Office of the Industry Advocate – Regional Tender for Success – Mount Gambier

Regional Tender for Success – Mount Gambier – State Government and Business Focus

Ready to unlock opportunities in the South Australian Government market and beyond? This foundational training will equip you with the essential knowledge and practical strategies to successfully navigate government procurement processes and tender for work with both SA Government agencies and private sector businesses. Delivered in Mount Gambier, this session is tailored to the unique opportunities, support and challenges facing businesses in regional South Australia.

Speakers: 

• Phillip Dowsett, Deputy Industry Advocate, Office of the Industry Advocate

• Dan van Holst Pellekaan, South Australian Small Business Commissioner

• Elise Gordon, Regional Manager Southern SA, AusIndustry

• Small Business Support Officer, Office for Small and Family Business (Limestone Coast; Murraylands; Riverlands; Eastern Suburbs)
• Justin Sara, Director, ProbitySA

   

What You’ll Learn: Gain a comprehensive understanding of SA Government procurement and private sector tendering, from initial engagement through to winning and retaining contracts. This interactive session covers:

• Procurement Process Overview – Navigate the key phases and understand procurement thresholds that shape your approach across both government and private sector buyers.
• 101 of Influencing Government and Private Sector Buyers – Learn who to talk to, how to engage efficiently, and why the specification is critical to your success whether you’re bidding for public or private work.
• Mastering the RFQ – Step-by-step guidance on responding to Requests for Quotation (targeted at contracts under $550k) and equivalent private sector procurement processes.
• Inside the Evaluation Process – Gain valuable insights and observations from real SA Government evaluation panels, with parallels drawn to how private sector businesses assess and select suppliers.
• Reading the Signs – Identify indicators that your bid is on track (or needs adjustment) regardless of whether you’re pursuing government or commercial contracts
• Winning Beyond the First Contract – Discover how effective contract management and relationship building create pathways to future opportunities with both government agencies and private businesses.
• Best Practice Engagement with OIA – Key takeaways on leveraging support and resources available to the Limestone Coast and regional businesses.
• Support and Programs Available with Small and Family Business, Small Business Commission and AusIndustry – Overview of support programs, resources and state and federal selling to government resources that local businesses can utilise.
• Q&A – The session includes dedicated Q&A time to address your specific questions and challenges, including those relevant to operating from a regional base.

   

Who Should Attend: Limestone Coast businesses new to government procurement, regional suppliers looking to strengthen their tendering approach, and any business seeking to understand the fundamentals of selling to SA Government or breaking into private sector supply chains. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, services, or any other industry, this session will give you the tools to compete and win.

Exclusive One-on-One Consultation Opportunities:  Following the session, Justin Sara, Director of ProbitySA, and Phillip Dowsett, Deputy Industry Advocate, will be available until 5:00pm to undertake a limited number of site visits at participating businesses. These consultations offer practical, in-depth guidance on tendering and procurement opportunities relevant to your organisation.

To express your interest in a site visit and nominate your preferred time, please contact oia@sa.gov.au.