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Planned Small Construction Accreditation Framework

Low-risk construction projects under $4 million (excluding GST) can be delivered through an accreditation process managed by our Infrastructure Delivery team.

Under the Accreditation Framework, approved government agencies can act as an ‘Accredited Infrastructure Agency’ for planned small construction (PSC) projects.

The process is guided by:

  • Project Implementation Process (PIP)
  • Treasurer’s Instruction 18 – Procurement (TI-18).

How to get accredited

To become accredited an agency must:

  • apply to the DIT Accreditation Unit
  • give evidence of its capability and capacity to deliver construction projects.

Once accredited, the agency is responsible for managing the delivery, procurement, and risk of eligible projects. DIT Infrastructure Delivery provides assurance as part of the accreditation process.

The accreditation process is guided by the Project Implementation Process (PIP) and Treasure’s Instruction 18 - Procurement (TI-18).

An overview of the accreditation framework and the quality standards applicable to achieve accreditation are in the:

Steps to get accredited

Self-assessment

To start the accreditation process, the lead agency must complete the accreditation self-assessment.

The assessment prepares lead agencies for the formal application process under the framework. The process helps lead agencies to understand their own capability to manage and mitigate risk to government in line with the framework.

Read the process and complete the checklist:

Pre-application meeting

Once you’ve completed the self-assessment, you can request a pre-application meeting with the Accreditation Unit.

The pre-application meeting is a two-way conversation between the lead agency and the Accreditation Unit to identify any gaps or areas of concern that may prevent accreditation.

The meeting makes sure:

  • both parties have a good understanding of the accreditation application before lodgement
  • that lead agencies can demonstrate their capability and capacity to mitigate risk to government by giving satisfactory evidence.

To request a pre-application meeting contact DIT:PSCAccreditationunit@sa.gov.au.

Application process

For a lead agency to become accredited under the framework, they must seek approval (accreditation) through the Accreditation Unit.

The lead agency must complete an accreditation application form and submit to the Accreditation Unit for assessment. More information and forms will be given to the lead agency after the pre-application meeting.

For an outline of the process see:

As part of the application process, agencies are required to speak to the South Australian Government Financing Authority (SAFA) to discuss appropriate risk management strategies relating to insurance. Please email SAFA Insurance in the first instance, attention Construction Insurance Team, via the following: SAFAInsurance@sa.gov.au

Information for accredited agencies

Historically, DIT and the AGFMA Facilities Management Service Provider would engage the construction industry directly and offer a tender for construction works.

The accreditation framework now enables accredited agencies to act as the 'Infrastructure Agency' for small construction projects (less than $4 million in total construction cost – excluding GST).

Accredited agencies must ensure the effective handover from construction to facilities management or maintenance for the projects delivered under this framework.

For more information or guidance on this process contact DIT:PSCAccreditationunit@sa.gov.au.

Accredited agencies will be encouraged to engage DIT pre-qualified contractors. Find more information about DIT Pre-qualification.

For more information on DIT conditions of contract, please see available templates from DIT Conditions of Contract - Department for Infrastructure and Transport - South Australia

List of accredited agencies

As of 14 January 2025, the list of accredited agencies are:

  • West Beach Parks
  • Department for Environment and Water
  • Adelaide Cemeteries Authority
  • Department for Education (Infrastructure Division)
  • South Australia Police
  • Department for Energy and Mining.

Project fees

Accreditation under this framework requires payment of certain fees that will be invoiced to the agencies at specified points. These include:

  • an application fee of $8,650
  • an annual fee of $7,550 for the renewal of accreditation
  • a per project fee:

Project Category

Cost

  • Up to $1 Million
  • $7,200
  • $1,000,001 to $2,000,000
  • $14,350
  • $2,000,001 to $3,000,000
  • $21,550
  • $3,000,001 to $4,000,000
  • $28,700

Fees are subject to CPI and will be reviewed at the beginning of every financial year.

After accreditation

Once you’ve met the requirements of the accreditation framework, we’ll let you know of the successful outcome. The notification will include an invoice for the application fee.

To maintain your accreditation status, you’ll need to pay a fee each year after the first year of accreditation

PSC Projects submitted under the framework will also have a fee on a ‘per project cost’. This fee covers the involvement of our Professional and Advisory Services Team and will depend on the level of involvement required.

Your agency will be invoiced accordingly as the fees become applicable.

Role of the Accreditation Unit

The Accreditation Unit are responsible for the administration of the Accreditation Framework. Their functions include coordination of:

  • accreditation applications
  • project lodgement
  • completion requirements.

The Accreditation Unit offers further services to accredited agencies on an opt in basis through the Department’s Professional and Advisory Services Team. These services are on a fee for service basis that are in addition to fees described above. These services include:

  • design brief and concept review
  • design reviews
  • general construction inspections
  • completion management – inclusive of Defects Liability Period and Final Completion Management.

Accredited agencies are encouraged to discuss these services with the Accreditation Unit.

Contact us

Accreditation Unit

Email: DIT:PSCAccreditationunit@sa.gov.au