Government Architect's Strategy and Design Scheme

How does the scheme relate to 'Better Placed: An integrated design policy for the Built Environment of New South Wales'?

The scheme is focused on the delivery of strategic advice, design quality and innovation in the built environment.

The scheme offers a pool of prequalified service providers to assist NSW Government agencies and statutory corporations in engaging external expertise.

Design capabilities are evaluated in alignment with the 7 objectives of Better Placed design policy and the Evaluating Good Design advisory tool.

Is it mandatory for the suppliers and buyers to comply to the Infrastructure Advisory Standard Commercial Framework?

No, the commercial framework is guidance available for buyers to use, but it is not mandatory.

There is more information about the framework at these links: Infrastructure Advisory Services category page and PBD-2022-02 Engagement of infrastructure advisory services suppliers.

Who can I contact for further information?

Please send your queries to GAprequalscheme@planning.nsw.gov.au

For assistance with applying online, please email nswbuy@treasury.nsw.gov.au

How does the scheme relate to 'Better Placed: An integrated design policy for the Built Environment of New South Wales'?

Design capabilities are evaluated in alignment with the 7 objectives of the Better Placed design policy and the Evaluating Good Design advisory tool.

Can local government authorities use the scheme?

Yes, the scheme is available for any government agency to use.

I’ve never done work for the government before. Can I apply?

Yes, the scheme is open to suppliers who have not done government work before, however project examples should represent an ability to do work in a complex government context.

If I am already prequalified under other NSW Government schemes, am I automatically eligible for this scheme?

No. You will need to submit an application addressing the requirements of this scheme.

How long will it take for the review of my application?

The scheme is always open for applications and reviews are conducted on a demand basis. As a minimum, reviews will take place twice a year.

Can I register for more than one category with one application?

Yes. You can nominate for multiple categories within one application, providing you can meet the evaluation criteria for each category.

Can I use the same project example to apply for more than one capability?

Yes, if the project example is representative of multiple capabilities then it can be used more than once. If a project example is used multiple times then applicants are recommended to modify the project description to suit each capability applied for.

Since applicants are encouraged to show diverse experience, it can also be useful to select distinct project examples for each capability applied for.

What kind of examples should I include in my application?

Refer to the scheme conditions and application forms for more information on the application process.

Applicants are encouraged to choose examples that show diverse experience.

When selecting project examples, firms should consider some examples to reflect ability to work in a government context, such as challenging sites, multiple stakeholders, large scale or overall complexity.

All projects included should be completed (with the exception of the Emerging Practice capability).

Can I use projects completed whilst I was an employee as part of my application?

Projects completed whilst an employee with another practice are accepted in the Emerging Practices capability area only. In this instance, we recommend that you clarify your role in delivery of the project in the relevant project description section.

For all other capabilities, please include projects completed by the firm applying.

Can I use one client reference across multiple capabilities?

Separate client references should be included for each capability applied for.

Applicants are recommended to provide a client reference that relates to each project example.

Can I use references for projects completed whilst I was an employee as part of my application?

No, references must be from the applicant firm’s client base.

The exception to this is the Emerging Practice capability where client reference may be from a previous role.

Can I use existing client referees for my application?

Yes. If you have existing client referees that meet the criteria, and they are relevant to the category you are applying for, you may use the scheme template as a cover page for your existing client referees.

It is preferred that the client referees relate to the project examples.

I practice interior architecture or heritage architecture. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, however you must meet the requirements described within the Architecture capability located on the scheme website under: About this Scheme / Products and Services / Description of Categories and Capabilities.

Your practice must employ at least one registered architect and have a nominated architect recognised by the NSW Architects Registration Board to be eligible.

I want to apply for a new capability, do I need to create a new profile?

No, you should log into your existing profile and apply for another capability using the same profile and login.

My firm has been on the scheme for a number of years, do I need to update my profile?

Yes, you can update your firm’s profile information at any time.

You don’t need to update the project experience or referee report, as this is for the evaluation process only.

Please note that when you update your profile, it is better not to apply for new capabilities at the same time as this slows down the internal processing of your profile updates.

Can I change my ABN, or do I need to make a new application?

If your business structure has changed then your business is considered new and you will need to reapply for the scheme.

My firm is listed in the emerging category but is now older than 10 years. Will we be automatically transitioned into other capabilities?

No. You are no longer eligible for the emerging practice capability and will need to apply for other capabilities to remain on the scheme.

Is the emerging practice capability for both the design and strategy categories?

No, the emerging capability is specifically targeting emerging designers.

While it is not subject matter specific, we encourage architects, landscape architects, urban designers and other creative industries that have been established within the last 10 years to apply.

Am I guaranteed work from the scheme?

No, the prequalification scheme is a tool for government buyers to streamline procurement.

Work from the scheme is not guaranteed. It is recommended that firms undertake their own business development activities to engage with government agencies.

My firm has offices in multiple cities or with different development teams. Can I create multiple profiles for different capabilities?

No, while the portal does allow for multiple applications, it is recommended that firms use one lead profile for all capabilities.

In this instance, the login details should relate to your tender or administration email accounts, rather than to an individual email.