By Kate Fordham, Procurement Capability Branch, Department of Finance
The Australian Public Service (APS) procures a vast range of goods and services, from suppliers all across the nation, to support its delivery of services and positive outcomes for Australians – from paper products to legal advice, food for border force and AFP service animals to strategic defence capabilities. With such a large and diverse purchasing footprint, the APS can utilise the policy levers which are part of the Commonwealth Procurement Framework to deliver broader economic, social and environmental outcomes through its use of public money.
The APS must also ensure its procurement activities and management of contracts deliver value for money outcomes and are conducted in an ethical, transparent and accountable way.
This significant public spend has raised the profile of procurement and contract management activities across the APS and it is therefore critical the APS has the knowledge and skills to expertly design, oversee and manage its contractual arrangements with integrity.
“As Australian Government procurement takes on a more strategic role to deliver integrated and sustainable outcomes, there is a need to standardise procurement and contract management training across the APS."
Kate Fordham, Procurement Capability Branch, Department of Finance
To support this, the Department of Finance, in partnership with the APS Academy, offers the Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite. This suite of courses builds sustainable and enduring procurement and contract management capabilities across the APS. The suite strengthens the confidence and skills of APS officials, helping them to achieve value for money in all procurement decisions.
The training suite covers basic concepts to advanced practices, ensuring a foundational level of understanding while also catering to those who require deeper knowledge.
The suite can operate independently or as a combined program, integrating leading practices with tangible requirements of the APS procurement and contract management workforce and covering all aspects from procurement planning through to contract closeout.
Proficiency levels
The suite offers two proficiency levels:
- Foundation level courses provide APS officials with basic awareness of key concepts, knowledge, and skills. This is essential for all officials, whether they engage in procurement activities regularly or occasionally.
- Practitioner level courses build on foundational knowledge, offering more in-depth training for those involved in on-the-job procurement and contract management activities.
Delivery
Training is delivered through practical, facilitator-led sessions available both in-person and virtually, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for APS officials across Australia. Additionally, eLearning modules provide a cost-effective solution for foundational courses, with more modules being developed.
Audience
This training is relevant for all APS officials from non-corporate Commonwealth entities and prescribed corporate Commonwealth entities who engage in procurement and contract management activities. Whether your role involves frequent procurement activities or just occasional engagement, the training suite is designed to help you navigate the complexities of procurement and achieve the best outcomes for the Australian public.
Visit the Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite to learn more about the courses available and how to register.