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                    Supplying goods, services and works

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                    The City of Melbourne spends over $250 million on goods, services and works every year. This creates many opportunities for businesses and individuals to work with us to help us achieve our operational and strategic objectives.

                    What we buy

                    We work together with suppliers delivering a broad range of goods, services and works to the community including: 

                    • Community development and services, parking, recreation & waterways 
                    • Catering, logistics and event management 
                    • Technology and digital innovation 
                    • Property, infrastructure and design including capital works and building maintenance 
                    • Strategy, planning and climate change including open space management, waste and recycling 
                    • Professional services in areas such as legal, advertising, marketing and HR 
                    • Operational business expertise and supplies including office fit out, office supplies and technology 

                    How we engage suppliers

                    We have different options for how we engage the right supplier for goods, services and works: 

                    Understanding how we purchase goods, services and work will help you increase your ability to win work. When we engage with the market and depending on the value of the purchase we either go through a quotation or tender process to engage the right supplier.

                    Quotations: Under $250,000

                    Depending on the value of what is being spent, we invite suppliers to quote for work. Learn more about quotations.

                    Tenders: Above $250,000

                    We use Tenders for large values going out to open market providing open and fair opportunity for multiple suppliers to submit offers and compete for work. Learn more about tenders.

                    Frequently Asked Questions

                    Quotations and Tenders

                    Do I need to register as a new supplier?

                    Yes:

                    • If you are supplying goods and services under $250,000, you will need to register with COMBUY.
                    • If you are supplying major work over $250,000, you will need to register with Tenderlink.

                    Do I need an ABN?

                    It depends. If you are a small sole trader you may not need an ABN to supply us with your goods and services. However, if you have an ABN, you will need to provide us with the details for billing purposes.

                    Do you prefer to use local suppliers within the municipality of Melbourne?

                    Yes. It is one of our core priorities which includes:  

                    • Value for money
                    • Supporting local business
                    • Genuine employment opportunities within the City of Melbourne. 

                    Can I request an extension of the closing date?

                    ​No. We are unable to grant extensions on closing dates for fairness and equity with other suppliers.

                    After I have been advised I have been successful, when can I start work?

                    Congratulations on winning work with us. You will be sent a Purchase Order and can then commence work with us as agreed with the branch buyer.

                    Who do I contact if I have a specific question about a quotation I’ve been invited to participate in or a tender I’m interested in applying for?

                    Contact the branch buyer or nominated contact which you will find in the documentation supplied to you.

                    Is there a limit to the number and size of files comprising my tender submission?

                    • Quotes: Up to 40 files and combined file size of 128 MB
                    • Tenders:  The total size of the combined documents must not exceed 10 MB.

                    Can I lobby councillors regarding my request for quote?

                    Any supplier who canvasses or contacts a councillor about open work may have their submission disqualified by the City of Melbourne.

                    Will late quotes be accepted?

                    No. In the interests of equity and fairness we cannot accept later submissions.

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