Compliance

5 Tips for Winning Government Tenders in Australia

Winning government tenders in Australia requires strategy, preparation, and understanding of the procurement process. Here are our top 5 tips to improve your success rate.

1. Understand the Procurement Framework

The Australian government follows strict procurement guidelines designed to ensure fairness, value for money, and transparency. Key frameworks include:

• Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs): Govern federal government buying
• Panel Arrangements: Pre-qualified supplier lists for specific categories
• Standing Offers: Agreements for ongoing supply of goods/services

Action Steps:

• Study the CPRs and understand value thresholds (e.g., $200K+ requires open tender)
• Check if you’re eligible for relevant panel arrangements
• Review AusTender regularly for upcoming opportunities

Pro Tip: Use Tendor to automatically track panel arrangement opportunities matching your capabilities.

Ever Wondered If Your Company Qualifies for Government Contracts?

Winning a government contract can feel like a huge milestone for any business — offering steady revenue, strengthened credibility, and long-term growth opportunities. But many business owners hesitate to apply simply because they’re unsure whether they qualify. The truth? Most Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are eligible — provided they meet a few key requirements and prepare properly.

What Does It Mean to Qualify for Government Contracts?

Being qualified means your business has the structure, compliance, and capacity to deliver on a public contract while meeting all regulatory and financial expectations. Government buyers want reliable partners who can deliver value for money and meet performance standards — not necessarily the biggest companies in the market.