Operational Telecommunications Equipment, Infrastructure and Services Scheme

Equipment used for provision of voice and data services via:

• radio communications (RC)
• mobile broadband communications (MBC)
• satellite communications.

Sub-categories

A01 Network equipment – Radio narrowband

Narrowband radio and database stations including passive antenna system components such as:

• cavity filters
• combiners
• controlling equipment
• duplexers
• multicouplers
• RF antennas

A02 Network equipment – Radio broadband

Network equipment for public broadband communications including:

• access points
• active and passive RF antennas-related passive system components
• long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G network infrastructure
• mobile broadband base stations
• radio access network (RAN) controllers
• software-defined radios

A03 Core network elements narrowband

Core network components as required to equip telecommunications infrastructure including:

• billing network elements
• IP core network internet protocol multi-protocol label switching (IP MPLS)
• narrowband core switching elements

A04 Core network elements broadband

• mobile broadband data centres
• core network components
• billing network elements
• IP core network IP MPLS
• includes high-speed packet core solutions, virtualized network functions (VNF) and edge computing capabilities

A05 Transmission network

Backhaul link components including:

• antennas
• feeders
• weather protection (for example vermin proofing and earthing)
• cable management (excluding cable trays)

Covers network multiplexing, routers, switching and IT or IP infrastructure:

• encryption
• security equipment
• termination and interconnection equipment
• traffic monitoring
• wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)

A07 Stationary terminal equipment

Fixed terminal equipment that connects to a user terminal as required to equip telecommunications infrastructure, including:

• data collection devices
• dispatch equipment
• industrial telemetry units
• internet of things (IoT) gateways
• modems
• sensors

A08 Handheld and mobile terminal equipment (narrowband)

Portable narrowband handheld, vehicle mounted and desktop mounted devices including:

• data devices
• mobile terminals
• pagers
• radios

Includes accessories such as:

• battery charging units
• device coding keys
• encryption modules
• handheld microphones
• in-car mounts
• power connection cables

As per PSN Acceptable Use Policy, for any new radio terminals to be used on the PSN, the Customer must:

1. Check that your terminal is on the list of compliance-tested models. If it’s on the list, you may use it.

   Compliance testing ensures our customers purchase radio models that are fit for purpose and compatible with NSW’s Public Safety Network (PSN).

2. If it’s not on the list of compliance-tested models, arrange for the terminal to be tested by contacting the Managed Network Provider (MNP) and don't use the terminal on the PSN until it's approved.

The MNP can be contacted at helpdesk@psn.nsw.gov.au and 1800 679 476.

A09 Handheld and mobile end user devices (mobile broadband)

• mission-critical broadband devices
• rugged cells on wheels
• rugged mobile devices
• excludes commercial network operator devices (for example, smartphones and tablets)
• includes LTE/5G-enabled handheld and vehicular modems

A10 Power system equipment

• backup battery banks
• device battery charging units
• earthing components
• energy storage solutions such as lithium-ion battery systems and fuel cells
• inverters
• power connection cables
• power generators (green, hybrid, and regular)
• power management systems (supporting A01, A02, C01, and C02)
• rectifiers

A11 Deployable

Mobile broadband deployable equipment used for coverage augmentation or bridging gaps in service, including:

• airships/blimps
• cell on wheels (CoWs)
• drones
• temporary repeater stations for emergency and disaster response

A12 Satellite backhaul

Ground-based satellite infrastructure, including station equipment and wireless services, supporting a government telecommunications network.

Includes very small aperture terminal (VSAT), gateway stations, and network management systems for satellite-based communications.

A13 Satellite equipment

Satellite terminal equipment supporting a government telecommunications network. Satellite devices including:

• fixed
• portable (for example flyaway, transportable)
• mobile (land, aviation, maritime)

Supports high-throughput satellites (HTS) and low-earth orbit (LEO) connectivity solutions supporting connection to government telecommunications network.

Infrastructure and equipment required to support radio communications (RC), mobile broadband communications (MBC), and satellite communications for category A.

Sub-categories

B01 Antenna support structures (poles and towers)

Infrastructure supporting radio communications, mobile broadband communications, and satellite antenna systems including:

• guyed masts
• lattice towers
• monopoles
• rooftop structures (for example, jumbo rails)
• related footings

Includes smart pole solutions integrated with IoT sensors and small cells.

B02 Mounts and miscellaneous works

Antenna mounting steelwork including:

• cable trays
• cable tray supports
• face mounts
• fall-arrest systems
• leg mount headframes
• rooftop mounts
• tower lighting and lightening protection

B03 Security and safety systems and devices

Security and safety infrastructure as required to support telecommunications infrastructure including:

• alarm systems
• coded security access
• DC ventilation systems
• fire suppression equipment
• key entry systems

Includes biometric authentication, surveillance, and cyber-secure access control.

B04 Fibre infrastructure

All fibre infrastructure components required to support telecommunications infrastructure including:

• fibre cabling
• passive optical network (PON) components
• site terminations
• splicing
• supporting elements

B05 Communications buildings

On-site and off-site telecommunications structures including:

• huts
• outdoor cabinets
• platforms
• portable cabins
• shelters (includes modular and prefabricated)

Suppliers must provide ancillary equipment including:

• air conditioning
• alarm monitoring
• electrical works
• fire extinguishers
• miscellaneous cabling
• portable generators
• ventilation
• workplace health and safety (WHS) provisions

All services are required to develop, plan, design and install, manage and maintain network equipment (category A) and infrastructure (category B). Excludes standard carrier services (See TPA).

Sub-categories

C01 Site Acquisition, Environment and Design (SAED) Services

• complete site acquisition services
• development approvals (DAs)
• environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
• geotechnical assessments
• regulatory compliance
• site surveys
• structural engineering and design

Supports greenfield and brownfield telecommunications site development. Services may also cover areas such as:

• biodiversity conservation
• contamination assessments
• remediation strategies
• sustainability planning
• waste management

C02 Consultancy services

Strategic, technical and commercial advisory services covering:

• infrastructure deployment
• network planning
• regulatory compliance
• service optimisation

Includes business case development and technology road mapping.

C03 Project services

Comprehensive project management for execution of telecommunications projects including:

• asset management
• compliance assurance
• network deployment process oversight
• resource planning

C04 Construction services

Infrastructure construction services, including:

• concreting
• demolition or disposal services
• earthworks
• electrical and earthing installations
• elevated work platform (EWP) and crane operations
• fibre ploughing
• installation
• steelwork fabrication
• rigging
• welding

C05 Maintenance services

Routine and emergency maintenance for telecommunications infrastructure including:

• fault diagnostics
• repair
• restoration

Covers:

• condition monitoring
• deployment of temporary communication solutions
• preventative maintenance

C08 Network planning and optimisation – Radio

Radio network planning as required to support telecommunications infrastructure including:

• frequency planning
• spectrum design
• prediction services
• radio coverage plotting and verification
• radio network dimensioning

Includes:

• assurance services
• interference mitigation strategies
• radio access network optimisation

C09 Network planning and optimisation – Core

Core network design, optimisation, and assurance services to support telecommunications infrastructure including:

• integration with cloud-based infrastructure
• load balancing
• network slicing for 5G
• software-defined networking (SDN)
• traffic engineering

Covers:

• future scalability planning
• network security assessments
• performance tuning

C10 Network planning and optimisation – Transmission

Transmission network planning as required to support telecommunications infrastructure including:

• dimensioning
• MW/synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH)/fibre planning
• traffic engineering
• link budget analysis
• latency optimisation
• route diversity planning
• the deployment of optical transport network (OTN) solutions for high-capacity data transfer

C13 Satellite services

Provision of dedicated and shared satellite communication services for government critical infrastructure applications including:

• broadband connectivity
• data
• voice

Covers geostationary (GEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite solutions including:

• interoperability with terrestrial and mobile networks
• satellite uplink and downlink services

The contract value is the estimated total price of the contract including any options, extensions, variations or contingencies. It is inclusive of GST and cannot be split into lower-price components or price per year.

Consider the following scenarios when estimating contract value:

• the agreed scope of works may change during the term of the contract, resulting in a contract value over $250,000 (excluding GST). This includes any potential extensions, renewals, or variations that may be executed during the contract's life
• multiple contracts under one project
• a contract with a supplier may result in the need for related flow-on contracts. The cumulative price of the first contract and any potential flow-on contracts may exceed $250,000 (excluding GST).

If the sourcing activity is assessed as a low-risk and there is no potential for the total contract value to exceed $250,000 (excluding GST), you may engage suppliers from the Base Supplier List.

In high-risk sourcing activity where there is potential for the contract value to exceed $250,000 (excluding GST), engage suppliers from the Advanced Supplier List.

If the estimated contract value is less than $250,000 (excluding GST), assessing the level of risk will determine which supplier list (Base or Advanced) to use.

Use of Advanced Supplier List is required in one of the following scenarios:

• the procurement activity falls under specific high-risk services (listed in appendix 1 of guidelines for customers
• the inherent or residual risk rating for any identified risk is high or extreme using the risk assessment tool XLSX, 154.81 KB (prompts for identifying risks are included in appendix 2 of guidelines for customers.
• The procurement as a service products.

Risk assessment tool

The risk assessment tool does not replace existing agency-specific or NSW Government policies, procedures or guidelines relating to the identification, mitigation or management of project risks.

Follow your agency's procurement guidelines to identify the number of suppliers to quote.

To ensure value for money, provide transparency and opportunities to increase competition, we recommend the following number of quotes when engaging suppliers from the scheme:

NSW Government procurement schemes, such as SCM0053, do not directly dictate when and how direct negotiation (direct dealing) may occur. However, there may be circumstances where direct negotiate with suppliers is permitted, as listed in clause 15 of the EPP direction. For more information, read direct dealing guidelines.

You must seek necessary approvals for direct negotiation as per your agency/organisation procurement frameworks.

You are responsible for selecting suitable suppliers to ensure probity, fairness and value in keeping with the NSW Government Procurement Policy Framework.

You may use your own criteria to select suppliers to invite for submissions. You don't need to approach every eligible supplier in a category or sub-category. However, your approach should be proportionate and justifiable.

As part of the due diligence process, you may undertake preliminary market engagement activities such as:

• review supplier profile, accreditations and websites
• request capability statements from scheme members in the relevant category (view the List of suppliers tab for supplier capability information)
• contacting your internal subject matter experts
• contacting the NSW Telco Authority at SCM0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

Enforceable procurement provisions

The Advanced Supplier List is established in accordance with PBD 2019-05 Enforceable procurement provisions.

A covered agency (schedule 1 of PBD-2019-05) can comply with the EPP direction by using the scheme for the procurement of goods and services over $680,000 and may invite a limited number of suppliers on the scheme to make a submission.

Shortlist suppliers on buy NSW

1. Login to buy NSW supplier hub
2. Filter suppliers with the following:
   • scheme membership
   • prequalification type
   • scheme capabilities
3. Once refined, the suppliers can be added via the shortlist function
   • Can be exported as a CSV file.

You can use tenders for all sourcing activities, including managing requests for quotes (RFQ) under the scheme.

Include the draft order form with sourcing documents.

When engaging with suppliers from C01 Site Acquisition, Environment, Design (SAED) Services, C03 Project Services and C06 Consultancy Services, use the engagement pricing schedule XLSX, 132.67 KB. The schedule includes recommended templates for C04 Construction Services, C05 Maintenance Services and C07 Satellite Services.

After you review responses against criteria, select a suitable supplier, and agree to the scope of work, you need to complete the correct contract before engaging with the supplier.

To execute a contract, refer to the appliable SCM0053 contract documents:

• Micro spend contract (≤ $30,000, low-risk, one-off engagements)
• Base contract terms order form (< $250,000, low risk, no 'as a service')
• Advanced contract terms order form (≥ $250,000 or high-risk engagements)
• Standing offer deed (for multiple procurements with pre-agreed pricing and terms)

The attachments or annexures to the order form, if any, may include specifications, a statement of work, support agreement, service level agreement, project plan and others.

Completing these steps ensures that the agreement with the selected supplier is executed, enabling your agency to obtain the relevant warranties and protection against liabilities.

When raising a purchase order in your finance system, include: "under the terms and conditions of the SCM0053 contract".

During the management of the contract, please ensure you receive all the required contract deliverables. This may include insurances, management plans, contact details and updated schedules.

Consider any contract disclosure or reporting requirements such as GIPA, Aboriginal Procurement Policy, variations.

To ensure NSW Government agencies and eligible buyers can continue to get the maximum value from the scheme, it's important that supplier's performances are measured.

It is recommended you complete a supplier performance report for each engaged supplier at the completion of an engagement, or at least annually for long term engagements. To do this, follow the steps:

1. Complete supplier performance report DOCX, 49.02 KB (section, A, B and C)
2. Submit a copy of the performance report to the supplier, so they can provide additional comments
3. Submit the completed performance report signed by the supplier and agency to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

The scheme manager may contact you for clarification on your feedback. The results of feedback collected through this process may be used to assess the ongoing suitability of suppliers on the scheme.

How do buyers navigate flow-on-engagements for suppliers on the SCM0053 Base Supplier List? For example, a $250k contract needs a variation to the value of $50k.

Flow-on engagements with Base Suppliers that increases the contract value over $250k are not permitted. However, Base Suppliers can apply for membership on the Advanced Supplier List, enabling them to execute a variation which would exceed $250k limit.

Is there a piggyback clause in contracts for scheme SCM0053? How can we better leverage contracts from other agencies?

The new contract terms do not include piggyback clauses, as they align with the ICTA/MICTA purchasing framework, which excludes piggyback provisions. However, contracting agencies may include piggyback provisions within the Advanced Order Form to allow leveraging by other agencies.

Agencies and eligible customers can access a register of notices where they can search for contracts with piggyback clauses.

Where there is capability overlap between SCM0020 and SCM0053, which contracting framework should I use?

SCM0053 has a specific purpose and should only be used if the scope of your procurement is for equipment, infrastructure, or services required to:

1. Build, operate and maintain Government telecommunications network (as defined in GTA 2018), or
2. Operational communications to facilitate the exercise of functions by a government sector agency for
   • emergency services, or
   • law enforcement/compliance.

If the scope does not fall within the above areas, consider using other schemes.

How will supplier performance be managed?

By completing the supplier performance report, your experiences with a supplier can be properly recorded. Feedback and reports can be managed by the NSW Telco Authority. The supplier can also review and respond to both positive and negative reviews.

It is recommended that you complete a supplier performance report for each engaged supplier at the completion of an engagement or at least annually for long term engagements.

Completed report must be sent to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Telco Authority manages ongoing supplier involvement and participation on the scheme.

What if the supplier I want to use is not on the scheme?

New vendors can be added to the scheme after completing the scheme application process, and you can ask potential new vendors to apply for the scheme if they provide operational telecommunications and radio communications equipment, infrastructure, services and they satisfy the conditions for participation as listed in scheme rules and conditions.

The scheme administrator and assessors may accept or reject suppliers' applications. The assessment process generally takes one to 2 weeks to be completed from the time of receiving an application, as long as all required information is provided upon application.

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

For any scheme related queries, contact scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

For technical support, contact nswbuy@treasury.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 679 289

What terms do suppliers agree to as part of SCM0053 scheme membership?

As of 27 February 2025, all existing and new suppliers must agree to the Base Contract Terms and Advanced Contract Terms as part of their membership to SCM0053. Unlike MSAs, there is only a need to sign the new contract terms at the time of contract execution for each commercial activity.

Existing suppliers were engaged at various points of contract development and had the opportunity to provide feedback on the new contracting suite. The opportunity to provide ongoing feedback is available and can be provided to scheme management at SCM0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

What happens to the signed Registered/Prequalified Master Supply Agreement (MSA)?

Master Supply Agreements have now become dormant but will remain valid for existing Supply Contracts until they expire or are terminated.

Scheme management team maintains a database of the MSAs. If you need to request a copy of an MSA for a specific supplier, contact SCM0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

What happens to tenders published before 27 February 2025 using the old contract suite?

Procurements initiated before 27 February 2025, which went to market with the old contract suite have the option to use the old or new contract suite, as agreed between the buyer and the supplier.

What happens to the existing Supply Contracts formed under the Registered/Prequalified Master Supply Agreement?

Existing Supply Contracts formed under a Master Supply Agreement can continue for the duration of the contract term unless terminated early as agreed between the buyer and the supplier.

Of note, continuing Supply Contracts cannot be varied to extend unless approved by NSW Telco Authority. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Scheme Management.

How do I manage an existing Standing Offer arrangement with a supplier where a General Order Form is issued regularly?

If a Standing Offer arrangement is already in place, continue to use the old General Order Form until you transition to the new Standing Offer Deed terms.

If the Standing Offer is nearing expiry, you can send an email to discuss your requirements further with Scheme Management: SCM0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

Is there a deadline for applications to be lodged?

Yes. Applications for registrations to supply through the scheme will remain open at all times for all suppliers until 30 January 2027.

What are the conditions of participation?

It's the minimum conditions (clause 9 of scheme rules and conditions) that suppliers must demonstrate compliance to, to be included in the supplier list.

It's limited to conditions that ensure that the supplier has the legal and financial capacity, and commercial and technical abilities, to fulfil the requirements of the procurements covered by the scheme.

Participation is conditional on acceptance of the scheme rules and conditions.

If you have any questions, contact scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

Can I apply for both the Base and Advanced Supplier List?

If suppliers are approved for the Advanced Supplier List, there is no added value applying for the Base Supplier List, including assessment for each capability group.

How are applications assessed?

The scheme administrator will assess whether the supplier satisfies the conditions for participation using the method of assessment as described in clause 9 conditions for participation of the scheme rules and conditions.

How long will it take for my application to be assessed?

The assessment process generally takes 1 to 2 weeks (subject to the completeness of the application) to be completed from the time of receiving an application.

The suppliers must be approved for scheme membership prior to participating in sourcing activities.

Will I be approved for all sub-categories I have applied for?

Each sub-category will be assessed individually for demonstrated experience in capabilities applied for.

They are subject to an assessment of all mandatory information and supporting evidence listed in clause 9.6 (for Base supplier list) and clause 9.8 (for Advanced supplier list) of the scheme rules and conditions.

Can I reapply if my application is unsuccessful?

Yes. To reapply, you can submit a new application.

What are the prescribed terms and conditions for customer contracts?

All approved suppliers must conform to the scheme rules and conditions.

A supply contract will be formed by execution of the relevant scheme order form or micro spend contract and incorporate the agreed terms and conditions.

A proposed draft order form should be issued with the relevant RFx documents.

Does being accepted onto the scheme mean guaranteed work?

No. Membership to the scheme is an assessment of capability and acceptance of standard terms and conditions for the suppliers to offer goods and services to NSW Government agencies or eligible customers.

Supplier opportunities are subject to individual sourcing activities conducted by agencies or eligible customers.

They may use their own discretion to which suppliers are invited to submit proposals by following scheme guidelines for customers PDF, 520.48 KB.

The suppliers will be contacted either directly or via a procurement platform to submit proposals.

What if there is a change in the supplier's ABN number?

If there is a change in ABN, you must let us know. Email the name and ABN of the new entity and a brief description of the reason for the change to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

A new application must be submitted to join the scheme under the new entity’s name and ABN.

How will buyers/customers contact the suppliers for future opportunities?

Buyers can contact suppliers via email or procurement platform of their choice.

Can I withdraw my membership from the scheme?

Yes. Suppliers can withdraw their membership from the scheme at any time by sending an email to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

Can I submit a product and services catalogue including pricing?

Yes, submit it to scm0053@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

What is a supplier price guide?

The supplier price guide is the non-exhaustive list of products and indicative prices from suppliers on the scheme. It is an indication of pricing (and not negotiated or ceiling price) and lead times.

It helps buyers identify suppliers, products and estimate budgets for procurement activities.

New or updated pricing will be sought from the suppliers at the time of the procurement.