The RFP should include an Interactive Tender Process (ITP) where Responsible Agencies and NSW Treasury hold a series of individual workshops with short-listed bidders in accordance with the NSW Interactive Tendering Guidelines2, and the procedures and timetable set out in the RFP and the probity framework.
The ITP provides short-listed bidders with an opportunity to discuss the development of their concepts and designs, and to seek clarification and feedback in the context of the Government's output requirements before lodgement of bids.
The objective of the ITP is to:
• improve the quality of bid submissions
• ensure bids meet key project objectives
• minimise overall transaction costs; and
• ultimately deliver better outcomes for the public, through clear communication of the Government's requirements and priorities.
The sessions should facilitate a frank discussion of the NSW Government's project affordability requirements. Responsible Agencies should contact NSW Treasury for a copy of the ITP Protocol template.
The ITP should include a planning workshop with each short-listed bidder and the Department of Planning and Environment, so that Bidders have an opportunity to discuss the development approval process and any conditions that have been set, or are likely to be set.
The Responsible Agency should request that bidders submit a proposed agenda or key issues in advance of the ITP workshop. This allows the procurement team to prepare clear guidance for the workshop.
The sessions should also include discussions as required for guidance on potential variants to bids that will still be considered compliant RFP tenders.
All ITP sessions should have the Probity Adviser in attendance.
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2 See http://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/media/2449/insw_interactivetenderingguidelines.pdf.