The Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland (TMR) and Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) have both agreed to trial streamlined procurement management plans after the ARA wrote to rail delivery agencies a more efficient approach in the tender process. TMR has said it will trial a new process on the rail civil project aspects, while ARTC has agreed to review its tendering requirements to ensure a more streamlined process.

The ARA recently wrote to rail delivery agencies, proposing a trial for a more streamlined approach to management plan requirements during tenders, particularly in regard to prioritising what information is specifically required, and allowing more realistic timeframes and phased approaching.

The ARA has encouraged the replacement of lengthy management plans with more concise returnable schedules where possible, and a shift from compliance-focused plans to highlighting key risks, opportunities and innovative solutions.

Management plans play a crucial role in demonstrating tenderers’ capabilities, systems and approaches while also serving as a reference point when conflicts arise between expectations and delivery. However, the current approach presents several inefficiencies given the resources and time to develop without adding proportional value.

Contractors will welcome the streamlined approach that TMR are planning to pilot on Stage 1 of The Wave (Rail)’s civil projects, saving both tenderers and procurers significant time and costs, better managing resources and ensuring a more targeted and tailored procurement process. The ARA encourages other rail organisations to take a similar approach.