Purchasing process

Every year the Victorian Government spends billions of dollars on goods, works and services.

If you want to supply to us, it’s helpful to understand the steps in the purchasing process.

Purchasing steps

However the buyer approaches the market, our procurement guidelines describe how the purchasing process works.

Where possible, we buy from panels and registers to save time and ensure quality.

We also buy from suppliers we’ve never worked with before. Find out how to get known.

How we invite suppliers to supply

We buy goods, works and services using an invitation to supply. Invitations to supply may be through:

direct invitations
open tenders
selection from an established panel
selection from a register of pre-qualified suppliers
public private partnerships

Learn more about how Government buys.

Purchasing policies

We follow policies that guide how we buy from suppliers and work with you.

Policies for goods and services include:

Construction procurement follows:

Guidelines you need to follow

There is a code all suppliers need to follow. This is called the Supplier Code of Conduct.

Understanding this code helps you to maintain a good working relationship with us.

Government frameworks you should know about

There are frameworks we consider when working with suppliers.

You could increase your chances to supply to us if you meet the guidelines in these frameworks.

The Social Procurement Framework assesses how buyers and suppliers deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes that benefit the Victorian community.

Local Jobs First

The Local Jobs First Policy supports Victorian businesses and workers by ensuring that small and medium size enterprises are given a full and fair opportunity to compete for both large and small government contracts, helping to create opportunities including for apprentices, trainees and cadets.

The Local Jobs First policy comprises the Victorian Industry Participation Policy and the Major Projects Skills Guarantee.

Updated 5 July 2023