Govt. Gets Ready To Appoint Lead Broadband Role
- Government puts out request for potential tenders for a lead advisory role in the NBN implementation
- It consists of a two-stage selection process
- Role may go to a consortium of companies or people
Late Friday afternoon saw government tender documents released for a lead advisory role for the National Broadband Network (NBN) implementation study.
The documents, put forward by the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE), are a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for the provision of lead advisory services relating to the implementation study.
The purpose of the REOI, consisting of 39 pages, is to compile a shortlist of respondents who are “able to demonstrate their ability to provide the required services to the required standard.”
Once respondents are shortlisted they will then be invited to participate in the Request for Tender (RFT) process.
The DBCDE has outlined in the documents that only those with “relevant experience” in lead advisory services will be considered.
“Only Respondents with relevant experience and expertise in providing Lead Advisory services relating to large complex transactions or projects, over a tight timeframe should respond,” the document stated.
The closing date for expressions of willingness to tender to the advisory role is May 19th, with the government hoping to finalise those who expressed their tender by June 16th.
“It is envisaged that the successful Tenderers(s) will commence work on the NBN implementation study immediately after the selection process is completed, subject to the conclusion of suitable contractual arrangements with the Department.”
“Responses to the REOI will be evaluated to compile a shortlist of prospective service providers able to demonstrate that they have the capability to perform the required tasks.”
In conducting the evaluation of EOIs the government has stated that the following criteria will be assessed:
- Service delivery and management;
- capability;
- capacity;
- probity and accountability;
- and financial viability.
It has also been made clear that the DBCDE may not just hire one person or company, stating in its request that multiple tenders may apply as one.
Just who is applying remains unknown, and whether the government will remain “open and transparent” in the RFT process is also unknown.
