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Supply arrangements and standard conditions

What is a standing offer arrangement?

Standing offer arrangements (SOAs) help you more effectively obtain frequently used products and services.

SOAs are agreements involving one or more suppliers to provide goods and services over a set period in accordance with agreed terms and conditions, including price.

Arrangements can vary from those initiated to meet an individual agency or Shared Services Cluster’s specific needs, to strategic whole-of-Government arrangements.

Standing offer arrangements that you can use are listed in the Queensland Contracts Directory  (Queensland Government GovNet access only). Alternatively, contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on 07 3235 4333.

Who can use standing offer arrangements?

In accordance with the recent Cabinet Budget Review Committee decision, all budget sector agencies from 1 July 2009 will be required to use current whole-of-Government common use supply arrangements which are managed by the Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office (QGCPO). These include any new standing offer arrangements established by QGCPO or other approved lead agencies. View current mandated SOAs.

Any budget sector agency that does not use the common use supply arrangements will need to seek an exemption from the Director-General, Department of Public Works.

Agencies should now be working to identify any existing agency arrangements which duplicate these whole-of-Government arrangements. When these arrangements are identified, the arrangement/s may remain in place until their expiry, however any extension options provided under the arrangement/s are not to be exercised. Upon expiry, agencies must transition to the whole-of-Government arrangement.

Benefits of using a standing offer arrangement

Value for money
Standing offer arrangements are developed to ensure you get value for money.
They are set up after comparing alternatives for the supply of goods and services and weighing up factors such as:

Save time and resources
Standing offer arrangements offer a range of items that you can order without having to source the item, prepare invitation documentation, receive and evaluate offers.

Peace of mind
When you use a standing offer arrangement, the SOA terms and conditions protect you.
If items are purchased outside an SOA, the contract is between you and the supplier. It’s up to you to follow your agency’s purchasing procedures.

Products and services meet your needs
Standing offer arrangements generally are developed by an interdepartmental committee, in consultation with people just like you.
This information is used to get a clear picture of what features and benefits users are wanting from a product or service. The SOA is entered into with a supplier best able to fulfill those needs.

Performance monitoring
Key performance indicators are established to measure suppliers’ performance under an SOA. Market research is carried out to assess whether the products and services delivered by the SOA continue to meet your needs and that the suppliers are providing the required level of service. Your feedback is an essential part of this process.

Last updated August 2009