This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.

Prerequisite Unit/s

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify the extent and nature of services to be contracted

1.1. Scope of the services is confirmed and reviewed to ensure parameters meet current requirements.

1.2. Statutory and council requirements are identified to determine available options.

1.3. Detailed parameters are specified to enable a complete brief to be prepared.

1.4. The extent of the contract package is determined.

2. Select appropriate method for tender

2.1. Area to be contracted is examined.

2.2. Contract options are identified and analysed.

2.3. Benefits, costs and opportunities of each option are identified.

2.4. Appropriate contract option is selected.

3. Prepare tender specifications according to council and Australian standards

3.1. Complete and detailed service specifications are prepared consistent with council policy and Australian standards and based on service profile and review.

3.2. Legislative, environmental, sustainability practices, occupational health and safety and risk management requirements are applied.

3.3. Quality assurance methods are applied to the preparation of service specifications.

3.4. Service specifications are prepared in consultation with relevant staff that complement required outcomes.

3.5. Details on methods, standards, materials, products, contractors and performance period are provided by quality service specifications, as applicable.

4. Prepare evaluation criteria

4.1. A tender review panel or team is selected from appropriate personnel.

4.2. Criteria are established based on the specifications, product and service required.

4.3. Criteria are written clearly to enable bids to be compared.

4.4. Criteria are ranked against council procedures.

5. Prepare tender document

5.1. Tender documents are prepared clearly and concisely.

5.2. Tender documents are prepared that enable competitive pricing of products.

5.3. Tender documents are designed to enable valid comparisons between tenders received.

6. Invite tenders

6.1. Invitations are prepared based on the type of tendering method used.

6.2. Source list is prepared according to council procedures.

6.3. Advertisement is prepared and placed according to the tender method.

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This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

report and specification writing

qualitative and quantitative research

analytical

consultation with relevant personnel

specification interpretation

negotiation with relevant internal and external people

observation of protocol and probity policies.

Required Knowledge

relevant council policies, procedures and codes of conduct

sustainability practices

quality assurance systems

relevant Australian and industry standards

statutory and council tender requirements

contractual processes

industrial agreements

statutory council requirements

tendering codes of practice

national competition policy.

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Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Contract authorisation process is undertaken.

Appropriate advertisement is placed.

Required specifications are produced.

Conditions of contract are produced.

Industry standard conditions of contract are applied.

Confidentiality and probity are observed for both in-house bids and/or external tenders.

Context of assessment

On the job or in a simulated work environment.

Relationship to other units(prerequisite or co-requisite units)

Prerequisite units: nil.

Co-requisite units: nil.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence will need to be gathered over time across a range of variables.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:

relevant council policies and procedures

national competition policy information.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Services may include:

works

function

provision

community expectations.

Parameters may include:

budget range

council resources

level of risk

council policies, such as 'buy local'.

Tendering methodology may include:

lump sum

unit rate

partnership

services process.

Tendering method may include:

expression of interest

public tender

invitation

verbal

written

in-house bid

select tender.

Preparation of tender documentation may include:

Preparation of tender documentation may include:

Advertisement may include:

newspaper

in-house

trade magazines

according to council policy.

Legislative requirements may include:

WorkCover

risk management

occupational health and safety

sustainability

equal employment opportunity

sexual harassment

public liability

professional indemnity

evidence of insurance cover

quality assurance.

Tender documents may include:

general conditions

special clauses

technical conditions

standard specifications

code of tendering

statutory declaration

evaluation criteria

drawings

implementation plan

legislative amendments

legal endorsement.

Comparative statement may include:

matrix

data

criteria

compliance

score.

Formalisation may include:

contract signing procedure

preliminary deposits.

Evaluation may include:

previous projects

verification of quality accreditation

capacity

capability

risk

security

service.

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Unit Sector

Administration Units

Hidden text

This unit contains employability skills.