nswbuy update is a regular eNewsletter to provide NSW Procurement customers with an update on procurement news.  Information on state contracts and the status on tenders for upcoming new state contracts / schemes are regular features. 

nswbuy update is a free subscription based newsletter.  If you would like to forward a copy to other people in your organisation or change your subscription details, please refer to the top of this newsletter for details.  If you would like more information on NSW Procurement products and services please phone 1800 NSWBUY (1800 679 289) or visit www.nswbuy.com.au

1. Update on new Contingent Workforce Contract
2. Update on new Workplace Supplies Contract c1006
3. Motor Vehicle News 
4. Excellent uptake to Electricity (Large Sites) contract 
5. Save on top brand, latest technology PCs 
6. Tap into Telecommunications savings
7. 10 tips to save fuel 
8. Spotlight on Travel 
9. Special offer for procurement trainees
10. Next Better Buying magazine
11. New customers welcome
12. Warning:  Command Recruitment no longer on contract
13. Tender Status - Up and Coming Contracts
14. State Contracts - Available for Purchase
15. Your Say

The new Contingent Workforce Contract (c100) is on track for implementation in April 2009. 

The contract will amalgamate current recruitment contracts Administrative, Finance and Specialist (1078),  IT Contracting Personnel (881) and Professional, Technical and Industrial Staff (755).  In amalgamating the current contracts, a single panel of suppliers will be appointed to the Contingent Workforce contract thus achieving significant savings for the NSW Government.  The three existing contracts will expire upon commencement of the new contract so it is essential that agencies are up to speed on the transition requirements and options open to them and staff currently employed under existing recruitment contracts.    Click to Download Special Bulletin  

NSW Procurement will shortly issue a further communication to HR administrators regarding the new Contingent Workforce contract in the lead up to its implementation in April 2009.  

Get ready for the biggest workplace supplies contract in Australia. 

The new  Workplace Supplies State Contract (c1006) due for implementation in May 2009, aims to provide "best price" on a comprehensive range of products.  The new super contract will replace Office Supplies (506), Food Catering Products (407), Housekeeping Products (1618), Office Furniture (123),  Workstations (308) and  Furniture for Education and Training Environments (1250), plus supersede all OfficeMax arrangements.  Read more

Acquisition of Motor Vehicles

A refresh of the supplier panel for new motor vehicles is scheduled for April 2009.  This is likely to result in additional motor vehicle providers on board, along with a broader choice of motor vehicles and trucks.  There has never been a better time to leverage your vehicle purchases from this aggregated whole of government approach to the market place.  Phone Barry Crocker (02) 9372 8456 to discuss how you can achieve best value on your next motor vehicle purchases.  

Renewed Contracts for Disposal of Motor Vehicles

State Contracts 603 and 604 for the Disposal of Motor Vehicles have just been renewed through to 31 January 2012.  The two primary contractors confirmed on these contracts are Manheim Fowles Pty Ltd (Metropolitan - State Contract 603) and Pickles Auctions Pty Ltd (Regional - State Contract 604).   For more information contact the Client Support Centre on 1800 NSWBUY (1800 679 289).

Jason Kates of NSW Procurement advises that there was an overwhelmning response from agencies to the invitation to participate in the renewed NSW Government Electricity Contract for Large Sites.  By the end of January deadline, over 1900 organisations had registered their interest to participate.  As a result, the contract will run to capacity.  Congratulations to agencies for taking advantage of this opportunity.  Participation in the electricity contract has exceeded expectations and we look forward to taking this commitment for the new contract due mid 2010.       

State Contracts for PCs, Notebooks and Servers - Apple Computers (841) and PCs, Notebooks and Servers (2007) - offer huge savings on the latest high tech hardware including trendy mini notebooks and latest release software.   These contracts offer big name brands, top quality and four year warranties.  Six monthly specification reviews means that products stay abreast of an ever changing market place.  Compare prices in smartbuy® before you buy.  Keep watch for more details in March 2009, or "PC Month".   

NSW Procurement has been leading major change in the way Government purchases telecommunications products and services.  There are a total of five supply categories within the Government Telecommunications Agreements (GTAs). 

Category 1(a) Data Services has just recently been finalised, joining Category 2 High Speed Internet Services, Category 3 Fixed Voice Services and Category 4 Mobile, Satelite and Paging Products and Services.  Expected to become operational in the next few months is Category 5 Telephony Systems and Associated Systems and Services.  Read more

State Fleet have compiled a list of ten tips that can help you save fuel.  With many organisations striving to save dollars, these tips provide a timely reminder that even small things can make a huge difference to our bottom line.

10 Tips to Save Fuel

We recommend you send this message on to all staff within your organisation to help save money and the environment.

In an initiative that is set to save the NSW Government millions of dollars, a new travel policy has been introduced by the Department of Premier and Cabinet which will affect all government agencies.   The two most important points to note are - 

• In line with the lowest logical fare of the day, public officials may only specify destination, date and nominated time of the required travel; and NOT specify airlines.  The Travel Management Company Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) will allocate tickets within 20 minutes either side of the nominated time of travel on the most appropriate airline.   
• Senior officials may now only fly business class to Western Australia and the Northern Territory.  Travellers will appreciate that these changes have been introduced to ensure best value overall for NSW Government agencies.   Revised Policy.

  Read more

Skilled procurement professionals remain in demand and there has never been a better time to boost your career prospects by gaining qualifications in this field.  The Department of Commerce Procurement Certification Training Program is one of Australia's leading training programs, incorporating national competencies in procurement, contract management and negotiations and supply chain management. 

CHECK OUT THIS SPECIAL OFFER !! Read more

The next issue of Better Buying magazine is already being planned for a June 2009 distribution.  The 28 page colour magazine is an essential read for all procurement and purchasing staff in government agencies, councils, health and education providers and not for profit organisations, as it aims to provide information on the extensive range of products available on State Contracts and the savings that can be achieved through better buying practices.  To join the mailing list, please contact the Client Support Centre on 1800 NSWBUY (1800 679 289). 

Better Buying Jan 09

Thousands of buyers are now reaping the benefits of some of the best prices available to the largest public sector purchasing collective in Australia.  Over 180,000 discounted products and services are available to eligible buyers which include non profit organisations, local councils, health and education providers, charities and government agencies.      Registration is easy.    Read more

NSW Procurement understands that there are some agencies that may still be hiring staff through Command Recruitment.  If Command is still being used to provide staff, agencies are advised to check the currency of Command's Workers Compensation and similar insurances.  In the event that a hired staff member is injured and makes a claim on Command and they are not insured for workers compensation, the burden of the claim will fall on the agency.  As far as workers compensation goes, if there is a significant injury, this could be a very large amount.  NSW Procurement recommends that all NSW Government clients transition over to one of the contracted suppliers currently on State Contract 881 - IT Contracting Personnel.   Latest Fact Sheet   

To find out how to transition existing IT Contracting personnel to a provider under the contract, contact the NSW Procurement Client Support Centre on 1800 NSWBUY (1800 679 289).

To view a list of the latest state contract tenders download the current tender update.

For more comprehensive information go to www.tenders.nsw.gov.au

To view a list of available state contracts and their status, download the Current Listing.

We are always interested to hear your feedback and recommendations regarding the content of this newsletter, so have your say by emailing your comments to the NSW Procurement Client Support Centre on nswbuy@commerce.nsw.gov.au