Proximity has undertaken assurance reviews and provided probity advice for numerous complex and high-profile Government procurements and projects. We have assisted agencies on projects ranging from modest procurements up to multi-billion-dollar capital acquisition and sustainment projects, major ICT procurements and end-to-end commercial and procurement advisory services. We are committed to working with our clients to understand their context and drive lasting change for their procurement function.
Our methodology
We use a three-stage work plan to undertake any procurement review. Our methodology is based on Proximity’s proven track-record of successful engagements.
Discover phase
In this first phase, we initiate the project, establish the project team and as well as governance and documents sharing arrangements. We draft and agree the Project Plan and Review Methodology and a Stakeholder Engagement Plan. We also undertake a review of procurement policies and documents. This review will inform a gap analysis against the Commonwealth Resource Management Framework and our suggested updates to procurement policies and procedures.
Engage phase
We plan and deliver a right-sized stakeholder consultation for the review. This engagement consists of consultations and a survey administered to procurement staff. We then present the key findings from stakeholder engagement at a Preliminary Findings Workshop.
Deliver phase
We use the findings of our document review and consultation to deliver the products the client needs. This includes a tiered risk management model, a revised suite of procurement policies, a procurement policy review strategy and a procurement compliance matrix.
Our project schedule includes regular meetings with the project team and time for the client to review all documents. This ensures there are no surprises in the review and that our recommendations are fit-for-purpose. Proximity is also available to present to executive groups as required during the project.
Our experience
We have undertaken a range of procurement projects for a variety of clients.
1. Procurement Framework Assurance review for Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
ASIC engaged Proximity for an independent assurance review of its Procurement Framework and capabilities. Proximity undertook a risk and control assessment of ASIC’s procurement framework and its application across the organisation to identify opportunities for improvement. Proximity staff meet with stakeholders across ASIC and undertook an in-depth review of procurement policies and procedures.
This detailed review follows on from a high-level review that ASIC engaged Proximity to undertake in 2020. This earlier review made actionable recommendations in eight key competency areas, focusing on improving capability and ensuring the framework’s effectiveness.
2. Operational Policy and Practice Optimisation Project for NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Proximity is working with the Commission as part of an agency-wide policy uplift to review and revise operational policies and procedures. The project is supporting the Commission’s transformation from a decentralised regulatory model to a centralised national operating model.
In 2023, Proximity worked with the Commission to develop a policy and procedure review methodology, a policy framework, policy and procedure templates and a policy development guidance template. In 2024, Proximity is working with the Commission to embed these changes in practice, including through the development of a detailed change program and targeted capability uplift.
3. Procurement Assurance Review & Framework for Workplace Gender Equality Agency
WGEA, facing an urgent requirement to implement a package of legislative reforms to close the gender pay gap, engaged Proximity to help improve its procurement framework and practices. Proximity’s support saw major improvements that enabled WGEA to conduct effective, defensible procurement processes leading to value for money outcomes that complied with procurement law and policy.
Facing time and other pressures, Proximity helped address the immediate procurement requirements for WGEA, while also improving WGEA’s procurement culture, practices and artefacts. The work involved significant stakeholder engagement and training to ensure a heightened awareness across the agency regarding procurement. Proximity also assisted WGEA with procurement templates, training and strategies, equipping the Agency to independently and confidently undertake effective, value for money procurements.
We provide high-quality procurement and tendering support through a range of delivery methods, including on-site, advisory and consultancy services.
We design, structure, draft and implement sound but practical procurement strategies and documentation that is tailored for the size and scale of the activity. Get in touch today and we’d love to discuss your procurement needs and see how we can support you.
We are committed to working with our clients to understand their context and drive lasting change for their procurement function.
