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Prequalification for Infrastructure and Transport

Prequalification ensures that only companies with the right skills and experience can tender for contracts with our Department.

To become prequalified, companies must demonstrate they have:

  • relevant experience
  • technical skills
  • appropriate staff and resources
  • strong management systems.

Companies can apply for prequalification in any category, at any time.

Levels of prequalification

There are different levels of prequalification. These levels reflect the size and complexity of the contracts a company can tender for.

When a contract is advertised, the tender documents will say what prequalification category and level is needed.

If your company is prequalified at a higher level, you may also be considered for tenders in lower categories.

What prequalification means

Prequalification gives a company the opportunity to submit a tender or be considered for a select tender list. It does not guarantee success. Nor does it replace our post-tender assessments or good contract management.

When assessing tenders, we also consider:

  • the company’s proposed approach
  • planned use of resources
  • past performance.

DIT prequalification system terms and conditions (PDF, 332.6 KB) explains our conditions and has more information about the review and appeal processes.

Expressions of interest

For large or complex contracts, we may ask companies to submit an expression of interest (EOI) before the tender process. This may be used instead of, or in addition to, prequalification.

Using our prequalification system for non-departmental projects

Disclaimer

This prequalification system has been developed for the Department's own use under the supervision of experienced professionals.

While other organisations may refer to this prequalification system, the Department accepts no responsibility for its use by external parties. The Department does not guarantee that any prequalified company is technically capable or suitable for any non-Departmental projects.

Any organisation wanting to deal with prequalified companies must rely on its own enquiries and bears all risks associated with the use of this prequalification system.

If you refer to this prequalification system for non-departmental projects, you should do your own assessment of a company's financial stability.

By downloading any document from this site, you acknowledge and agree to the Department's website disclaimer .

Prequalification for building projects

Prequalification is open to general building contractors, trade, subcontractors and professional services contractors.

How to apply for building projects

Read the application guidelines  (PDF, 837.4 KB)before you start. The requirements for each building projects prequalification category are in the appendices.

You must submit applications using the online form. Many sections are mandatory – you will need to complete each one before moving on to the next section.

For the best experience, we recommend having your documents ready before you start and completing the form in order. You cannot submit an incomplete application.

By applying you agree to the conditions of prequalification.

Accessing the application form
  1. Go to the prequalification application form.
  2. If it’s your first time, create an account. You’ll get an email with instructions. Follow the email link to set your password, then log into your iApply dashboard.
  3. Start your application in the iApply dashboard by choosing a category. The form will change to match the category’s requirements.
  4. Hit the "Save" button at any time to save your progress. Drafts will stay in the dashboard for 14 days, then be deleted for security reasons. You will need to start again if this happens.
  5. To return to a draft application, log in with your account and open your dashboard.
  6. Once submitted, your application and documents go to the Prequalification Team. You’ll get a confirmation email.
Tips for using the digital form

Guidance for the application form:

  • Once submitted, your application and attached materials will be automatically sent to the Prequalification Team for assessment.
  • Many sections are mandatory meaning that a response or required documentation must be provided to progress through to the next section.
  • If at any time you need to exit the application, you can hit "Save" to retain your progress.
  • Guidance information for requirements has been included in the application form itself

Troubleshooting:

  • Ensure that your account set up and application are issued to the same email address.
  • Ensure that both the iApply dashboard and the application link open in the same internet browser.

Email any questions to DIT.BuildingsPrequal@sa.gov.au.

Additional accreditation for building contracts

For some projects, there may be additional accreditation or certification required.

Fabricating structural steelwork

Subcontractors fabricating structural steelwork for Government projects must be certified in the appropriate category under the National Structural Steelwork Compliance Scheme (NSSCS).

Federal funding

Companies undertaking work that has federal funding may also need accreditation under the Federal Safety Commission WHS Accreditation Scheme.

Non-residential over $50m

Contractors seeking to tender for South Australian Government non-residential building contracts valued at $50 million or more must be prequalified under the Building National Prequalification System (NPS).

Download prequalification documents

Performance report proformas

For the following, including trades and subcontractors, use the building and trades performance report form (DOCX, 56.9 KB):

  • general building
  • demolition and asbestos removal trade and subcontractor
  • air conditioning and mechanical performance
  • electrical performance
  • Fire protection performance
  • plumbing performance

For professional service contractors (PSC), use the PSC performance report form (PDF, 190.7 KB).

This includes:

  • asbestos management services
  • cost manager, building works only performance.
Building prequalification registers
Preferred supply arrangement for property fit out providers (PSAPFOP)
Prequalification for transport infrastructure projects

Roadworks and bridgeworks – National Prequalification System (NPS)

Companies prequalified with another participating authority under the NPS can apply to register with our Department using the NPS mutual recognition registration form (DOCX, 46.2 KB).

For more information see the Austroads website.

Professional and technical services

Bituminous works

Pavement materials

Repair or upgrade of marine structures

Supply and manufacture of road signs

Workzone traffic management

Directional boring

Safety auditing and construction risk services

For pavement marking refer to the Australian Paint Approval Scheme.

Preferred supply arrangement for transport projects

Civil works and bridge works

Any contractors who are currently prequalified with the Department's prequalification scheme may be eligible to apply for these preferred supply arrangements.

Bituminous works

Any contractors who are currently prequalified with the Department's prequalification scheme may be eligible to apply for these preferred supply arrangements.

Safety barrier

Project management and contract management

Estimating, scheduling and constructability

Prequalification for rail safety workers
Prequalification of road safety or safe system assessment auditors, and restricted access vehicle route assessors

Senior road safety auditor prequalification

Restricted access vehicle (RAV) route assessment and becoming a route assessor

Safe system assessment (SSA)

Restricted access vehicle (RAV) route assessment and becoming a route assessor

Contact us

Building Projects

Phone: 08 7133 1241
Email: DIT.BuildingsPrequal@sa.gov.au

Transport Infrastructure Projects

Phone: 08 7133 1263
Email: DIT.Prequal@sa.gov.au