Bundaberg Regional Council has launched a series of free information and guidance sessions to encourage local businesses to be confident and competitive when responding to Council Requests for Quote and Requests for Tender.
Lead by Council’s Procurement and Contracts team, the ‘Working with Council’ program will run for five sessions throughout the year covering a range of topics to increase business confidence and capabilities when engaging with Council.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the program was a key pillar of Council’s Small Business Friendly Commitment.
“Small business is the backbone of regional communities and Council is committed to engaging with local businesses to strengthen the region’s economy,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Council wants to support a thriving regional economy by empowering local small businesses to grow and succeed.
“We are locals and we want to be in business with locals.”
Council’s Governance and Integrity portfolio spokesperson Councillor May Mitchell said Council’s procurement team was ready and eager to answer the attendees’ questions.
“The team has designed a comprehensive series of topics that will guide business owners and prospective tenderers through Council’s procurement processes,” Cr Mitchell said.
“I’d encourage everyone to attend, whether you’re a new business owner looking for an introduction to Council procurement or an experienced hand who is seeking a deeper understanding of the process.
“The sessions will break down what is a formal process required under legislation to ensure that these necessary steps are not becoming a barrier to local businesses engaging with Council.”
Registration open
Registration is open for all five sessions covering the following topics:
- Wednesday 25 February – Meet Council’s Procurement and Contracts team, understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Wednesday 22 April – Navigating VendorPanel and how to respond to Requests for Quotation.
- Wednesday 22 July – What is a Request for Tender (RFT) and how to prepare a competitive RFT submission.
- Wednesday 23 September – Work Health and Safety and Insurance compliance, what’s needed and why.
- Wednesday 25 November – Probity, the right to feedback and conflicts of interest.
‘Working with Council’ information and guidance sessions will be held on each date from 10 am to 12 noon at Bundaberg Multiplex Sports and Convention Centre, 1 Civic Avenue.
Registration is free. Book here.
