The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is one of Australia's largest universities, with over 45,000 students enrolled through its 9 faculties and schools, spread over a compact city campus adjacent to the Sydney CBD in Ultimo. The UTS is regarded as one of the world's leading young universities (under 50 years old).

In 2020 we were engaged to provide probity advice, monitoring and reporting to the UTS concerning the completion of an upgrade to existing legacy HV and LV systems in UTS Science Building 10 (the old Fairfax Sydney Morning Herald and SOCOG premises in Ultimo) to modern Ausgrid compliant electrical infrastructure.

Due to the complicated nature of the works involved, including dealing with 60 year old substation transformers, HV and LV electrical switchgear in an actively used campus building, the UTS decided to complete the works by engaging an appropriately experienced head contractor on the basis of a lump-sum contract with some Design & Construct (D&C) components.

The approach to market strategy adopted was to first conduct a public Expression of Interest (EOI) process, creating a short-list for a subsequent select Request for Tender (RFT) process. At the closing date six contractors submitted responses, from which four were selected to participate in the RFT process.

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 Report was prepared at the conclusion the procurement processes.

This procurement process was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic which necessitated some changes to usual practice to comply with public health imperitives.

The total project value was estimated to be about $5.3 million with the engagement extending from June 2020 to January 2021.