A number of Moree contractors now have the tools to be able to bid for council contracted work, after attending an information session late last month.
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More than 50 people attended the session, hosted by Moree Plains Shire Council, which aimed to assist local contractors who are considering bidding for council infrastructure projects and who want to become more familiar with online tendering systems which are now common.
The information session covered how to register for receiving online requests for quoting and tendering through VendorPanel (the online system used by council); how to review, assess and respond to procurement documents; and understanding how to maximise business opportunities not only with council but with other groups and organisations.
VendorPanel is used by council, as well as hundreds of other organisations, to simplify the quotation or tendering process and to increase transparency and compliance. Most importantly for local businesses, once registered their details are in the system and requests from council and other organisations simply turn up in their inbox. This avoids the weekly chore of wading through newspaper classifieds, and reduces the risk of a business missing work opportunities.
Council's director of planning and community development Angus Witherby encourages local suppliers to register on VendorPanel.
"With over $23 million in capital projects to deliver over the coming year or so, and a substantial building maintenance budget, council will be looking for outside assistance to help us deliver these projects and keep council's assets in the desired condition," he said.
"Now more than ever, it is critical for these funds to be retained in the shire, wherever possible. I would encourage local businesses to firstly register with VendorPanel and then throw their hat in the ring to undertake works.
"In addition to council projects, major projects like Inland Rail use online bidding systems for sub-contracting works and this is an excellent opportunity for local suppliers to get a foot in the door.
"We were very happy with the turnout for our information night and hope it's a major step towards keeping dollars in our local community."
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For contractors already registered on VendorPanel, council's current bidding round for preferred contractors will close towards the end of July. Council encourages businesses not already registered as a supplier on VendorPanel to register, as a second round of bidding for preferred contractors will open later in the year.
To register as a supplier for VendorPanel, go to www.vendorpanel.com.au/marketplace.aspx and choose the relevant business category(s). Enter your business name and contact details and an invitation will appear in your email to join VendorPanel. Complete your business profile and once registered, suppliers are visible to purchasing staff.
