Free Tool
Panel Finder
Most government work never goes to open tender — it's bought off standing panels and prequalification schemes. Find out which ones apply to your trade and state.
Before the tender is published
Getting onto a panel puts you on the shortlist agencies call directly, instead of competing for the leftover open tenders. Here's what happens before an RFT drops.
Watch the pipeline
Agencies publish forward procurement plans and approach-to-market notices before a tender exists. Respond to a Request for Information if one appears — it puts your name in front of the actual buyer before a single competitor has submitted anything.
Attend the industry briefing
Larger procurements often run an industry briefing (sometimes mandatory to attend to be eligible). It's a room full of the people evaluating the tender, and attendance is public record.
Team up if you don't qualify solo
The fastest way onto a panel you don't yet meet the bar for is as a subcontractor to a prime who already holds it — and it builds the track record that later wins you your own spot.
Always request a debrief
You have a right to ask why you didn't win. Almost nobody does. It's free, it tells you exactly what to fix, and it puts you back in front of the evaluator with a specific, professional follow-up.
Have your capability statement ready
Circulating a capability statement directly to a procurement or category manager — outside any live tender — is normal, expected practice. Generate one free.
Found a tender worth bidding on?
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Pricing your response? Check what government actually pays for your category first. Not sure you're bid-ready? Take the free readiness check.
Panel and scheme information is a starting point, not a substitute for checking the current status directly with Federal AusTender or the relevant state portal — panels open, close and change eligibility criteria over time.