Mobile broadband data base stations, software defined radio, access points, RAN controlling equipment, active or passive RF antennas, and antenna system related passive equipment.
A03 Network equipment (mobile broadband – core)
Mobile broadband data centres, core network elements, billing network elements and IP Core network IPMPLS.
A04 Link equipment
Backhaul link equipment, including antennas, feeders, protection (for example, vermin proofing, earthing), cable management (but not cable trays) equipment. NTU and network multiplexing, routers, switching and IT or IP infrastructure equipment. WDM, termination and interconnection equipment, fibre testing and monitoring equipment.
A05 Satellite backhaul
Ground-based satellite infrastructure including earth station equipment as well as wireless and wired telecommunications services for a government telecommunications network.
A06 Satellite equipment
Satellite terminal equipment for a government telecommunications network (excludes standard carrier equipment). This includes satellite equipment for fixed locations, portable (flyaway and transportable) and on-the-move (land, aviation and maritime).
A07 Stationary terminal equipment
Stationary terminal equipment which connects to user terminal equipment, including modems, data collection equipment, dispatch equipment, IOT, power connection cables, device battery charging units and spare batteries.
A08 Handheld and mobile terminal equipment (narrowband)
Operational handheld, vehicle mounted and desk mounted devices including radios, pagers, data devices.
Equipment used to support handheld and mobile terminal equipment such as in-car mounts, handheld microphones, device coding keys, power connection cables, device battery charging units and spare batteries.
As per PSN Acceptable Use Policy, for any new radio terminals to be used on the PSN, the Customer must:
- Check that your terminal is on the list of compliance-tested models. If it’s on the list, you may use it.
Compliance testing ensures our customers purchase radio models that are fit for purpose and compatible with NSW’s Public Safety Network (PSN).
- If it’s not on the list of compliance-tested models, arrange for the terminal to be tested by contacting the Managed Network Provider (MNP) and don't use the terminal on the PSN until it's approved.
The MNP can be contacted at helpdesk@psn.nsw.gov.au and 1800 679 476.
A09 Handheld and mobile end user devices (mobile broadband)
Includes rugged mobile devices, rugged cells on wheels, and any related other devices (excludes smartphones and tablets provided by commercial network operators).
A10 Power equipment
Batteries, rectifiers, inverters, power management systems that support category A and B equipment.
A11 Deployable
Mobile broadband deployable equipment needed to augment coverage or to provide coverage in a blank area, including CoWs (as a whole unit including all needed components), drones and blimps.
Infrastructure and equipment required to support radio communications (RC), mobile broadband communications (MBC), and satellite communications for category A. Sub-categories:
B01 Antenna support structures (poles and towers)
Radio antenna supporting structures including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed masts, monopoles, rooftop structures (for example, jumbo rails) and related footings where applicable.
B02 Mounts and miscellaneous works
Antenna mounting steelwork (for example, face mounts, headframes, rooftop pedestal mounts), cable trays, straps, tower lighting and lightening protection fall-arrest system and other miscellaneous items related to antenna support structures.
B03 Security and safety systems and devices
Alarm systems, security coded and keyed entry systems, DC ventilation systems and fire protection systems.
B04 Fibre infrastructure
All fibre components up to the site termination point, including fibre cabling, splicing, and supplying the cables.
B05 Communications buildings
On- and off-site constructed cabins, huts, shelters and outdoor cabinets. Portable and temporary structures including trailers, specialised vehicles and drop down and pick up cabins.
In supplying this infrastructure, suppliers should be capable of providing ancillary equipment such as alarm monitoring and management, miscellaneous cabling, air conditioning, ventilation, miscellaneous electrical, fire extinguishers, work health and safety (WHS), portable generators.
All services are required to develop, plan, design and install, manage and maintain network equipment (category A) and infrastructure (category B). Excludes standard carrier services (See TPA). Sub-categories:
C01 Site acquisition, environment and design (SAED) services
Permits, DAs, Environmental Impact Assessment, site surveys/designs, structural assessments and design, Geotech assessments, surveyor for the purposes of building or upgrading telecommunication sites or infrastructures.
C02 Network planning services
Spectrum design, radio coverage plot and verification and prediction services, frequency planning, and radio network dimensioning. Core network planning and dimensioning. Transmission network planning, link design, MW/SDH/fibre planning and dimensioning.
C03 Project services
Project management, resources planning and management, asset management and capitalization, site acceptance and network deployment process and procedure.
C04 Construction services
Equipment (category A) and infrastructure (category B) construction services, including rigging, installation, welding, cranes, concreting, fibre ploughing, transportation, deconstruction and disposal services.
C05 Maintenance services
Equipment and infrastructure maintenance (regular and emergency/restoration), deployment of temporary sites including RF and structural rectification works.
C06 Consultancy services
Strategic, technical, commercial planning and advice services will also include all of the equipment (category A), infrastructure (category B) and services (category C) categories.
C07 Satellite carriage services
Carriage of voice and data via a satellite network for a government telecommunications network.
- This scheme is now referred to as SCM0053, previously ITS2573. They're one and the same.
- The scope for SCM0053 was expanded to include mobile broadband capabilities as of 10 May 2023.
Mobile broadband capabilities have not been assessed for suppliers added to Category A, B and C before 10 May 2023. Buyers are advised to conduct their own due diligence before inviting suppliers to participate in procurement activities related to mobile broadband communications.
What you need to know
The scheme provides simple access for NSW Government buyers and industry vendors. It promotes increased competitiveness to enable agencies to get better value for money.
Scheme management
The NSW Telco Authority manages the scheme on behalf of the NSW Government.
Benefits for buyers
- specific categories of telecommunications to ensure that the scheme best meets the government’s requirements
- continual access to new suppliers and emerging technologies
- pre-agreed terms and conditions aligned with contract value and activity risk rating
- risk assessment guidelines to assist agencies to select appropriate suppliers for their requirements
Benefits for suppliers
- simplified tender processes as suppliers are pre-assessed for capability and acceptance of contract terms
- suppliers can be added regularly, giving agencies continual access to new suppliers and emerging technologies
- simplified categories of telecommunications, enabling suppliers to align their offerings and maximise opportunities to provide services to the government
- 2 supplier lists: The registered supplier list for low-risk contracts valued up to $150,000 and prequalified supplier list for high-risk services contracts or valued over $150,000. Suppliers can apply for inclusion on one or both lists, depending on their capacity and capability
- contractual terms for registered or prequalified suppliers are appropriate to the respective value and activity risk to be undertaken
Who to contact
For more information or advice on the scheme, please contact the scheme manager, NSW Telco Authority, at scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
For technical support, please contact the NSW Procurement Service Centre on 1800 679 289 or nswbuy@treasury.nsw.gov.au
Approved suppliers
The scheme offers 2 supplier lists according to contract value and risk:
- registered supplier list - for contracts valued up to $150,000 each (inclusive GST) and low risk
- prequalified supplier list - for contracts exceeding $150,000 each (inclusive GST) or high risk.
The scheme includes a broad group of suppliers, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large organisations, local and national businesses.
To find the right suppliers for your needs, you can search the scheme supplier list.
If you’re logged in with your buyer account, you'll have full access to a supplier’s profile.
If you don't have a buyer account, it's quick to sign up. You just need to enter your email address and create a password.
Who's eligible to buy
This scheme is a mandatory, whole-of-government agreement.
All NSW Government agencies are eligible
This means that all NSW Government agencies are eligible to use – and must use – this contract when buying operational telecommunications and radio communications equipment, infrastructure and services.
The mandate is from Procurement Board Direction PBD-2021-04.
Non-agency buyers may also be eligible
You don’t have to be a NSW Government agency to buy under NSW Government contracts, panels and contracts.
But you do have to apply to become an eligible non-agency buyer. Once approved, you'll get an authorised buyer identification number (NSWBuy number). Use this number to buy through NSW Government schemes and contracts.
How to buy: step by step
On this page, you'll find a high-level overview of the steps to buy from the scheme.
For detailed instructions, please refer to the guidelines for customers PDF, 375.38 KB.
The contract value is the estimated total price of the contract including any options, extensions, variations or contingencies. It is inclusive of GST and cannot be split into lower-price components or price per year.
Consider the following scenarios when estimating contract value:
- the agreed scope of works may change during the term of the contract, resulting in a contract value over $150,000 (including GST). This includes any potential extensions, renewals, or variations that may be executed during the contract's life
- multiple contracts under one project
- a contract with a supplier may result in the need for related flow-on contracts. The cumulative price of the first contract and any potential flow-on contracts may exceed $150,000 (including GST).
If the sourcing activity is assessed as a low-risk and there is no potential for the total contract value to exceed $150,000 (including GST), you may engage suppliers from the registered supplier list.
In high-risk sourcing activity where there is potential for the contract value to exceed $150,000 (including GST), engage suppliers from the prequalified supplier list.
If the estimated contract value is less than $150,000 (including GST), assessing the level of risk will determine which supplier list (registered or prequalified) to use.
Use of prequalified supplier list is required in one of the following scenarios:
- the procurement activity falls under specific high-risk services (listed in appendix 1 of guidelines for customers PDF, 375.38 KB)
- the inherent or residual risk rating for any identified risk is high or extreme using the risk assessment tool XLSX, 165.23 KB (prompts for identifying risks are included in appendix 2 of guidelines for customers PDF, 375.38 KB).
Note on the risk assessment tool
The risk assessment tool does not replace existing agency-specific or NSW Government policies, procedures or guidelines relating to the identification, mitigation or management of project risks.
Follow your agency's procurement guidelines to identify the number of suppliers to quote.
To ensure value for money, provide transparency and opportunities to increase competition, we recommend the following number of quotes when engaging suppliers from the scheme:
| Contract value (excluding GST) | Recommended minimum quotes |
|---|---|
| up to $30,000 | 1 written quote |
| between $30,000 and $250,000 | 1 - 3 written quotes |
| between $250,000 and $1 million | 3 written quotes |
| over $1 million | 3 - 5 written submissions |
You are responsible for selecting suitable suppliers to ensure probity, fairness and value in keeping with the NSW Government Procurement Policy Framework.
You may use your own criteria to select suppliers to invite for submissions. You don't have to seek responses from every eligible scheme supplier within a category or sub-category.
As part of the due diligence process, you may conduct the following preliminary investigations:
- review supplier profile and website
- request capability statements from scheme members on the appropriate category (view the 'list of suppliers' tab for a list of suppliers with categories they're registered for)
- contact your internal subject matter experts or the NSW Telco Authority at SCM0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
- use the indicative supplier price guide to get an indication of pricing and lead times. If you don't have access to the supplier price guide, please email nswbuy@treasury.nsw.gov.au
Enforceable procurement provisions
The prequalified supplier list is established in accordance with PBD 2019-05 Enforceable procurement provisions.
A covered agency (schedule 1 of PBD-2019-05) can comply with the EPP direction by using the scheme for the procurement of goods and services over $680,000 and may invite a limited number of suppliers on the scheme to make a submission.
You can use etendering for all sourcing activities, including managing requests for quotes (RFQ) under the scheme.
Please include the draft order form with sourcing documents.
When engaging with suppliers from C01 Site Acquisition, Environment, Design (SAED) Services, C03 Project Services and C06 Consultancy Services, use the engagement pricing schedule XLSX, 130.34 KB. The schedule includes recommended templates for C04 Construction Services, C05 Maintenance Services and C07 Satellite Services.
The contract documents for engagements under the scheme are:
Master supply agreement
The master supplier agreement (registered or prequalified) governs the performance under the scheme and includes the agreed contract terms. It is entered into with the supplier when they apply to join the scheme.
To request an MSA number or copy of the signed MSA, please email SCM0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
Order form
To enter a contract with a chosen supplier, you'll need to complete relevant order form.
Once you have evaluated responses against appropriate assessment criteria, selected an appropriate supplier and agreed to the scope of work, you need to execute the right order form to engage them.
To execute the order form, complete the appropriate order form:
- purchase order form for registered suppliers DOCX, 63.09 KB
- general order form for prequalified suppliers DOCX, 80.57 KB
The attachments or annexures to the order form, if any, may include specifications, a statement of work, support agreement, service level agreement, project plan and others.
Completing these steps ensures that the agreement with the selected supplier is executed, enabling your agency to obtain the relevant warranties and protection against liabilities.
When raising a purchase order in your finance system, please include: "under the terms and conditions of the SCM0053 master supply agreement".
During the management of the contract, please ensure you receive all the required contract deliverables. This may include insurances, management plans, contact details and updated schedules.
Consider any contract disclosure or reporting requirements such as GIPA, Aboriginal Procurement Policy, variations.
To ensure NSW Government agencies and eligible buyers can continue to get the maximum value from the scheme, it's important that suppliers performances are measured.
It is recommended you complete a supplier performance report for each engaged supplier at the completion of an engagement, or at least annually for long term engagements. To do this, follow the steps:
- complete supplier performance report DOCX, 48.31 KB (section, A, B and C)
- submit a copy of the performance report to the supplier so they can provide additional comments
- submit the completed performance report signed by the supplier and agency to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
The scheme manager may contact you for clarification on your feedback. The results of feedback collected through this process may be used to assess the ongoing suitability of suppliers on the scheme.
How to manage complaints and disputes
If a complaint or dispute occurs, both the buyer and the supplier must first seek resolution at the agency level.
You can view general information that may help you prepare for and manage complaints and disputes:
FAQs for buyers
What is a master supply agreement?
The master supply agreement governs the suppliers conduct on the scheme and contains agreed terms and conditions which will be used for goods and services contracts.
The MSA is entered into with the supplier when the supplier applies to be a member of the scheme.
Buyers do not need to enter into a master supply agreement for every contract. The MSA contains agreed terms and conditions to be used when entering contracts for goods and services.
A contract will be formed and incorporate the agreed terms and conditions when a relevant order form is properly executed.
Where do I request an MSA number to enter in the order form?
To request an MSA number or copy of the signed MSA, please send your requests to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au with subject "MSA number".
Is there a supplier price catalogue or equipment sub-panels under the scheme?
No. There is no current price catalogue or equipment sub-panels under the scheme. However there is supplier price guide which lists products and indicative prices from the suppliers.
What is supplier price guide?
Supplier price guide is the non-exhaustive list of products and indicative prices from the suppliers on the scheme. It's an indication of pricing (and not negotiated or ceiling price) and lead times.
New or updated pricing needs to be sought from the supplier at the time of the procurement.
Some consideration should be given to whether any potential equipment purchases are compatible with the public sector network is that is the intended use.
How can I get access to supplier price guide?
Authorised buyers from NSW government agencies and other eligible buyers can request access to the supplier price guide (SPG) for the scheme by emailing nswbuy@treasury.nsw.gov.au.
Can I share supplier price guide with the suppliers?
No. Supplier price guide is confidential information and should not be shared with the suppliers or other eligible buyers.
How will supplier performance be managed?
By completing the supplier performance report, your experiences with a supplier can be properly recorded. Feedback and reports can be managed by the NSW Telco Authority. The supplier can also review and respond to both positive and negative reviews.
It is recommended that you complete a supplier performance report for each engaged supplier at the completion of an engagement or at least annually for long term engagements.
Your completed report should be sent to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
The NSW Telco Authority manages supplier ongoing involvement and participation on the scheme.
What if the supplier I want to use is not on the scheme?
New vendors can be added to the scheme after completing the scheme application process.
You can ask potential new vendors to apply for the scheme if they provide operational telecommunications and radio communications equipment, infrastructure, services and they satisfy the conditions for participation as listed in scheme rules and conditions.
The scheme administrator and assessors may accept or reject suppliers' applications. The assessment process generally takes one to 2 weeks to be completed from the time of receiving an application and an additional 2 weeks to get the MSA signed.
Please note suppliers must have executed an MSA prior to participating in sourcing activity.
Applications for registrations to supply through the scheme will remain open at all times for all suppliers until 30 January 2027.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
For any scheme related queries, please contact scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
For technical support, please contact nswbuy@treasury.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 679 289.
Who's eligible to supply
The scheme is open to both Australian and international suppliers that can offer goods or services related to operational telecommunication and radio communications equipment, infrastructure and services.
To become a member of the scheme, suppliers must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- meet the conditions for participation as per clause 11 of the scheme rules and conditions PDF, 379.67 KB.
How to apply: step by step
The scheme offers 2 membership levels:
- registered supplier list: approved for contracts valued up to $150,000 (including GST) and low-risk works
- prequalified supplier list: approved for contracts over $150,000 (including GST) or high-risk works.
Before you can supply through the scheme, you need to apply to become a registered or prequalified supplier using the following steps:
- Log in or sign up as a new supplier.
- Go to the scheme page to review the scheme terms and conditions and the master supply agreement (including supply contract).
- When ready, select' Start application'.
- Complete the relevant questionnaire (registered or prequalified) by providing the information requested and submitting the documents as required.
- Submit the application.
We'll review applications as specified in 'section 11 conditions for participation' of the scheme rules and conditions PDF, 379.67 KB.
You'll receive an email with the outcome of your application. It usually takes one to 2 weeks to assess applications, although this can vary.
Once accepted, you must conform to the terms and conditions of the relevant master supply agreement (MSA):
NSW Telco Authority may amend the scheme rules and conditions as required.
All successful suppliers must ensure they comply with the most recent version of the scheme rules and conditions PDF, 379.67 KB.
How to update your company profile
You must ensure your supplier profile remains current.
To update your information, follow these steps:
- Log in with your supplier account.
- From the profile icon, select My account.
- Edit your business details, then save.
How to apply for more categories
To apply for additional categories or sub-categories:
- Log in with your supplier account.
- From the profile icon, go to Dashboard.
- Select Schemes module.
- Amend your scheme membership.
- Submit your application.
You'll need to provide:
- 3 referee reports for each nominated category or sub-category
- any additional documentation through the application for the specific capability applied for.
We'll review your application and notify you of the outcome.
How to manage complaints and disputes
If you're not satisfied with our decision about your application, you can request us to review it by emailing scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
In the case of a complaint or dispute about procurement processes or contracts, you and the customer must use your best efforts to resolve the dispute at the site or agency level.
For more guidance on managing, complaints and disputes, please see:
FAQs for suppliers
Is there a deadline for applications to be lodged?
Yes. Applications for registrations to supply through the scheme will remain open at all times for all suppliers until 30 January 2027.
What are the conditions of participation?
It is the minimum conditions (clause 11 of scheme rules and conditions) that suppliers must demonstrate compliance to, to be included in the supplier list.
It is limited to conditions that ensure that the supplier has the legal and financial capacity, and commercial and technical abilities, to fulfil the requirements of the procurements covered by the scheme.
Participation is conditional on acceptance of the terms and conditions of the master supply agreement (MSA).
For any MSA related queries, please contact scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
Can I apply for both the registered and prequalified supplier list?
Yes. You will need to complete 2 separate applications for the registered supplier list and prequalified supplier list.
How are applications assessed?
The scheme administrator will assess whether the supplier satisfies the conditions for participation using the method of assessment as described in:
- clause 11.4.2 (for registered supplier list)
- clause 11.5.2 (for prequalified supplier list)
of the scheme rules and conditions.
How long will it take for my application to be assessed?
The assessment process generally takes one to 2 weeks (subject to the completeness of the application) to be completed from the time of receiving an application and an additional 2 weeks to get the MSA signed.
The suppliers must have executed MSA prior to participating in sourcing activity.
Will I be approved for all sub-categories I have applied for?
Each sub-category will be assessed individually for demonstrated experience in capabilities applied for.
They are subject to an assessment of all mandatory information and supporting evidence listed in clause 11.4 (for registered supplier list) and clause 11.5 (for prequalified supplier list) of the scheme rules and conditions.
Can I reapply if my application is unsuccessful?
Yes. To reapply, you can submit a new application.
What are the prescribed terms and conditions for customer contracts?
All approved suppliers must conform to the terms and conditions of the applicable master supply agreement (registered or prequalified).
Do I need to sign the master supply agreement for the scheme if I have already signed a customer contract for other schemes, such as the ICT Services Scheme?
Yes, our master supply agreement is unique for the scheme.
Do I sign MSA for each engagement with buyers?
No. The MSA is entered into with the supplier when you apply to be a member of the scheme. Suppliers do not need to enter into a master supply agreement for every contract.
A supply contract will be formed by execution of the relevant general order form or purchase order form and incorporate the agreed terms and conditions.
A proposed draft order form should be issued with the relevant RFx documents.
Does being accepted onto the scheme mean guaranteed work?
No. Membership to the scheme is an assessment of capability and acceptance of standard terms and conditions for the suppliers to offer goods and services to NSW Government agencies or eligible customers.
Supplier opportunities are subject to individual sourcing activities conducted by agencies or eligible customers.
They may use their own discretion to which suppliers are invited to submit proposals by following scheme guidelines for customers PDF, 375.38 KB.
The suppliers will be contacted either directly or via a procurement platform to submit proposals.
What if there is a change in the supplier's ABN number?
If there is a change in ABN, you must let us know. Email the name and ABN of the new entity and a brief description of the reason for the change to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
A new application must be submitted to join the scheme under the new entity’s name and ABN.
How will buyers/customers contact the suppliers for future opportunities?
Buyers can contact suppliers via email or procurement platform of their choice.
Can I withdraw my membership from the scheme?
Yes. Suppliers can withdraw their membership from the scheme at any time by sending an email to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au with the subject ‘revoke membership’.
Can I submit a product and services catalogue including pricing?
Yes, please submit it to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
Is there a set supplier price catalogue or equipment sub-panels under the scheme?
No. there is no fixed current price catalogue or equipment sub-panels under the scheme. However, we maintain a supplier price guide that lists products and indicative prices from suppliers.
What is a supplier price guide?
The supplier price guide is the non-exhaustive list of products and indicative prices from suppliers on the scheme. It is an indication of pricing (and not negotiated or ceiling price) and lead times.
It helps buyers identify suppliers, products and estimate budgets for procurement activities.
New or updated pricing will be sought from the suppliers at the time of the procurement.