Local Buy helps alleviate the need for open market tenders by managing the procurement compliance burden on behalf of all Local Government agencies.
All Local Buy arrangements are compliant with the Local Government Regulations 2012 and Local Government Act 2009 and provide Local Government entities with the assurance that all suppliers are vetted and compliant based on a comprehensive tender, evaluation and approval process.
Purchasing through a Local Buy prequalified supply arrangement negates the need for Councils to go through the formal tender process. There is also no financial minimum or maximum spend applicable within the arrangements.
Councils can engage suppliers through the Local Buy supply arrangements by requesting a quotation. Local Buy provide Queensland Local Government entities access to an online quotation system where councils can engage with suppliers directly to purchase common goods, services and works. The system also enables Council to check supplier insurances, information on their overall solutions and the general conditions of contract as primary examples.
Reserach has identified that a standard tender (valued over $200,000) can cost an individual Local Government entity between $15,000 to $30,000. This cost increases to above $60,000 for more complex requirements such as works, construction and waste management tenders.
Going out to tender to the open market also requires considerable planning, as there are certain processes that a Local Government entity must follow. Given this, Local Buy estimates that Councils can save 16 weeks utilising Local Buy Panel Arrangements, compared to going out to tender, based on an average construction project.
Local Buy is able to establish whether there is a need for an arrangement or a particular procurement service through our strong relationships with Local Government.