Many acquiring entities have standing offers or panels with contractors for the provision of goods or services required on a regular basis, but where the timing and quantities cannot be pre-determined. A standing offer can be held with a single contractor or a panel of contractors. These standing offers ensure the entity has quick and easy access to these goods and services without having to go through the requirements of a tender process for every acquisition. The contractor must provide specified goods or services for a pre-determined length of time, at pre-determined rates on the terms and conditions agreed in the standing offer documents. Legally, these contractors may not be under a contract with the acquiring entity, unless the standing offer arrangement is made by way of a deed. Rather the contractor is simply on notice that they may be called upon to provide goods or services during the duration of the panel period. A contract for the supply of particular goods or services required is only formed with the contractor when an order is placed by the acquiring entity for a specific amount of goods, or requirement for service. Some common examples of goods and services under a standing offer include: stationery, office and printing supplies or services, recruitment services, professional services, and building maintenance.
Many acquiring entities have specific policies on how to establish and manage standing offers and panels. The Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (CPGs) require, amongst other things, that panel arrangements must contain details of the minimum requirements of the services or goods including an indicative or set price for the goods or services.