3 Assessment Process
Following the application Closing Date, the Department will conduct an assessment of all applications.
To enable a comprehensive and accurate assessment of applications against the Selection Criteria, applicants must provide the information required in the format as stated in this document and in Part C of the Program Guideline Suite and the Application Form.
All applicants including current service providers will need to respond fully to the Selection Criteria in the Application Form and provide the information required in the format and to the extent specified.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) will assess applicants for funding primarily on the basis of the information provided in the Application Form. FaHCSIA may use information about an applicant that is, or becomes known to FaHCSIA in the course of FaHCSIA’s business, as well as any publicly available information.
Decisions on the parameters and methodology for assessment of applications will be final.
3.1 Stages in the assessment process
This process is generally followed:
- Stage 1 – Receipt and registration of applications, initial screening for compliance;
- Stage 2 – Assessment of applications against the Selection Criteria;
- Stage 3 – Financial Viability Assessment;
- Stage 4 – Selection of Preferred Applicant/s; and
- Stage 5 – Offer / Agreement of Funding.
Stage 1 - Receipt and Registration of Applications, Initial Screening for Compliance
Following the receipt and registration of applications, there will be an initial screening of applications to ensure:
- Eligibility of organisations;
- Applicants comply with the terms and conditions detailed in the Program Guideline Suite; and
- Complete information has been provided in the Application Form to enable a fully informed assessment to be made.
Stage 2 - Assessment of applications against selection criteria
Assessment Teams
The Assessment team will consist of staff from FaHCSIA and/or FaHCSIA Portfolio bodies and/or ICCs and include individuals who collectively provide the following expertise:
- the program
- the site/area or location
- local issues or issues affecting the program/activity target group.
Consideration will be given to any conflict of interest that may impact; and whether there are appropriate conflict of interest management strategies in place.
Assessment Teams will undertake assessment of applications and will consider the applicant’s response to each Selection Criterion against a 6-point (0 to 5) scale (see Table below).
Assessment Teams will assess applications primarily on the information provided in the Application Form.
FaHCSIA may use information about an applicant that is, or becomes known to FaHCSIA in the course of FaHCSIA’s business, as well as any publicly available information.
| Rating | Score |
|---|---|
| Excellent quality - excellent claims against the criterion, exceeds expectations, supporting information confirms consistent superior performance | 5 |
| Very good quality - very good claims against the criterion, meets all expectations to a high standard with complete and comprehensive supporting information | 4 |
| Good quality - good claims against the criterion, meets all expectations with convincing supporting information | 3 |
| Satisfactory quality - adequate claims against the criterion, mostly meets expectations, but may be lacking detail and/or supporting information | 2 |
| Marginal or poor quality - poor claims against the criterion, does not meet expectations, has deficient supporting information | 1 |
| Does not meet criterion at all | 0 |
Stage 3 – Financial Viability Assessments
Applications will be subject to Financial Viability Assessments.
Note: The Department may not fund applicants that are assessed as high-risk in terms of Financial Viability.
Information required from applicants for the Financial Viability Assessment is gathered via the information requested in the Application Form.
Stage 4 – Selection of Successful Applicants
The Department will prepare a list of recommended applicants following assessment against the Selection Criteria and consideration of the Financial Viability Assessment.
The Department’s decision relating to Successful Applicants will be finalised when the Minister or his/her Delegate indicate their acceptance of the final list of successful applicants.
Stage 5 - Entering into Funding Agreements
Successful applicants are then invited to enter into Funding Agreements with the Department. See Section 5 Financial Arrangements for more details.
3.2 Process for advising outcomes
Applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of the assessment process.
3.3 Opportunity for feedback
Unsuccessful applicants will be offered feedback on their application.
Any or none of the applications under this selection process may be accepted.