Contract opportunities
We advertise contracts for external suppliers and consultants on the Government Electronic Tenders Service(external link) (GETS) website in line with the Government Procurement Rules(external link).
You need to register on GETS to see our tender documents and receive tender notifications. It’s free to access and respond. You will need a Real Me login to respond.
General information on supplying to government can be found on the New Zealand Government Procurement website(external link).
Grant opportunities
If you are interested in supplying or receiving a grant from the New Zealand Aid Programme please follow these links:
Read about working with the New Zealand Aid Programme
Find out about applying for a contestable grant
Broader Outcomes
The Government recognises that its procurement activities offer a unique opportunity to achieve broader cultural, economic, environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand.
Broader Outcomes are a way of demonstrating additional value and are often specifically measured in evaluation criteria. We encourage you to read about broader outcomes(external link) and consider how relevant priorities can be incorporated in any tender responses.
The four priority outcomes for government are:
1. Increasing access for New Zealand businesses.
2. Construction skills and training.
3. Improving conditions for New Zealand Workers.
4. Reducing emissions and waste.
Our approach
Our procurement policy, guides and processes follow the Government Procurement Rules. We work to the five principles of government procurement:
1. plan and manage for great results
2. be fair to all suppliers
3. get the right supplier
4. get the best deal for everyone
5. play by the rules.
Read the Government Procurement Rules(external link)
Ministry policies and expectations
When the Ministry contracts with suppliers and partners, there are specific policies that must be complied with during the term of the contract. These policies are outlined within the Terms and Conditions, which are also released with other tender documents via GETS(external link). Typically these policies include:
From time to time, the Ministry may amend or add policies which suppliers are required to comply with (especially when there are specific requirements in the project - e.g. working with children or other vulnerable people). Such requirements will be included within the tender documentation released on GETS(external link).
All prospective tenderers should review the documentation carefully to understand any specific requirements.
The tender process also allows time for questions or clarifications to be raised should prospective suppliers and partners require further information around the specific policies required for a given tender.
Our Supplier and Delivery Partner Code of Conduct ‘The Code’
Updated March 2024, The Code, outlines our expectations of suppliers, partners, subcontractors and technical advisers who supply goods, services and/or works to the Ministry.
The intent of this document is to make our expectations from suppliers and partners, including their subcontractors, supplying goods, services and/or works to the Ministry clear.
It has been specifically developed to fully cover both the conduct standards approved by Cabinet for suppliers in NZ, and the international standards required for our work overseas. The Code includes UN requirements, such as the Ministry Policy on Preventing Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and also reflects the New Zealand Government Procurement Supplier Code of Conduct(external link) approved by Cabinet and published by MBIE as Procurement Functional Lead.
The following three documents relate to our previous Code of Conduct, and only apply to suppliers and partners with contracts referencing the Code of Conduct 2019.
All other suppliers and partners refer to the most recent Supplier and Delivery Partner Code of Conduct ‘The Code’ below.
How to improve your chances of success
Get informed
Take time to learn about our policies and priorities, our key partnerships, geographical focus and activities that we fund.
Network
Network with other suppliers and consultants who do business with us. You may get valuable experience working as a sub-contractor to a company that has ongoing projects, including members of our supplier panels.
Join the LinkedIn Suppliers and Consultants Group(external link). This group, and its sub-groups, connects current suppliers and other international development professionals and specialists interested in working with the aid programme.
Be strategic
Target the contracts where you can clearly evidence that you have relevant skills and experience. Ensure you fully research the project location and demonstrate how you will address any specific issues or challenges. We provide debriefings to unsuccessful respondents – make full use of the information provided to improve your chance of success in the future.
Learn what's important in the tender process
Our documents detail how your response will be evaluated. Focus your response according to the weighting given to each criterion. Read all the conditions of tender to ensure that your response is fully compliant, otherwise your response may not be evaluated. For example, returning your signed declaration. Always ensure your response is submitted before the deadline!
When responding, avoid repeating sections of your response. Evaluation panels look for responses that demonstrate a strong understanding of our requirements and its constraints, such as operational, logistical, financial and possible political issues. Focus CV information on the skills and experience required for that particular project. Don’t make claims that cannot be substantiated as they will be subject to reference checking.
Always proofread your documents before submission. Many Ministry projects involve the provision of important reports, so the quality of your response will signal whether your report writing skills are likely to meet the required standard.
Contact us
For feedback or queries about our procurement, grants and commercial activities:
Commercial Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
195 Lambton Quay, Private Bag 18-901, Wellington 6160
commercial@mfat.govt.nz
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