Engineers Australia, Tasmania has been advised that the State Treasurer has approved temporary measures for the procurement process for projects relating to the June 2016 flood recovery efforts.
To allow Government agencies flexibility in the procurement process of these projects, the Treasurer’s Instructions 1197 and 1297 have been issued.
These Instructions only apply for the procurement of the projects related to the flood recovery efforts and where approved by a relevant Head of Agency. TI.1197 covers the procurement of goods and services and TI.1297 covers the procurement of building and construction, and roads and bridges projects.
Engineers Australia General Manager, Tasmania, Dr Vicki Gardiner said “the recent floods have been a devastating event for Tasmania and Engineers Australia is looking to support the state government and the community rebuild”.
With these Instructions, agencies will be able to use a more flexible process for procurement to ensure vital infrastructure is useable in the short time frame required. This flexible process can include seeking quotations rather than going out to tender, reducing the time contractors have to tender, or using contractors that are not on the consultant and/or contractor prequalification list.
The Instructions will be in place until 31 December 2016. For more information on these changes, visit the Department of Treasury and Finance website.
“While we welcome the approach taken by the Government, our main focus is for community safety. As such, we have recommended that the National Engineering Register be used as a way to ensure that competent and current engineers are engaged on projects,” said Dr Gardiner.