On decisions and power in NSW Government contracting

February 2025

Download On decisions and power in NSW Government contracting PDF

Buy NSW says that best practice involves focussing on outcomes, not processes.[1] This allows government to deliver value for money and align with business needs.[2] In the procurement process, the term “relationship” is used, not “partnership”. Partnership is mentioned within the NSW Government’s Procurement Policy Framework (2024), and it relates to a public-private partnership with $200 million or more.

Buy NSW says the first stage of best practice procurement strategy is planning, and the first step of planning is identifying the business need, which is developed by consultation with internal stakeholders.[3] Other steps involve analysing and engaging the market, then finalising the procurement strategy.

The second stage involves finding the right supplier, going to market and awarding the contract. The third stage involves managing the relationship with the supplier.

Figure 1 shows the series of steps involved in government procuring the supply of services, and who makes decisions at each.

[1] https://www.info.buy.nsw.gov.au/buyer-guidance/get-started/best-practice-procurement

[2] https://www.info.buy.nsw.gov.au/buyer-guidance/get-started/best-practice-procurement

[3] https://www.info.buy.nsw.gov.au/buyer-guidance/get-started/best-practice-procurement/plan

Figure 1: Steps and decisions in standard government projects with an external supplier

Recommended citation

Williams, M. & Ragg, M. (2025). On decisions and power in NSW Government contracting. Yulang Indigenous Evaluation. https://yulang.com.au/starburst-indigenous-evaluations/ondecisions/