What is an Unsolicited Proposal?

An Unsolicited Proposal is an approach to City of Darwin from a proponent with a proposal to deal directly with City of Darwin over a commercial proposition, where the City of Darwin has not requested the proposal. It is a proposal that will solve a problem, address an opportunity, or enhance services that City of Darwin provides.

City of Darwin does not have a universal exemption to accept Unsolicited Proposals that involve expending public resources. Council may consider Unsolicited Proposals where City of Darwin’s commitment involves leasing or sale of land, disposal of assets, exempt procurement activity or a commercial arrangement with no procurement.

What is not an Unsolicited Proposal?

An Unsolicited Proposal that has any of the following conditions cannot be considered:

• proposes to provide widely available goods or services;
• is a request for a grant, sponsorship, donation or operating subsidy;
• requires City of Darwin to procure in a manner not permitted;
• responds to an active, upcoming or recently concluded expression of interest, request for quote/proposal or tender process.

City of Darwin’s Commitment to You

Council will:

• treat you fairly
• respect the confidentiality of your information and intellectual property
• provide a written outcome within a reasonable timeframe
• bear its own costs in assessing your proposal, unless agreed by both parties

When submitting an Unsolicited Proposal, you should be prepared to cover your own costs to attend a presentation and provide proof of concept or undertake a trial of your proposal.

How do I Submit?

City of Darwin will only accept Unsolicited Proposals electronically. Please send proposal documents to procurement@darwin.nt.gov.au.

What Should be Included?

A Proposal will be assessed against the Assessment Criteria. To satisfy the Assessment Criteria, you will need to provide the following:

• a summary of your proposal
• how the proposal contributes to City of Darwin achieving its Strategic Objectives in Darwin 2030;
• why the proposal should be treated outside the City of Darwin competitive procurement process;
• how the proposal provides net public benefit for City of Darwin (including economic, social and environmental outcomes);
• that the project is feasible, including consideration of the commercial, financial, legal, regulatory, technical, environmental, social and practical feasibility of the proposal;
• that risk is appropriately allocated, namely the Proponent has identified key risks and demonstrated the degree and nature of risks for City of Darwin (if any) are appropriate and acceptable;
• anticipated costs and timeframes, including what is required from City of Darwin; and
• how the Proponent has the technical expertise and capacity to deliver on its commitments outlined in the proposal.

How will my Proposal be Assessed?

The following flowchart summarises the process:

Will my Proposal be kept Confidential?

Following the assessment process, City of Darwin will disclose the proposals considered and the outcome of the assessment process. As stated above, proposals will not be supported if:

• proposes to provide widely available goods or services;
• is a request for a grant, sponsorship, donation or operating subsidy;
• requires City of Darwin to procure in a manner not permitted;
• responds to an active, upcoming or recently concluded expression of interest, request for quote/proposal or tender process.

Recent proposals considered are:

• Trial Pavement which was supported
• Sponsorship Proposal which was not supported
• Advertising Proposal which was not supported
• Type Processing proposal which was not supported
• Masterplan proposal which was not supported
• Waste management proposal which was not supported