Apply for a Tender
Tenders are processes government agencies or other organisations run to procure specific services they require. Tender processes are used to find out who can provide a service, get the best value for money proposal, and run a transparent procurement process. Tender applications are coordinated by the Research Pre-Award Team.
Tender applications may be referred to as Request for Quote (RFQ), or Request for Tender (RFT), Request for Proposal (RFP) or Approach to Market (ATM) and contain, or are accompanied by, Request Conditions and General Conditions of Contract. These applications may require approval, acceptance and/or comments relating to ECU’s ability to comply with an agreement at the application stage.
For a tender to be classified as research funding the tender response must address at least one research question that meets the HERDC definition of research.
There is typically a short turnaround, often less than 7 days, to prepare a tender application. Due to the short timeframe several processes need to run in parallel and will be coordinated by the relevant Research Administration Officer (RAO).
Tenders are recorded in ECU's Research Management System (RMS). The lead ECU Chief Investigator is required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in ECURMS for approval by the School Associate Dean Research, and to contact their RAO at research-preaward@ecu.edu.au as soon as possible to notify of their intention to apply.
Tender applications will require additional levels of approval, and acceptance or comments relating to ECU’s ability to comply with any conditions of contract or agreement, at the submission stage. It is imperative that the Tender documentation is checked by the ECU’s Legal & Integrity team and any suggested clause changes are identified in the proposal prior to submission.
Researchers will need to work with their School Finance Coordinator to ensure the proposal is fully costed. A Competitive Neutrality Declaration may be required. Competitive Neutrality Declarations are signed by the Vice-Chancellor. At least five (5) days are required for the RAO to coordinate the preparation of a Competitive Neutrality Declaration.
The RAO will further outline the specific Tender requirements and assist the Chief Investigator with coordinating the required checks, signatures, proposal review and submission process.
Completing a Tender/Request for Quotation (RFQ) Submission
1. NOTIFICATION OF TENDER
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2. TENDER PREPARATION |
TENDER RESEARCH PROPOSAL CI/Research team to commence the research proposal sections of the application and liaise with Finance to compile budget. RESEARCH SERVICES SUPPORT
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3. TENDER REVIEW CI notifies RAO when the research proposal sections is complete. RAO reviews and liaises with researcher to compile the final version of document(s).
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4. APPROVALS RAO seeks Finance approval of final budget, Associate Dean Research submission approval and signatures where required.
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5. FINAL CHECK RAO notifies Coordinator Research Administration (CRA) of final application ready for final check and submission.
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6. TENDER SUBMITTED CRA submits on behalf of CI, sends CI confirmation and RAO completes administrative tasks, including ECU RMS (Research Management System) entry. | |