Planned Small Construction Accreditation Framework

Low-risk construction projects under $4 million (excluding GST) can be delivered through an accreditation process. Our Infrastructure Delivery team manages this process.

Under the accreditation framework, approved government agencies can act as an 'Accredited Infrastructure Agency' for planned small construction (PSC) projects.

The process is guided by:

  • Project Implementation Process (PIP)
  • Treasurer’s Instruction 18 – Procurement (TI-18).

How to get accredited

To become accredited, the government agency must:

  • apply to the DIT Accreditation Unit
  • give evidence of its capability and capacity to deliver construction projects.

Once accredited, the agency is responsible for managing the delivery, procurement and risk of eligible projects. Our Infrastructure Delivery team provides assurance as part of the accreditation process.

Get an overview of the accreditation framework and the quality standards needed to get accredited:

Steps to get accredited

Self-assessment

To start the accreditation process, the lead agency must complete the accreditation self-assessment.

The assessment prepares lead agencies for the formal application process under the framework. The process helps lead agencies to understand their own capability to manage and mitigate risk to government in line with the framework.

Read the process and complete the checklist:

Pre-application meeting

Once you have completed the self-assessment, you can request a pre-application meeting with the Accreditation Unit.

The pre-application meeting is a two-way conversation between the lead agency and the Accreditation Unit. The purpose is to identify any gaps or areas of concern that may prevent accreditation.

The meeting makes sure:

  • both parties have a good understanding of the accreditation application before lodgement
  • that lead agencies can demonstrate their capability and capacity to mitigate risk to government by giving satisfactory evidence.

To request a pre-application meeting, email DIT:PSCAccreditationunit@sa.gov.au.

Application process

For a lead agency to become accredited under the framework, they must seek approval (accreditation) through the Accreditation Unit.

The lead agency must:

  • complete an accreditation application form
  • submit it to the Accreditation Unit for assessment.

More information and forms are given to the lead agency after the pre-application meeting.

For an outline of the process, see lead agency application process (DOCX, 480.5 KB).

As part of the application process, agencies must discuss insurance and risk management strategies with the South Australian Government Financing Authority (SAFA). In the first instance, please email SAFA Insurance's Construction Insurance team at SAFAInsurance@sa.gov.au.

Information for accredited agencies

In the past, we and the AGFMA Facilities Management service provider have engaged the construction industry directly and offered a tender for construction works.

The accreditation framework now allows accredited agencies to act as the 'Infrastructure Agency' for small construction projects. This is for projects less than $4 million in total construction cost, excluding GST.

Accredited agencies must ensure the effective handover from construction to facilities management or maintenance for the projects delivered under this framework.

For more information or guidance on this process, contact DIT.PSCAccreditationunit@sa.gov.au.

Accredited agencies are encouraged to engage DIT pre-qualified contractors. Find more information about DIT Pre-qualification.

For more information on our conditions of contract, please refer to the templates from DIT Conditions of Contract.

List of accredited agencies

As of 14 January 2025, the list of accredited agencies are:

  • Adelaide Cemeteries Authority
  • Department for Education (Infrastructure Division)
  • Department for Energy and Mining
  • Department for Environment and Water
  • South Australia Police
  • West Beach Parks.

Project fees

Accreditation under this framework requires payment of certain fees. These fees are invoiced to the agencies at specified points, including:

  • an application fee of $8,650
  • an annual fee of $7,550 for the renewal of accreditation
  • a per project fee:
Project categoryCost
Up to $1 million$7,200
$1,000,001 to $2,000,000$14,350
$2,000,001 to $3,000,000$21,550
$3,000,001 to $4,000,000$28,700

Fees are subject to CPI and will be reviewed at the beginning of every financial year.

After accreditation

Once you have met the requirements of the accreditation framework, we will let you know of the successful outcome. The notification will include an invoice for the application fee.

To maintain your accreditation status, you will need to pay a fee each year after the first year of accreditation.

PSC Projects submitted under the framework will also have a fee on a ‘per project cost’. This fee covers the involvement of our Professional and Advisory Services team. It will depend on the level of involvement required.

Your agency will be invoiced accordingly as the fees become applicable.

Role of the Accreditation Unit

The Accreditation Unit administers the Accreditation Framework. Their functions include coordinating:

  • accreditation applications
  • project lodgement
  • completion requirements.

The Accreditation Unit offers further services to accredited agencies on an opt-in basis through our Professional and Advisory Services team. These services are on a fee-for-service basis that are in addition to fees described above. Services include:

  • design brief and concept review
  • design reviews
  • general construction inspections
  • completion management – inclusive of Defects Liability Period and Final Completion Management.

Accredited agencies are encouraged to discuss these services with the Accreditation Unit.

Contact us

Accreditation Unit

Email: DIT:PSCAccreditationunit@sa.gov.au