Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is a government agency that formulates and implements transport policy, administers various concession and licensing schemes, and undertakes a range of transport related service and infrastructure projects.

The then Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), now part of Transport for NSW, had an existing series of Engineering Services panels across a range of disciplines set to expire during 2019. RMS wished to approach the market to transition these panels to a Professional Services Registration Scheme and establish a single Comprehensive Technical Services Panel before the expiry date.

Comprehensive Technical Services Panel (Establishment)

Early in 2019 we were engaged to provide probity advisory services to the RMS during the transition of these Engineering Services panels to a Professional Services Registration Scheme and the establishment of a single Comprehensive Technical Services Panel.

The approach to market strategy adopted was a single stage open Registration of Interest (ROI), with minimal restrictions placed on who could submit a response. At the closing date 23 submissions were received.

A comprehensive evaluation process was conducted, including the use of Technical Advisory Committees to provide initial evaluation and advice to the Evaluation Committee for each of the nominated technical disciplines: Standard & Complex Road Design, Standard & Complex Bridge Design, Pavement & Geotechnical, and Environmental Assessment & Management.

This evaluation process identified 19 preferred applicants for establishment of the initial Comprehensive Technical Services Panel.

Comprehensive Technical Services Panel (Round 2)

In 2020 we were engaged to provide probity advisory services to TfNSW for the further development of the Comprehensive Technical Services Panel.

Similar procurement and assessment procedures were followed to those adopted for the establishment round with a Second Round ROI process conducted. At the closing date 5 submissions were received.

These were comprehensively evaluated as before, and a single preferred applicant was identified for addition to the initial Comprehensive Technical Services Panel.

A Probity Management Plan was developed, including various control measures for incumbent contractors already working with the RMS on other projects or participating in other supply panels.

We reviewed all tender and process documentation, including probity controls, assessment plans and reports for each procurement process conducted. We attended all 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. Probity Reports were prepared at key milestones for each procurement process.

Our engagements on these procurement processes extended from April 2019 to December 2020.