Selling IT to government in Australia
Australian governments buy IT at the federal, state and territory, and local council level, plus universities and health services. Federal policy gives small and medium enterprises a target share of contracts, and several states run their own small-business programs.
Where Australian IT tenders are posted
| Buyer | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Federal (Commonwealth) agencies | AusTender, for open approaches to market, planned procurements and contract notices |
| Federal digital and ICT work | BuyICT, run by the Digital Transformation Agency |
| New South Wales | buy.nsw and NSW eTendering |
| Victoria | Buying for Victoria (Tenders VIC) |
| Queensland | QTenders |
| Western Australia | Tenders WA |
| South Australia | SA Tenders and Contracts |
| Tasmania, ACT, NT | Each has its own tenders portal |
Councils and universities often use their own portals or shared platforms.
The rules that apply
Federal agencies follow the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs). Above set value thresholds, agencies must run an open approach to market, publish it on AusTender and allow minimum time for responses. Below them, agencies can approach a few suppliers directly, and many must consider small and medium enterprises first.
Every federal contract over $10,000 is reported on AusTender, so you can see who already does the work you want and when contracts end.
States follow their own procurement frameworks, broadly similar in principle, with their own thresholds and panels.
BuyICT and the Digital Marketplace
The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) runs BuyICT, the platform through which federal agencies buy most digital and ICT services. Suppliers join panels and arrangements, then respond to opportunities posted to them. Key arrangements include:
- Digital Marketplace Panel: digital specialists, outcomes and training, with many small sellers.
- Cloud Marketplace: cloud services and cloud consulting.
- Hardware, software licensing and telecommunications arrangements.
Joining the Digital Marketplace Panel is usually the most direct route into federal digital work for a small firm. New sellers can apply when the panel is open to new entrants.
Security: IRAP, the ISM and the Essential Eight
- Essential Eight: the Australian Cyber Security Centre's baseline mitigation strategies. Agencies often ask suppliers what maturity level they meet.
- ISM (Information Security Manual): the controls government systems must meet.
- IRAP: assessments by registered assessors of cloud services and systems against the ISM. Cloud providers selling to government are often expected to have one.
- Security clearances: staff on sensitive work may need a clearance through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA), which the contracting agency sponsors.
What Australian buyers usually ask for
- An ABN (Australian Business Number) for local suppliers.
- Insurance: public liability and professional indemnity, at amounts set in each tender.
- Data sovereignty: many cloud contracts require data held in Australia.
- Indigenous participation: the Indigenous Procurement Policy sets targets and mandatory minimum requirements for some contracts, and Supply Nation lists certified Indigenous businesses.
- Accessibility to WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 AA for websites and apps.
Can foreign firms bid?
Usually, yes. Australia is a member of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and has free trade agreements covering procurement with the UK, the US, Canada (through CPTPP), and others. Foreign suppliers may need to register for an ABN or GST, and some panels and security-cleared work expect a local presence.
How to get started
- Register on AusTender and create a seller profile on BuyICT.
- Apply to the Digital Marketplace Panel or the arrangement that fits your services.
- Check your Essential Eight maturity and be ready to describe it.
- Register on the portals of the states you want to work in, where many smaller IT contracts are posted.
- Read how to win government IT contracts for the bid itself.
Common questions
What is AusTender?
AusTender is the Australian Government's central website for federal tenders, planned procurements and contract notices. Agencies must publish open approaches to market there.
What is BuyICT?
BuyICT is the Digital Transformation Agency's platform for federal digital and ICT buying. Sellers join panels such as the Digital Marketplace Panel, then respond to opportunities posted by agencies.
Do I need IRAP to sell cloud services to the Australian government?
Not always, but agencies handling sensitive data often expect an IRAP assessment of the cloud service. Check what the tender asks for.
Can a New Zealand firm bid on Australian government tenders?
Yes, in most cases. Australia and New Zealand have long-standing arrangements to treat each other's suppliers fairly in government buying, and New Zealand firms win Australian contracts regularly. Some panels and security-cleared work expect a local presence.