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Planned Small Construction Accreditation Framework

About the accreditation framework

As part of the South Australia Productivity Commission (SAPC) recommendations into Government Procurement Practices, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) was tasked to promote streamlining of smaller and specialised construction projects by capable Government Agencies.

We engaged an external consultant to assist in developing the Planned Small Construction (PSC) Accreditation Framework. This formed part of the broader review of the Across Government Facilities Management Arrangements (AGFMA) new operating model.

The accreditation framework now enables accredited government agencies the ability to act as the 'Infrastructure Agency' on small construction projects that are low risk and valued less than $4 million, excluding GST.

To become accredited, an agency must apply to our accreditation team and provide evidence of capability and capacity to undertake construction projects as an Infrastructure Agency under the framework.

An overview of the accreditation framework and the quality standards applicable to achieve accreditation are as follows:

Getting accredited

Self-assessment

To commence the accreditation process, all lead agencies seeking accreditation under the framework must complete the accreditation self-assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to prepare lead agencies for the formal application process under the framework. The process will assist lead Agencies in understanding their own capability to manage and mitigate risk to government in accordance with the framework.

The process and forms required for this stage are:

Pre-application meeting

On completion of the self-assessment, an agency can request a pre-application meeting with the Accreditation Unit.

The pre-application meeting will be a two-way conversation between the lead agency and the Accreditation Unit to identify any gaps or areas of concern that may prevent accreditation from being granted. The pre-application meeting ensures both parties gain a good understanding of the accreditation application before lodgement and that lead agencies can demonstrate their capability and capacity to mitigate risk to government through provision of satisfactory evidence.

The documents relevant to this process are:

Send a pre-application meeting request to 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.

A completed accreditation application form must be submitted by the lead agency to the Accreditation Unit for assessment.

Further information and forms are provided to the lead agency after the pre-application meeting.

Documents
Information for the construction industry

Historically, DIT and the AGFMA Facilities Management service provider would engage the construction industry directly and offer a tender for construction works.

The accreditation framework now enables accredited agencies to act as the 'Infrastructure Agency' for small construction projects (low risk and less than $4 million in total project cost) and as such, tenders directly from lead agencies will be published.

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

As of 22 April 2024, the current list of accredited agencies are;

  • West Beach Parks
  • Department for Environment and Water
  • Adelaide Cemeteries Authority
  • Department for Education (Infrastructure Division)
Accreditation and project fees

Accreditation under this framework requires payment of certain fees which will be invoiced to the Agencies at specified points. These consist of:

  • an application fee
  • an annual fee for the renewal of accreditation
  • a per project fee.

Once an agency has met the requirements of the accreditation framework, they will be notified of their successful outcome. The notification will include an invoice for the cost of the application fee.

To maintain your accreditation status, an annual fee is payable after the first year of accreditation. Additionally, PSC Projects submitted under the framework will also draw a fee on a ‘per project cost’ basis. The per project fee covers the involvement of our Professional and Advisory Services Team and will depend on the level of involvement required.

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

More information

Please direct all correspondence to the Accreditation Unit via email to DIT:PSCAccreditationunit@sa.gov.au