Recent changes to purchasing procedures for NSW DET schools have have been made to reflect changed procedures for all NSW Government agencies.

All DET schools must use State Contracts Control Board whole-of-government contracts, irrespective of the source of funds, where they are available when procuring goods and services. Quotes are not required for these “in contract” goods and services, however the exemption for best value purchases up to $1,500 in rural areas is still maintained.

When purchasing “not in contract” goods and services, the following now applies:

• Up to $1,500 in value, no quotations are required.
  
• Over $1,500 and up to $30,000 in value, minimum of one written quotation.
  
• Over $30,000 and up to $150,000 in value, minimum of three written quotations.
  
• Over $150,000 in value, full specifications must be submitted to the Department of Commerce for the invitation of tenders.
  

Details were published in InPrincipal on the 21st September 2007 (DN/07/00282 - DET Intranet access required).

Other related links:

M2006-11 NSW Procurement Reforms (Dept of Premier and Cabinet)
This memorandum applies to all Government agencies, including Statutory Authorities, Trusts and other Government entities, except for State Owned Corporations.

Dept of Commerce - Procurement Reforms
The Department of Commerce is responsible for co-ordinating the implementation of the procurement reform initiatives. "The memorandum highlights strategies that build on the investments already made by the Government in procurement systems and capability."

Dept of Commerce - General Puchasing Delegation
"Where a SCCB period contract exists, Departments/Agencies are required to purchase from these contracts. In the absence of a SCCB period contract, agencies have been granted a delegation by the SCCB to undertake their own procurement in accordance with the General Purchasing Delegation."

Procurement of Goods and Services (DET Intranet access required.)
School Manual on Financial Management.

For the full memo that was distrubuted to schools, see InPrincipal on the 21st September 2007. (DET Intranet access required).