Purchasing

Purchasing activities 

The department’s purchasing activities are undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs).   

The purchasing processes focus on the core principle of value for money. This is achieved through: 

• encouraging competitive and non-discriminatory processes 
• using Commonwealth resources in an efficient, effective, economical and ethical manner that is consistent with the policies of the Commonwealth 
• making decisions in an accountable and transparent manner 
• considering the risks 
• conducting a process commensurate with the scale and scope of the procurement. 

Visit the Department of Finance website to read the Commonwealth Procurement Rules(Opens in a new tab/window).  

Tenders 

We advertise open tenders on the Australian Government tendering website AusTender  (Opens in a new tab/window) 

Annual procurement plan 

An annual procurement plan is published on AusTender(Opens in a new tab/window). It lists significant procurements our department expects to undertake during the following year. 

Contract reporting 

We publish details all contracts awarded with a value of $10,000 or more on AusTender(Opens in a new tab/window). 

Invoicing 

Where purchases are being sought under a formal contract, suppliers will always be advised of a contract number.  

Suppliers are required to quote the contract number on all invoices connected to this purchase.  

All invoices should be sent to dss.invoices@invoices.fms.gov.au for processing. 

For all purchases below $10,000, the department promotes payment via credit card. 

Payment terms 

We agree to payment terms that provide payment no later than either: 

• 5 calendar days for electronic invoicing (eInvoicing), where the department and a supplier both have the capability to deliver and receive eInvoices through the Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line framework and have agreed to use this method of invoicing 
• 20 calendar days for all other invoices, unless shorter maximum payment terms are agreed between the department and a supplier. 

Where payment is not made within the maximum payment terms, we will pay interest to the supplier where the amount accrued is more than A$100.00 (GST inclusive). 

Visit the Department of Finance website for the Pay On-Time or Pay Interest Policy(Opens in a new tab/window).