Supply arrangements and standard conditions
What is a Standing Offer Arrangement?
Standing Offer Arrangements (SOA) help you more effectively obtain frequently used products and services.
SOA’s are agreements involving one or more suppliers to provide goods and services over a set period in accordance with agreed terms and conditions, including price.
Arrangements can vary from those initiated to meet an individual agency or Shared Services Cluster’s specific needs, to strategic whole-of-government arrangements.
Standing Offer Arrangements that you can use are listed in the Queensland Government Buyers Catalogue or contact Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office on 07 3235 4333.
Who can use Standing Offer Arrangements
Generally speaking, it is not mandatory for you to use SOAs. However, Cabinet has decided that for fuel and travel purchases, the SOA must always be used.
Although there is generally no mandate to use SOA for other purchases, the benefits to agencies are many. An agency’s purchasing procedures may specifically require SOAs to be used.
Benefits of using a Standing Offer Arrangement
Value for money
Standing Offer Arrangements are developed to ensure you get value for money.
They are set up after comparing alternatives for the supply of goods and services and weighing up factors such as:
- contribution to the advancement of Government priorities
- whole-of-life and transaction costs
- fitness for purpose
- quality
- service and support.
Save time and resources
Standing Offer Arrangements offer a range of items that you can order without having to source the item, prepare invitation documentation, receive and evaluate offers.
Peace of mind
When you use a Standing Offer Arrangement, the SOA terms and conditions protect you.
If items are purchased outside an SOA, the contract is between you and the supplier. It’s up to you to follow your agency’s purchasing procedures.
Products and services meet your needs
Standing Offer Arrangements generally are developed by an interdepartmental committee, in consultation with people just like you.
This information is used to get a clear picture of what features and benefits users are wanting from a product or service. The SOA is entered into with a supplier best able to fulfill those needs.
Performance monitoring
Key Performance Indicators are established to measure suppliers’ performance under SOA. Market research is carried out to assess whether the products and services delivered by SOA continue to meet your needs and that the suppliers are providing the required level of service. Your feedback is an essential part of this process.
Who may use Standing Offer Arrangements?
- All Queensland Government departments and agencies;
- Statutory authorities, constituted under State legislation; and
- Approved non-government organisations that receive continual government funding.
Last updated November 2007
