The Australian Museum is Australia's oldest museum, established in 1845, and holds an internationally recognised collection of more than 22 million environmental and cultural objects from the Australian and Pacific regions.

In September 2017 we completed probity advice, monitoring and reporting concerning tender processes for the engagement of Energy Performance Services for the Museum, to be implemented under the NSW Government’s then current Energy Efficiency Programme.

The procurement was not an open market process but was confined to Energy Service Companies (ESCos) pre-qualified with the NSW Government Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH).

The approach to market strategy adopted was a two-stage select tender process comprising an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) process for 16 of the ESCos, followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for short-listed respondents. We monitored both the EOI and RFP processes.

We reviewed all tender and process documentation, including probity controls, assessment plans and reports for each procurement process conducted. We attended all site meetings, tender evaluation meetings, supplier interviews, negotiation processes, and monitored the conduct of participants.

We checked that every participant in evaluation or assessment processes signed a Confidentiality Agreement and Conflict of Interest Declaration appropriate to their role.

Where necessary or requested we provided written ad hoc probity advice on issues arising during procurement processes. A Probity Reports was prepared at the conclusion of the procurement process.

The engagement extended from March to September 2017 with an estimated project value of $250,000.