Request for Tender

Job Services Australia 20122015

Request for Tender

FOR JOB SERVICES AUSTRALIA 20122015

 Commonwealth of Australia 2011

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Request for Tender for Job Services Australia 20122015

GENERAL INFORMATION AND INDICATIVE TIMELINE

Title of Request for Tender

Request for Tender (RFT) for Job Services Australia

20122015

21 November 2011

Release of the RFT

23 November 2011

RFT information and LiveMeet session

29 November 2011

Final Livemeet session

5.00 pm, 9 December 2011

Last day for requests to the Department of Education,

Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for
further information regarding the RFT. There will be no
obligation on DEEWR to answer questions received after
this deadline (see Section 3.5.7)

4.00 pm, 15 December 2011, (Canberra time)

Tender Closing Time

29 March 2012

Announce final tender results

Transition commences

30 March 2012

Despatch of Deed offers and execution of Deeds

1 July 2012

Start date of Deed period

30 June 2015

End date of Deed period

DEEWR has released this RFT for the purpose of purchasing Employment Services for the period from
1 July 2012 to 30 June 2015 for particular Employment Services Areas (ESAs).
DEEWR will conduct an information and LiveMeet session on this RFT in Melbourne on 23 November 2011.
For those unable to attend, a second and final LiveMeet session will be held on 29 November 2011.
Details are available at www.deewr.gov.au/esprocurement or through the Employment Services
Purchasing Hotline (the Hotline).
Except as specified in Section 3.2.3, all communication between DEEWR and Tenderers must be conducted
through the Hotline. The Hotline can be contacted on 1300 733 514 (Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to
5.00 pm Canberra time, excluding ACT and national public holidays); via email to
espurchasing@deewr.gov.au; or by facsimile on 02 6275 3935.
In order to ensure the probity of the tender process, the Hotline cannot provide interpretation or advice
on how to respond to this RFT, or provide information that is not contained in this RFT, unless that
information is otherwise publicly available.

Request for Tender for Job Services Australia 20122015

iii

This RFT contains the information that Tenderers must address when submitting a tender for the
Employment Services 20122015 Deed (the Deed). Additional information that Tenderers may find useful
includes:
information made available on the Employment Services Purchasing website at
www.deewr.gov.au/esprocurement
labour market data, which provides historical information that can assist Tenderers to understand the
employment service environment at the localities in which they may wish to bid is available at
www.deewr.gov.au/lmip
The additional information is provided for background purposes only and Tenderers must frame their
tender response to meet the requirements of the RFT.
Organisations wishing to tender must register with AusTender to access all RFT documentation.
Registration is available free of charge through the AusTender website at www.tenders.gov.au.
It is a requirement of this RFT that tenders be:
created using the All Purpose Evaluation Tool (APET) eResponse (available from the Employment
Services Purchasing website at www.deewr.gov.au/esprocurement), and
lodged electronically through AusTender at www.tenders.gov.au.
In this RFT, unless a contrary intention appears, all capitalised terms have the meaning given to them in
the list of definitions in the Draft Deed at Appendix J, or in Appendix A Glossary. Defined terms which
have a special meaning in a particular chapter may only be described at the beginning of that chapter.
This RFT, including the Draft Deed, makes reference to Guidelines, a Charter of Contract Management,
Service Guarantees and a Code of Practice. Some of these documents are still under development and will
be released on the purchasing website at www.deewr.gov.au/esprocurement once finalised.

Tenderers MUST have lodged their complete tender response to the correct Approach to Market (ATM)
through AusTender before the Tender Closing Time, that is, before 4.00 pm Canberra Time on
15 December 2011. Tenders received after the Tender Closing Time will not be accepted unless the
delay is due solely to mishandling by DEEWR.
Tenderers must also ensure that their tenders are in English.
Tenderers should have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
Tenderers should ensure they have completed all the information required by DEEWR in responding to
this RFT. Tenderers should carefully read and follow the instructions at Appendix H Loading and
Completing Electronic Tender Application Forms in the RFT.

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Request for Tender for Job Services Australia 20122015

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
1.1
1.2

1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 2
JOB SERVICES AUSTRALIA............................................................................................................................. 3
1.2.1
Stream Services in Job Services Australia .................................................................................... 3
1.2.2
Harvest Labour Services .............................................................................................................. 4
1.2.3
New Enterprise Incentive Scheme Panel..................................................................................... 4
1.2.4
National Harvest Labour Information Service ............................................................................. 5
BUILDING AUSTRALIAS FUTURE WORKFORCE ............................................................................................ 5
REDUCED ADMINISTRATION ........................................................................................................................ 6
PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK...................................................................................................................... 7
1.5.1
Code of Practice and Service Guarantee ..................................................................................... 7
1.5.2
Charter of Contract Management ............................................................................................... 7
JSA TRANSITION 2012 .................................................................................................................................. 8

CHAPTER 2
2.1
2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8

2.9

2.10

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................... 1

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 9

OBJECTIVE OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ..................................................................................................... 10

OVERVIEW OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES .................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1
Building Australias Future Workforce ...................................................................................... 11
2.2.2
Linkages to Support Job Seekers ............................................................................................... 13
2.2.3
Meeting Employer Needs .......................................................................................................... 14
WHO CAN RECEIVE ASSISTANCE? .............................................................................................................. 16
2.3.1
Fully Eligible Participants ........................................................................................................... 16
2.3.2
Partially Eligible Job Seekers ..................................................................................................... 16
2.3.3
Job Transition Support .............................................................................................................. 17
HOW DO JOB SEEKERS CONNECT TO SERVICES? ....................................................................................... 18
2.4.1
Job Seeker Choice...................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.2
Referral of Job Seekers to Specialist Providers ......................................................................... 18
2.4.3
Changing Providers During Period of Service ............................................................................ 18
2.4.4
Volunteer Job Seekers ............................................................................................................... 20
2.4.5
Vulnerable Youth with Non-Vocational Barriers to Employment ............................................. 20
2.4.6
Vulnerable Youth who are Full-Time Students.......................................................................... 21
2.4.7
Other Young People .................................................................................................................. 21
HOW IS THE SERVICE STREAM DETERMINED? ........................................................................................... 21
WHEN IS A JOB SEEKER IN SERVICE? .......................................................................................................... 22
2.6.1
Volunteers ................................................................................................................................. 23
STREAM SERVICESPARTIALLY ELIGIBLE ................................................................................................... 23
STREAM SERVICESFULLY ELIGIBLE .......................................................................................................... 24
2.8.1
Common Elements of Stream Services 1 to 4 ........................................................................... 24
2.8.2
Stream 1 .................................................................................................................................... 30
2.8.3
Streams 2 and 3 ......................................................................................................................... 34
2.8.4
Stream 4 .................................................................................................................................... 37
2.8.5
Connections Interviews ............................................................................................................. 40
2.8.6
Increased Obligations after 12 Months in Stream Services ...................................................... 40
2.8.7
New Enterprise Incentive Scheme ............................................................................................ 47
2.8.8
Moving between Streams ......................................................................................................... 49
OVERVIEW OF THE JOB SEEKER COMPLIANCE FRAMEWORK .................................................................... 50
2.9.1
Connection and Reconnection Failures ..................................................................................... 51
2.9.2
No Show, No Pay Failures.......................................................................................................... 52
2.9.3
Serious Failures ......................................................................................................................... 52
2.9.4
Preclusion Periods ..................................................................................................................... 53
2.9.5
Comprehensive Compliance Assessments ................................................................................ 53
2.9.6
Compliance Activity ................................................................................................................... 54
PAYMENTS TO PROVIDERS ......................................................................................................................... 55
Request for Tender for Job Services Australia 20122015

2.11
2.12

2.13

2.10.1
Service Fees ............................................................................................................................... 55
2.10.2
Stream 1 (Limited) Participant Fee ............................................................................................ 58
2.10.3
Placement Fees ......................................................................................................................... 58
2.10.4
Outcome Fees ........................................................................................................................... 59
SELF-SERVICE FACILITIES FOR JOB SEEKERS ............................................................................................... 62
PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK.................................................................................................................... 63
2.12.1
Use of Performance Information .............................................................................................. 63
2.12.2
Measurement of Performance .................................................................................................. 63
2.12.3
Charter of Contract Management ............................................................................................. 67
JSA TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS 2012 .................................................................................................... 67
2.13.1
Transition Overview .................................................................................................................. 67
2.13.2
Transition Objectives ................................................................................................................. 67
2.13.3
Communication ......................................................................................................................... 68
2.13.4
Job Seekers ................................................................................................................................ 68

CHAPTER 3
3.1
3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

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PURCHASING ARRANGEMENTS .................................................................. 71

OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................. 72
TENDERING PROCESS ................................................................................................................................. 73
3.2.1
Future Matters .......................................................................................................................... 73
3.2.2
No Deed or Undertaking ........................................................................................................... 73
3.2.3
Probity ....................................................................................................................................... 73
3.2.4
Debriefing .................................................................................................................................. 74
USE OF AUSTENDER ................................................................................................................................... 74
3.3.1
AusTender ................................................................................................................................. 74
3.3.2
Addenda .................................................................................................................................... 74
3.3.3
AusTender Help Desk ................................................................................................................ 75
ELIGIBILITY TO TENDER .............................................................................................................................. 75
3.4.1
Employees and Agents of DEEWR and the Department of Human Services ............................ 75
3.4.2
Group Tendering ....................................................................................................................... 75
3.4.3
Subcontracting Arrangements .................................................................................................. 77
3.4.4
Contracting with Legal Entities .................................................................................................. 77
3.4.5
Joint and Several Liability .......................................................................................................... 78
3.4.6
Proportionate Liability............................................................................................................... 78
3.4.7
Foreign Companies .................................................................................................................... 78
3.4.8
Competing Entities .................................................................................................................... 78
3.4.9
Collusive Bidding ....................................................................................................................... 78
3.4.10
Conflict of Interest..................................................................................................................... 79
3.4.11
Improper Influence.................................................................................................................... 79
3.4.12
Improper Assistance .................................................................................................................. 79
3.4.13
Competitive Neutrality .............................................................................................................. 79
3.4.14
Professional Advice ................................................................................................................... 80
CONDITIONS OF TENDER LODGEMENT ...................................................................................................... 80
3.5.1
Onus on the Tenderer ............................................................................................................... 80
3.5.2
Electronic Tender Lodgement Conditions ................................................................................. 80
3.5.3
Corrections and Additions ......................................................................................................... 81
3.5.4
Incomplete Tenders and Corrupted Files .................................................................................. 81
3.5.5
Proof of Lodgement .................................................................................................................. 81
3.5.6
Tenderers Responsibility .......................................................................................................... 82
3.5.7
Further Information Prior to the Tender Closing Time ............................................................. 82
3.5.8
DEEWRs Answers to Requests for Further Information ........................................................... 82
3.5.9
Tender Closing Time .................................................................................................................. 83
3.5.10
Extension of Time ...................................................................................................................... 83
3.5.11
Late Tenders .............................................................................................................................. 83
3.5.12
Further Information after Tender Closing Time ........................................................................ 83
3.5.13
Unintentional Errors of Form .................................................................................................... 84
3.5.14
Incomplete Tenders .................................................................................................................. 84
3.5.15
Requests from DEEWR for Further Information from Tenderers.............................................. 84

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3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.10

3.5.16
False and Misleading Claims...................................................................................................... 84
TENDER INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 84
3.6.1
Ownership of Tenders ............................................................................................................... 84
3.6.2
Return of Information ............................................................................................................... 85
3.6.3
Confidential Information ........................................................................................................... 85
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 87
3.7.1
Compliance with Applicable Law and Policy ............................................................................. 87
3.7.2
Indigenous Employment Strategy ............................................................................................. 87
3.7.3
Indigenous Opportunities Policy ............................................................................................... 87
3.7.4
Service Level and Partnership Agreements ............................................................................... 88
3.7.5
DEEWRs Rights and Liabilities .................................................................................................. 88
3.7.6
Language and Measurement..................................................................................................... 89
COMPLIANCE WITH FAIR WORK PRINCIPLES ............................................................................................. 90
3.8.1
Fair Work Principles .................................................................................................................. 90
3.8.2
Contracting with Tenderers....................................................................................................... 90
3.8.3
Dispute resolution procedures .................................................................................................. 90
3.8.4
Statutory Declaration ................................................................................................................ 91
FINANCIAL VIABILITY AND OTHER CHECKS ................................................................................................ 91
3.9.1
Financial Viability....................................................................................................................... 91
3.9.2
Information Requirements ........................................................................................................ 92
3.9.3
Checks of Tenderers .................................................................................................................. 94
CONTRACTING WITH DEEWR ..................................................................................................................... 95
3.10.1
Draft Deed ................................................................................................................................. 95
3.10.2
Acceptance of Deed Terms ....................................................................................................... 95
3.10.3
Offers to Remain Open.............................................................................................................. 95
3.10.4
ABN and Goods and Services Tax .............................................................................................. 95
3.10.5
Double Funding ......................................................................................................................... 95
3.10.6
Insurance ................................................................................................................................... 96
3.10.7
Guidelines .................................................................................................................................. 96

CHAPTER 4
4.1

4.2
4.3

4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9

BIDDING FOR BUSINESS AND TENDER EVALUATION ................................... 97

BIDDING FOR BUSINESSSTREAM SERVICES ............................................................................................ 98

4.1.1
Generalist and Specialist Services ............................................................................................. 98
4.1.2
Business Levels .......................................................................................................................... 98
4.1.3
Bid Ranges ................................................................................................................................. 99
4.1.4
Number of Providers Required ................................................................................................. 99
4.1.5
Coverage.................................................................................................................................... 99
4.1.6
Sites ......................................................................................................................................... 100
4.1.7
Local Labour Market Conditions ............................................................................................. 100
CONDITIONALITY ...................................................................................................................................... 101
LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION ............................................................................................................ 101
4.3.1
Labour Market Regions and Employment Service Areas ........................................................ 101
4.3.2
Excised Non-Remote Areas ..................................................................................................... 101
4.3.3
Labour Market Data ................................................................................................................ 102
RESPONDING TO SELECTION CRITERIA .................................................................................................... 102
4.4.1
Completing Claims Against the Selection Criteria ................................................................... 102
4.4.2
Stream Services ....................................................................................................................... 102
A GUIDE WHEN TENDERING FOR SERVICES ............................................................................................. 103
ATTACHMENT(S) ...................................................................................................................................... 104
ALL PURPOSE EVALUATION TOOL ............................................................................................................ 104
SELECTION CRITERIASTREAM SERVICES ............................................................................................... 104
4.8.1
Stream Services ....................................................................................................................... 104
TENDER EVALUATION .............................................................................................................................. 108
4.9.1
Evaluation Overview ............................................................................................................... 108
4.9.2
Evaluation process .................................................................................................................. 109
4.9.3
Referee Reports....................................................................................................................... 110
4.9.4
Preliminary Allocation of Business .......................................................................................... 110

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4.9.5
4.9.6
4.9.7
4.9.8
4.9.9
4.9.10

Capacity to Deliver .................................................................................................................. 111

Capacity to Contract ................................................................................................................ 111
Decision by Delegate ............................................................................................................... 112
Early Without Prejudice Announcements ............................................................................. 112
Execution of Deeds .................................................................................................................. 112
Gap Filling ................................................................................................................................ 112

APPENDIX A

GLOSSARY ................................................................................................ 113

APPENDIX B

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ................................................. 125

APPENDIX C

LABOUR MARKET REGIONS AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AREAS ............... 133

LABOUR MARKET REGIONNORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES............................................................................ 136

LABOUR MARKET REGIONWESTERN NEW SOUTH WALES .............................................................................. 138
LABOUR MARKET REGIONMELBOURNE .......................................................................................................... 140
LABOUR MARKET REGIONEASTERN VICTORIA ................................................................................................ 142
LABOUR MARKET REGIONCENTRAL AND NORTH QUEENSLAND..................................................................... 144
LABOUR MARKET REGIONSOUTHERN QUEENSLAND ...................................................................................... 146
LABOUR MARKET REGIONSOUTH AUSTRALIA COUNTRY ................................................................................ 148
LABOUR MARKET REGIONTASMANIA .............................................................................................................. 150

APPENDIX D

EXCISED NON-REMOTE AREAS.................................................................. 153

EXCISED NON-REMOTE AREAPORT AUGUSTA ................................................................................................. 155

EXCISED NON-REMOTE AREAWHYALLA........................................................................................................... 156

APPENDIX E

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR DEALING WITH EXISTING SERVICE

PROVIDERS, TENDERERS AND POTENTIAL TENDERERS ............................. 157

APPENDIX F

ACCESS TO DEEWRS IT SYSTEMS .............................................................. 161

APPENDIX G

SECURITY POLICY FOR EXTERNAL USERS OF DEEWRS IT SYSTEMS ............ 165

APPENDIX H

LOADING AND COMPLETING ELECTRONIC TENDER APPLICATIONS ............ 167

APPENDIX I

PRO FORMA OF ELECTRONIC TENDER APPLICATION ................................. 173

APPENDIX IELECTRONIC TENDER APPLICATION ................................................................................................ 174

APPENDIX I1FINANCIAL AND CREDENTIALS INFORMATION FORM .................................................................. 188
APPENDIX I2SUBCONTRACTORS CREDENTIALS INFORMATION FORM ............................................................. 202
APPENDIX I3AUSTRALIAN FAIR WORK PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................... 206
APPENDIX I4REFEREE REPORT PRO FORMA ...................................................................................................... 207

APPENDIX J

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DRAFT DEED............................................................................................. 209

Request for Tender for Job Services Australia 20122015