It is better practice that tender documentation include advice that tenderers may seek a debriefing.81 It may also be appropriate for tender documentation or separate advice to tenderers to include the following information:
• the point in the procurement cycle when a debriefing will be available. In most circumstances this will be after contract signature82;
• in general terms, the issues that the debriefing may be expected to cover; and
• a contact point for tenderers to make arrangements for a debriefing.
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81 The CPGs (sections 7.22 and 8.73) require relevant entities to provide, on request, an unsuccessful tenderer with the reasons why its submission was not successful. On request a debriefing should also be provided to successful tenderers.
82 In some cases, feedback may be provided before the tender evaluation (for example, where the tender is rejected prior to the evaluation because it was late or did not satisfy the content and format requirements or conditions for participation) or at the end of the short-listing process. See Department of Finance and Deregulation website, <http://www.tenders.gov.au>, Providing Feedback guide.