Have Your Say - Regional Price Preference Policy

HAVE YOUR SAY ON A NEW PLAN TO SUPPORT HARVEY REGION BUSINESSES

The Shire of Harvey is seeking community feedback on a proposed Regional Price Preference Policy. This Policy is designed to make it easier for local businesses to compete for Shire contracts during the tender process.

What’s the issue?

We find contractors by going through a tender process. During this process, businesses receive scores based on a number of factors, including price. Metropolitan businesses are often able to offer better prices to perform work. This is because metropolitan businesses have access to larger economic networks and are typically closer to resources. As such, local businesses may be less competitive when they are being evaluated.

Can’t you just give contracts to local businesses?

No, unfortunately. There are a number of legal requirements we must meet during the tender process that prevents this.

What are you doing about it?

We have developed a Regional Price Preference Policy that will give local businesses a 10 per cent discount when price is scored during the tender evaluation stage. South West businesses that border the Shire will receive a 5 per cent discount and there will be no adjustments to metropolitan prices. If a local business wins a contract - we’ll still pay full price for their services. This just helps local businesses remain competitive during tender assessment.

What are the benefits?

This Policy will give local businesses a leg up and strengthen economic development in the Harvey Region. Aside from the price preference, the Shire has committed to:

• Considering buying practices, procedures and specifications that do not disadvantage local businesses

• Avoiding bias in design and specifications that may discourage local businesses to bid

• Considering indirect benefits that flow on to local businesses

• Providing adequate and consistent information to local businesses

What can the community do?

Council wants public feedback before the Policy is formally adopted. To read the Policy, visit haveyoursay.harvey.wa.gov.au/have-your-say-regional-price-policy

To have your say, email procurement@harvey.wa.gov.au and address your submission to Chief Executive Officer Annie Riordan. You can also submit your feedback in writing to the Harvey Administration Office (102 Uduc Rd, Harvey) or the Australind Administration Office (7 Mulgara Street, Australind)

Submissions close at 4pm on Friday, 29 November 2024.