ICN Gateway (ICN)

What is the ICN Gateway?

The ICN Gateway is an online platform operated by the Industry Capability Network (ICN), a not-for-profit organisation that connects Australian and New Zealand suppliers with procurement opportunities. Unlike AusTender or QTenders, the ICN Gateway focuses specifically on helping local suppliers participate in major projects, particularly in infrastructure, resources, energy, and defence.

What is Published on the ICN Gateway?

The ICN Gateway provides access to:

• Project opportunities — work packages from major projects that are seeking local suppliers
• Supplier capability profiles — registered suppliers can showcase their capabilities to project proponents
• Local content plans — project proponents publish their Local Content commitments and identify work packages available to local suppliers
• Industry participation reporting — tools for tracking and reporting actual local content achieved

Who Uses the ICN Gateway?

The platform serves two main groups:

• Project proponents — organisations running major projects (both government and private sector) that have local content obligations
• Suppliers — Australian and New Zealand businesses seeking opportunities to participate in major projects as contractors or subcontractors

Connection to Government Procurement

The ICN Gateway plays a significant role in government procurement through Local Content Requirements:

• Victoria — the Local Jobs First Act requires certain projects to use the ICN Gateway for local content planning and reporting
• South Australia — the ICN is integrated into the Industry Participation Policy
• Other jurisdictions — various state and federal procurement policies reference or require engagement with ICN

Key Features for Suppliers

• Free registration — creating a supplier profile is free and makes your business visible to project proponents
• Capability matching — the platform matches supplier capabilities with project requirements
• Opportunity alerts — receive notifications when relevant opportunities are posted
• Work package breakdown — major projects are broken into accessible work packages that smaller suppliers can bid for

Tips for Tenderers

• Register and complete your profile thoroughly — the more detailed your capability information, the better your chances of being matched with opportunities.
• Keep your profile current — outdated information can mean missed opportunities.
• Target major projects — track the ICN Gateway for large infrastructure projects in your region or sector.
• Use ICN for subcontracting opportunities — even if you are too small to be a prime contractor, there are often sub-packages within your capability.