LGP News - May 2015 

Making a great team even better!

Change is inevitable and when extra responsibilities are thrust in your direction, then change is critical.

You may be aware (and definitely should be aware) that the State Government has recently sent a Procurement Alert to all councils demonstrating the lapsing of Contract 366 for the Supply of Bulk Fuel to NSW Government (click here for more information).

We have been inundated by council staff seeking direction on what we can do to assist. We have therefore created a new pivotal role to fulfil this critical council need. The new role will be a Category Manager to, amongst other things, establish a new contract for bulk fuel, oils & lubricants and fuel cards and other associated products and services.

I am pleased to announce that Colin Emerson has accepted this important role to establish such a contract on behalf of all NSW councils. LGP is seeking to have a new contract in place for 1 January 2016; if you have any questions or feedback in relation to the impending fuel contract, please email info@lgp.org.au. Colin will be in touch with all councils in the very near future to further explore your needs.

Many of you, particularly from northern councils will know Michael Robinson from his previous role as Business Manager – Northern Region,  Michael has accepted the role of Operations Manager overseeing the Business Managers, Consulting and Training teams. As such, it is required that Michael hand over the reigns of his former role to a new team member and he was reluctant to hand over to just anyone!

The role of Business Manager – Northern Region has now been filled by Taryn Quarmby, many of you will know Taryn from her previous role with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) and presentations at councils and conferences. LGP is very pleased to welcome Taryn to the team and are excited about the knowledge and experience with local government that she brings.

I would like to congratulate Colin, Michael and Taryn on the new appointments and am confident that these changes will make a great team even better!

Please contact your local business manager for more information.

• CivEnEx - 20-21 May, Eastern Creek
• Local Government Finance Professionals Conference - 20-22 May, Hunter Valley
• Road Maintenance Conference - 24-25 June, Sydney (Michael Robinson, LGP Operations Manager will be presenting on day 1), to view the agenda or register click here.

Fit for the Future requires the NSW local government sector to demonstrate how it will continue to strive for efficiencies, financial sustainability and collaboration. Procurement development and collaboration represents one of the most significant opportunities to achieve these goals.

Building on the highly successful Roadmap and Spend Analysis Programs undertaken with over 60 diverse NSW councils over the last three years, LGP and ArcBlue Consulting are very pleased to announce the NSW LG Procurement Roadmap and Spend Analysis Programs for 2015/16, open to all NSW councils.

At a time when the probity of council procurement practice is under scrutiny like never before and finding sustainable budget savings and opportunities for regional collaboration are paramount, this program has been designed specifically as a cost-effective way for participating councils to raise their procurement and contract management performance and demonstrate their capacity to deliver savings and collaborative solutions at an individual council and/or regional level.

For further information view the LGP website.

The Court of Appeal recently decided that a council  had a duty of care in torts to an employee of a council contractor.

In this particular case the Supreme Court of Appeal found that not only did council have a duty of care to that contractor’s employee but that this duty was breached through the actions of a separate council employee, which caused injury.

Message to take away

• When drafting specifications and contracts consider how involved your agency wishes to be in the day-to-day running of the project and what this means in regards to corporate risk.
• Agencies cannot extricate themselves from caring for workers through contracts.
• The more control your agency has over the project the higher your duty will likely be.
• Call Prevention Partners NSW to assist – 0438 280 621 or click here for further information about this case.

LGP is running a series of procurement and contract management training sessions in Sydney in the upcoming months.

• Local Government Tendering Requirements 2 June
• Contract Management in the Local Government Sector 4 June
• Local Government Purchasing 16 June
• Advanced Purchasing 18 june
• Specification Writing 24 June

LGP Cert IV (Certificate IV in Government (Procurement and Contracting) for Local Government) is commencing   in June 2015 and places are still available.

• Block one: 17-19 June
• Block two: 25-26 June
• Block three: 22-24 July
• Block four: 5-7 August

For more information or to register click here.

(LGP) is pleased to advise that preparations have commenced to establish a new contract for the supply of bulk fuel and fuel cards and associated products.

Considering the release of the official notification of 20 April 2015 that NSW Procurement Contract 366 Supply of Bulk Fuel will cease as of 31 December 2015, this is timely.

Additionally the NSW Procurement Contract 370 Card Fuel and Associated Products is due to end on 31 December 2015. Currently, there is no confirmation that this contract will be renewed.

LGP have appointed a consultant to assist with the development of the specifications and discussions are commencing with all of the major suppliers.

LGP is also seeking input from councils in order to establish the best possible solution for what is a major area of procurement for local government.

Please contact Colin Emerson, Category Manager for fuel,  via email or phone: 02 8270 8715 or 0477 372 265 for further information.

Often councils simply do not have the time to undertake tenders to best practice standards. LGP can undertake tenders on behalf of councils on a very competitive fee for service basis. This service ensures that council tenders are undertaken professionally, reducing council risk, ensuring that the process follows best practice principles and providing the desired result in a cost effective manner.

LGP has a consulting team of four dedicated procurement professionals:

1. Robyn McKenzie
2. Kris Wozniak
3. Shalan Rao
4. Sasha Kostic.

Contact the Consulting Team for further information or a free quote.

Did you know?

Not For Profit organisations are eligible customers who may access the majority of LGP contracts.

Those participating in LGP's recent electricity contract achieved outstanding savings for their organisation. If you are aware of any not for profit organisations who would benefit from LGP contracts please contact Michelle Gavri or they are welcome to contact Michelle directly on 02 8270 8712.

WasteExpo's comprehensive conference program offers education and training that gives you unparalleled professional development opportunities. This year's tracks will help you sharpen your skills and give you clear-cut takeaways to help you do your job better, including:

• Recycling/resource recovery (MRFS/transfer stations/waste-to-energy)
• Safety
• Leadership/business development/finance
• Regulatory
• Fleet and equipment technology
• Technological innovations in the waste & recycling industry
• Landfill technologies/best practices
• Hauling
• Composting & organics recycling

Date : 1 - 4 June 2015
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA

For information on how to register click here. 

Alternatively please visit their website.

LGP are pleased to advise we are in the final stages of a Request For Tender preparation and will be going out to the market shortly to secure various contracts with potential energy providers.

This will be done in three stages:

Stage 1 – Supply of Electricity for Large Sites - Buildings, Facilities, Street Lighting and Green Power was released on 21 April 2015 and will close 2pm Thursday, 7 May 2015 AEST

Stage 2 – Supply of Electricity for Small Tariff Sites was released on 28 April 2015 and will close 2pm Thursday, 14 May 2015 AEST

Stage 3 – Supply of Natural Gas for Large Buildings & Facilities and Small Tariff Sites to be released on 5 May 2015 and will close 2pm Thursday, 21 May 2015. Documents are expected to be available on 7 May 2015.

For further information regarding LGP’s electricity process or queries regarding electricity or utilities, please contact LGP’s Category Manager Utilities, Marie Talevska on 02 8270 8707 or 0477 354 962.

Over the coming weeks the LGP Buyers Guides will be enhanced to provide more detail for you as a buyer. The aim of the Buyers Guide is not only to provide information of “what’s in the contract” but also “how to use it”.

We aim to keep the process as simple as possible but it is important that the buyer understands the arrangement under which they are procuring. In particular, additional information had been provided on WHS i.e. the level of information required for a tenderer to be approved.

Your feedback is always welcome.

If you have any feedback to offer, please contact your Business Manager.

No new contracts at this stage however LGP has projects in the Pipeline.

For further information Please contact your LGP Business Manager if you have any queries.

T2.13 E1 Asphaltic Concrete (AC) Materials & Related Services (LGP213) Extension to Panel

(LGP) invites tenders for Standing Offers to supply one or more of the following: Standing Offers to supply: Asphaltic Concrete (AC) Materials & Related Services. (Concrete road repairs; additional ex-bin materials; major & minor road patching; and mill & fill services on a project managed basis).

This request for tender provides an opportunity for additional parties to be appointed as approved panel members. (This process does not affect existing panel members and they do not need to lodge new tender submissions.)

RFT status: Submissions close at 2pm on Friday 14 May 2015.

For further information contact the LGP Tender Team.

NPN2.11-2 Corporate Wardrobe

Local Buy Pty Ltd, Local Government Procurement Pty Ltd, the Municipal Association of Victoria and Local Government Corporate Services as members of the National Procurement Network (NPN) invites tenders from organisations interested in being appointed to a Preferred Supplier Arrangement for the supply of Corporate Wardrobe.  This is collaborative arrangement between NSW, QLD, VIC and SA. Local Buy Pty Ltd is acting as the lead agency on this process. This RFT required the following goods/services:

Main categories of goods include: Suiting, Separates, Shirting, Accessories, Knits and casuals and Other.

Other items include: Blouses, long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, 3/4 length shirts /Cardigans, jumpers, corporate chinos, tops / singlets / Corporate polo fleece, corporate polo’s, pullovers /Corporate shorts, pants, trousers / Dresses, skirts / Jackets, vests / Scarves, ties, belts / Other.

Services: Corporate logos (embroidered, patch, transfer) / Onsite sampling packages / on site fitting services / Made to measure / alterations / Post pick embroidery / Automatic stock replenishment.

The tender closed at 2:00pm AEST Tuesday 10 March 2015.  The electronic tender box opening was witnessed as per legislative requirements.

RFT status: This evaluation for this tender is currently in progress.

For general information regarding the tender, please contact Margret Szanto, phone 02 8720 8704, fax 02 8270 8711.

EOI 11.07-3 Provision of Operating Lease and Finance Services

LGP invites expressions of interest for provision of operating lease and finance services to cover IT, telephony, photocopiers & printers & other office equipment.  These services are required for goods with an aggregate capital cost of approximately $20 million excluding GST.  Short-listed parties will be invited to participate in a selective request for tender process.

EOI status: This evaluation for this EOI is complete.

RFQ1.15 Consulting Services for Energy Sources Specialist

LGP’s request for quotation (RFQ) is to source a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to draft certain tender specification documentation for the upcoming request for tender (RFT) process. The role of the selected consultant(s) may only involve the drafting part of the RFT documentation. Consultant(s) appointed to this RFQ will be excluded from responding to the ensuing tender on the basis that their involvement in the RFQ process creates a conflict of interest.

RFQ status: This RFQ is in evaluation.

For general information regarding the tender, please contact Margret Szanto, phone 02 8720 8704, fax 02 8270 8711.

IT&C Products, Services & Consulting - RFT scheduled for release mid 2015

We are in the scoping phase for this contract. We anticipate a high volume of responses and therefore a long lead time for the contract release in early 2016. The intent is that there will be a number of high level categories with a greater number of sub categories – incorporating those in the existing contracts (IT hardware, IT&C professional services and telecommunications) and any additional categories.

To assist in the development of the specifications we are engaging an independent consultant for specialist IT&C - R&D and support services.

In the coming weeks we will be contacting councils via survey for feedback and to ascertain their interest in being involved in the working group. This will entail surveys, interviews and forums. All are welcome no matter what time you can afford.

Media Sydney Metropolitan Daily Newspapers & On-line Recruitment (LGP106-2) and Advertising Agencies (LGP406-2) - RFT scheduled for release mid 2015

The current panel has been extended to 31 December 2015. Thank you for your responses to the survey. LGP will commence contacting you in the coming weeks.

Professional Consulting Services (Engineering, Planning, Environment, Community & Assets)(LGP1208-2) - RFT scheduled for release mid 2015

This contract expires 14 February 2016 with no optional extensions. A working group has been established and with their assistance we will begin working on specifications.

For further information contact your LGP Business Manager or Angela O’Dea (nee Tesoriero), Category Manager on 0428 289 878.

Retail and Bulk Fuel Purchase Arrangements

After considerable analysis it has been determined that savings for local government could be achieved. LGP’s work on this potential contract is timely as it coincides with the State Governments decision not to continue a fuel contract. Colin Emerson will be doing the groundwork to get this tender ready for market and will be in touch.

For further information contact your LGP Business Manager or Colin Emerson, Category Manager on 0477 372 265.

Horticultural, Pest, Pool and Water Management (LGP408-2)

All of the Approved Contractors on the panel have agreed to the first contract extension available under the contract, to extend the current contract until 1 May 2016. 

Ectol Fertilisers is no longer an Approved Contractor on the panel.

Living Turf has updated its pricing schedule.

Professional Consulting Services (Engineering, Planning, Environment, Community and Assets) (LGP1208-2)

Hunter Water Australia Pty Ltd has changed its company name to Hunter H20. LGP note has been a change to the company ABN and ACN.

Small Plant and Outdoor Power Equipment (LGP508-2)

Kubota Tractor Australia Pty Ltd has added a new product line and updated its pricing schedule accordingly.

CNH Australia Pty Ltd has updated its pricing schedule.

GYC Pty Ltd has updated the pricing schedules for the following manufacturers on the basis of the increases of the manufactures standard price lists: Atom, Briggs & Stratton, Echo, Honda, Husqvarna, Mow Master, Shindaiwa and Walker. GYG Pty Ltd is no longer selling Parklander and Tanaka products.

John Deere Limited has updated its pricing schedule.

Asphaltic Concrete (AC) Materials & Related Services (LGP213)

Sharpe Bros (Aus) Pty Ltd has added the category of Mill & Fill and has updated its pricing schedule accordingly.

Library Books and Resource Materials (LGP507-2)

The Book House has updated its pricing schedule.

HR Temporary Placements and Associated Services (LGP808-2)

NORTEC Staffing Solutions has updated its pricing schedule, in accordance with the contract anniversary.

Microsoft Licensing and Associated Products and Services via Large Account Resellers (LARs)  (LGP108-2)

Dimension Data Australia Pty Ltd has updated its pricing schedule.

Pipes, Fittings & Fixtures and Associated Products & Services (LGP908-2)

Xylem Water Solutions Australia Limited has added the following Authorised Subcontractors: R.J.S. Solutions Pty Ltd, Witthoft Engineering Pty Ltd and Precision Civil Infrastructure Pty Ltd (PCI).

Road and Traffic Signage, Associated Hardware and Roadside Products (LGP114)

G&B Services (NSW) Pty Ltd has requested and approved to provide Category 1 - Standard Signage.

IT&C Professional Consulting Services (LGP1008-2)

Data Flex Pty Ltd is no longer an LGP Approved Contractor.

Open Spatial Australia Pty Ltd has updated its pricing schedule, in accordance with the contract anniversary.

Lange Consulting and Software has expanded its product range to include Aurion HR/Payroll software and has updated its pricing schedule accordingly.

PC's, Laptops, Servers and Storage, Decommissioning and Associated Products & Services (LGP306-2)

DataFlex Pty Ltd is no longer an LGP Approved Contractor.

Advertising Agencies (LGP406-2)

Leonard Holt Robb has changed its trading name to Leonards Advertising. LGP note there has been no change to the company ABN or ACN.

Please ensure you refer to the LGP website for the most up to date versions of pricing.

Engineering and Works

• Asphaltic Concrete (AC) Materials & Related Services (LGP213)
• Horticultural, Pest, Pool and Water Management (LGP408-2)
• Pipes, Associated Fixtures, Pumps & Concrete Products (LGP908-2)
• Playground, Open Space and Recreational Infrastructure (LGP308-2)
• Professional Consulting Services (Engineering, Planning, Environment, Community & Assets) LGP1208-2
• Road and Traffic Signage, Associated Hardware and Roadside Products (LGP114)
• Supply of Workwear and Personal Protective Apparel (NPN3.11)
• Traffic Management Services (LGP113).

Fleet and Plant

• Heavy Plant & Equipment (LGP707-3)
• Mobile Garbage Bins, Industrial Containers & Bins, Static Compactors, Associated Products and Services (NPN1.11-2)
• Small Plant & Outdoor Power Equipment (LGP508-2)
• Specialised Truck Bodies & Machines: Waste Collection, Civic Cleaning, Removal and Access (LGP1608-2)
• Trucks for Local Government (Aust.) NPN04-13
• Tyres, Tubes and Automotive Batteries - Fitting and Service (NPN1.14).

Information and Technology

• IT&C Professional Consulting Services (LGP1008-2)
• Microsoft Licensing and Associated Products & Services via Large Account Resellers (LGP108-2)
• Operating Lease Services to cover Information and Communications Technology, Photocopiers, Printers & other Equipment. (LGP1107-2)
• PCs, Notebooks, Servers & Associated Services & Equipment (LGP306-2)
• Telecommunications Services (LGP407-2).

Services

• Corporate Wardrobe (NPN2.11)
• Debt Recovery Services (LGP109-2)
• HR Temporary Placements & Associated Services (LGP808-2)
• Library Books and Resource Materials (LGP507-2)
• Media Sydney Metropolitan Daily Newspapers & On-line Recruitment (LGP106-2) and Advertising Agencies (LGP406-2)
• Office Supplies & Janitorial (including; Heavy Duty Cleaning) & Associated Products (LGP1007-2)
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems, Equipment, Associated Products & Services (LGP309-2).

Utilities

• Supply of Electricity & Green Power to NSW Councils and eligible Not For Profit Organisations

View the LGP website for further detail or contact your local LGP Business Manager.

If opportunity doesnt knock,

build a door.

                                        Milton Berle