Government contracts and schemes
- The main way NSW Government buys is through contracts and schemes.
- Under contracts, particular suppliers are appointed to supply defined goods or services for a set period of time.
- Schemes are lists of suppliers from which government agencies can seek proposals or quotes.
- You can sign up to become a NSW Government supplier.
- Use your supplier account to respond to tenders and apply for schemes.
Contracts are used for specific supply
Contracts are usually created after a competitive tender process.
Contracts are used when one or more suppliers of similar goods or services are appointed to sell to NSW Government for a specified period of time, under agreed terms and conditions including price.
Contracts have start and end dates, although sometimes they can be extended.
We maintain a list of whole-of-government contracts on our site.
Tenders are advertised on Opportunities Hub.
When you sign up as a supplier, you'll be able to opt-in for notifications of tenders that match your company’s profile.
Schemes list prequalified suppliers
A scheme covers a wide range of goods and services from a particular sector. Unlike contracts, suppliers can apply any time for inclusion in most schemes.
Each scheme has its own set of rules. They outline the terms and conditions for using the scheme, for both buyers and suppliers, however price isn't included.
When a government agency needs to buy goods or services, it can approach suppliers on schemes in various ways – including via a request for tender (RFT), request for quote (RFQ) or request for proposal (RFP).
Apply to join a scheme
The application process for schemes varies, depending on the nature of the goods and services covered by the scheme.
Some schemes have different levels of prequalification, with fewer requirements for works up to certain values.
In every application process, we’ve considered the need to reduce red tape and to connect government agencies and market expertise.
New suppliers must sign up first
If you are a new supplier, you will need to sign up as a supplier.
Registered suppliers may apply to schemes
Once you have a supplier account, you can log in and apply for any schemes that match your business offerings.