The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) recently released its Procurement Inquiry Final Report, shedding light on gaps between the intended goals and actual outcomes of federal government procurement practices.
The report, comprising 11 recommendations, underscores the challenges faced by small businesses in navigating the procurement landscape.
Throughout the inquiry, small businesses voiced concerns about the complexity of the Commonwealth Procurement Framework (CPF) and the lack of tangible benefits relative to the investment of their time and resources.
The report highlights that small enterprises are required to grapple with intricate processes, compete against larger counterparts armed with dedicated procurement teams, and collaborate with officials who themselves often find the process bewildering and burdensome due to infrequent engagement in procurement activities.
In response to the review, the government acknowledged two recommendations outright and expressed a willingness to consider an additional four recommendations.
Notably, one of the recommendations, proposed by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to enhance the usability and relevance of AusTender by modernising its interface and improving the accessibility of information on its website.
