1800RESPECT Procurement – Pre-release notice
NOTICE: Changes to the procurement timeline
In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the procurement process to secure a suitably qualified organisation or group of organisations to deliver 1800RESPECT was delayed.
The Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) is now expected to be released on 30 September 2020 and close on 30 October 2020. Following the evaluation of responses the department will short list respondents to be invited to tender. The Request for Tender is anticipated to be released in late 2020.
Further details on the upcoming REOI will be published on the AusTender website. Interested organisations should register for updates via AusTender.
1800RESPECT procurement information
The Department of Social Services will conduct a two-stage open competitive procurement process involving a REOI followed by a Request for Tender to shortlisted respondents. The purpose of the procurement is to secure a suitable organisation or group of organisations to deliver 1800RESPECT, the national telephone and online counselling and information service for people impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence.
Demand for 1800RESPECT has increased significantly over recent years, with the service answering more than 163,500 calls and online contacts in 2018-19.
The Australian Government’s priority is ensuring 1800RESPECT provides high quality, responsive and trauma informed support to people who need help, information and counselling. 1800RESPECT will continue to provide services throughout the duration of the procurement process.
The REOI will be published on AusTender. Interested parties are encouraged to subscribe to AusTender for updates about the procurement.
Public Interest Certificate
The public interest certificate for 1800RESPECT is issued under section 22(1) of the Government Procurement (Judicial Review) Act 2018 (the Act). All complaints made under the Act in relation to this procurement process must be made in writing to the delegate.