Australian Capital Territory Tenders

The ACT combines territory government procurement with a high concentration of federal government tenders due to Canberra's role as the national capital. ACT Government tenders span health, education, transport, and city services, while the territory's proximity to federal agencies creates a unique market for IT services, consulting, and professional services.

ACT Government procurement thresholds require open tenders for goods and services valued above $200,000, and for construction works above $200,000. Between $25,000 and $200,000, agencies must seek at least three written quotations. The Government Procurement Act 2001 and associated regulations govern ACT procurement, with the Procurement ACT (the procurement team within the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate) overseeing compliance. Notably, the ACT Government also requires all procurements over $25,000 to be reported on the contracts register, providing good visibility of government spending.

To register on ACT Tenders, visit tenders.act.gov.au and create a free supplier account. You will need your ABN, business details, and relevant category information. The portal supports email notifications based on category selections and keyword alerts. Registration gives you access to current open tenders, request-for-quotation opportunities, and awarded contract information. The portal also publishes forward procurement plans from ACT Government directorates, allowing suppliers to prepare for upcoming opportunities.

The ACT Government's procurement framework includes several policies that favour local and social outcomes. The Canberra Region Local Industry Participation Policy provides evaluation advantages to businesses based in the ACT and surrounding NSW region. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Procurement Policy sets targets for government spend with Indigenous businesses. The ACT's Secure Local Jobs Code requires suppliers on government contracts to demonstrate compliance with workplace laws, including industrial relations and workplace safety standards. The Social Procurement Framework encourages agencies to consider social enterprises and disability enterprises in their procurement decisions.

The ACT budget is typically delivered in June, with the strongest procurement activity from August through November. The territory's relatively small size means individual major project announcements can create noticeable spikes in tender activity. Federal budget timing (May) also heavily influences the Canberra procurement market, as federal agency spending flows into the local economy. Activity slows during the Christmas-January period, with a secondary quiet period during federal budget preparation.

Major current project pipelines include Canberra Light Rail Stage 2 (extending from the city to Woden), the new Canberra Hospital expansion, ongoing suburban development in Molonglo Valley and Whitlam, and the ACT Government's commitment to 100% renewable electricity. Major Projects Canberra manages a portfolio of significant infrastructure works that generate tenders across construction, engineering, and professional services. The federal government's ongoing presence ensures a steady baseline of IT, consulting, and professional services procurement through AusTender as well.

New suppliers should register on both ACT Tenders and AusTender if they are targeting the Canberra market, as federal opportunities represent a substantial portion of the local procurement ecosystem. Familiarise yourself with the Secure Local Jobs Code requirements, as non-compliance can disqualify your tender. Having a Canberra presence — even a small office — is genuinely advantageous for both ACT and federal tenders, as many contracts require or prefer local delivery capability. Consider joining the Canberra Business Chamber and attending ACT Government industry briefings to build relationships with procurement teams. If you are new to government tendering, our guide to government tendering in Australia covers the process end to end.

Key agencies

• ACT Tenders
• Canberra Health Services
• Transport Canberra
• Major Projects Canberra

What Australian Capital Territory Government typically procures

• IT services and digital transformation
• Consulting and professional services
• Light rail and transport infrastructure
• Hospital construction and health services
• Education infrastructure
• Renewable energy procurement
• Cybersecurity and data services
• Defence support services (Canberra-region)
• Facilities management
• Construction and civil works