Schedule 5 – Request for Quotation Labour Hire Services

This RFQ is issued under clause 11.2 of the Head Agreement for People Panel (Phase 2 – Labour Hire Services) Standing Offer Notice (SON3965020) between the Service Provider and the Department of Finance for the provision of Labour Hire Services to the Australian Government.

Use of the template is encouraged to ensure standardisation and consistency.

Drafting notes are highlighted. Yellow highlights would generally be filled out by the Entity, blue by the Service Provider.

Non-corporate Commonwealth Entities must:

- only approach small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to quote for procurements with an estimated value under $125,000 (including GST), unless paragraph 5.5 of the CPRs is used.

All Entities must:
- approach at least one SME to quote for procurements with an estimated value of $125,000 (including GST) and above.

SMEs can be identified through the search tool or supplier matrix via the People Panel website. Refer to the panel user guide for more information on these requirements.

Request For Quotation for Services

Entity Information

Entity

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Entity ABN

47 065 634 525

RFQ Reference

DSD2026-LH-002 Personnel Security Vetting Officers

Entity Representative

Name: Security Labour-Hire team

Position: Procurement Officer

Security Portfolio Section (SCP) I Security Portfolio, Infrastructure and Business Services Branch (SNB) I Diplomatic Security Division (DSD)

Email: [email protected]

Contact number: 02 6261 2377

Mobile: Not applicable

RFQ and Proposed Order Details

RFQ Title

DSD2026-LH-002 Personnel Security Vetting Officers

RFQ Release Date

15 October 2026

RFQ Closing Date

29 October at 4:00pm (ACT Local Time)

Proposed Order Commencement Date

December 2026 / January 2027

Proposed Order Term and/or Completion Date

December 2027 / January 2028

Options to extend The Entity may extend the Contract for a further period or periods, up to 12 months by providing written notice to the Service Provider at least 10 Business Days prior to the Order Completion Date.

Transition Out Period and requirement for transition out plan

(clause 17 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

An effective handover as per the satisfaction of the Contract Manager.

Engagement Type

Labour Hire Workers

Entity to complete

APS equivalent classification

APS 5/6 equivalent

Referred or Non-referred Labour Hire Worker

Non-referred

Pay scales

APS 5/6 equivalent

Service Category

Service Category 5

Other Workers

Job Family

Intelligence

Job Function

Security

Job Role

Security Advisor

Security Clearance Requirements

(clause 4.1 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

This is a security designated position, and you will be required to hold a minimum of current Australian Government Negative Vetting Level 1 Security Clearance prior to commencement.

Number of hours per week

Specified personnel should not work more than (37.5) hours per week without approval.

Number of weeks required

48 weeks The specified personnel will be required to work based on up to 1800 billable hours over the initial 12 months engagement term.

Service Provider to complete

Hourly amount paid to Labour Hire Worker

(before tax, excluding compulsory superannuation contribution)

[$ per hour]

Casual Loading (if applicable)

[$ per hour]

Agreed Base Salary - subtotal

[$ per hour]

Workers compensation insurance

[$ per hour]

Payroll tax

[$ per hour]

Other statutory charges (specify what these are, if any)

[$ per hour]

Compulsory superannuation contribution

[$ per hour]

Employment Oncosts - subtotal

[$ per hour]

Agreed Hourly Rate (Agreed Base Salary plus Employment Oncosts) - subtotal

[$ per hour]

Gross Profit Margin

(Fixed price fee, exclusive of GST, based on Referred or Non-Referred Gross Profit Margin as applicable for the relevant Labour Hire Worker)

[This must be expressed in this row as a GST exclusive amount]

[To be completed as per Head Agreement Schedule 3 (Pricing)]

[$ per hour]

Contract Price (hourly amount, exclusive GST)

Note that for any Hours Worked that are included as a result of the relevant Labour Hire Worker taking paid family and domestic violence leave in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), no Gross Profit Margin is included in the Contract Price.

[$ per hour]

GST

[$ per hour]

Contract Price (hourly amount, inclusive GST)

[$ per hour]

Other Employment costs

(by negotiation specified as a fixed price, inclusive of GST)

[$

Bulk Engagements

(clause 6 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

Bulk engagements not to be used

Total Fees Payable under this Order

[Insert the total amount of the Contract Price/s set out above plus any additional Fees agreed, both exclusive and inclusive of GST]

Note: please ensure any commitment of funds considers the Coordinated Procurement Fee (CPF) payable to the Department of Finance.

This fee is 1.5% of the commitment value (contract value) and will be charged directly to the engaging Entity on an adhoc basis via an invoice from the Department of Finance. This fee is calculated on the GST Ex value of the total order (16)

Statement of Work

Statement of Work

Please note: This is a security designated position, and specified Personnel will be required to hold a current Australian Government Negative Vetting Level 1 Security Clearance prior to commencement

DFAT Security Clearances and Maintenance (SCV) has a requirement for Personnel Security Vetting Officers to undertake security clearance vetting up to the NV2 level.



The officers will also be required to undertake complex assessment, undertake Quality Assurance (QA) work and provide sound advice in relation to key business outcomes.

Duties

Working as part of the Security Clearances and Maintenance (SCV) team and under the supervision of the Assistant Director Vetting, the successful applicant will be required to:

- Undertake security vetting in accordance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and DFAT standard operating procedures, utilising tools including a case management system and other DFAT systems as necessary.
- Provide sound advice regarding clearance outcomes and be receptive to feedback.
- Assess and manage complex assessment work and prepare relevant documentation to a high standard.
- Manage a Quality Assurance (QA) caseload, including in partnership with established service providers, which aligns to the PSPF and DFAT quality assurance standards.
- Work to tight deadlines and appropriately manage shifting priorities and a high tempo of work.
- Undertake other administrative support or security functions, such as inbox management and assessment of change of circumstance forms.
- Work from an office-based location.

Mandatory Position Requirements
- Cert IV in Government (Personnel Security Vetting)
- A minimum of an NV1 security clearance

General attributes
- Solid interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively individually or within a team environment
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to manage competing priorities
- Ability to liaise professionally with a wide range of stakeholders
- High level of integrity and a commitment to the APS values and APS Code of Conduct.

Deliverables

Not applicable

Location

RG Casey Building, 10 John McEwen Crescent, Barton, ACT 0221

Governance Meetings

(clause 3.2 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

Not applicable

Payment Terms

Payment will be made by Recipient Created Tax Invoice (RCTI) monthly within 20 days of the end of month. The contractor must submit a monthly Timesheet to the Delegate for Approval.

Invoicing

(clause 14.4.2(e))

DFAT will make timesheet approved payments through an RCTI process where an agreement exists between the Department and the Seller.

1. Travel

Not applicable

Entity Material

Not applicable

Confidential Information

Entity Confidential Information

Period of Confidentiality

Entity data

Indefinitely

Any Personal Information held by the Entity

Indefinitely

Security Classified Resources

Indefinitely

Additional Requirements

Medical Checks and Vaccinations

(clause 27 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

Service Provider not required to bear the costs of any medical checks or vaccinations.

Overtime

(clause 29 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

No overtime is permitted

Work from Home or Flexible Work

(clause 23.2 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services)

Flexible work arrangements will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Intellectual Property

(clause 20.1.1)

No changes to the default position in clause 20.1.1

Personnel Requirements

Personnel performing the Services may be required to sign a Deed and acknowledgements relating to confidentiality, security, Moral Rights, intellectual property and other relevant matters as required by the Entity. Any Contract will be conditional on this occurring.

Entity software system, platform or solution

(clause 3.2 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

Specific software system, platform or solution is not required.

Entity Data Storage Requirements

Specified Personnel will be advised upon commencement.

Offshore access to and storage of Entity Material

(clause 24.1.6(a))

No changes to default position in clause 24.1.6(a)

Security

(clause 24.1.1)

The Service Provider must comply with any applicable security requirements specified in the Protective Security Policy Framework (including those provisions relevant to Commonwealth contracted service providers) in accordance with clause 24.1.1.

Additional Requirements - Security

(clause 24.1.2)

Security Clearance Required

Yes

Clearance Level: Negative Vetting Level 1 (minimum)

Security Clearance

Engagement in the department is dependent on holding/gaining a valid security clearance, which needs to be confirmed by the DFAT Security Clearances and Investigations Section.

Loss of a security clearance at any time will lead to termination of engagement.

CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL - MUST BE AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN The cost of the security clearance is the responsibility of the Service Provider.

Security Requirements The successful contractor must ensure that the Specified Personnel always must comply with:

1. the Commonwealth Protective Security Policy Framework and DFAT’s Security Framework; and
2. any directions issued by DFAT in relation to security.

Pre-engagement checks

(clause 4.1 and 4.2 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

No changes to the default position under clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services).

Drug or Alcohol Testing

(clause 26.2 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

No Drug or Alcohol Testing required.

Process for Engaging Labour Hire Workers





(clause 5.1 and 5.2 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

No changes to the default position under clause 5.1 and 5.2 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services).

Changes to Labour Hire Workers

(clause 7.1 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

No changes to the default position under clause 7.1 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services).

Other Employment Costs

No Other Employment Costs.

Liability

(clause 19.1)

The default liability cap under clause 19.1 applies.

Limited to $2 million in the aggregate.

Entity Insurance Requirements

(clause 18.1.1 and clause 18.1.2)

The insurance requirements under the Panel Head Agreement will apply.

The Service Provider must hold the following insurance for the duration of each Contract, in addition to any insurance required in a Contract:

1. public liability insurance for an amount of not less than $10 million per occurrence.

1. 1. Professional indemnity insurance for an amount of not less than $2 million per occurrence and $10 million in the aggregate.

1. 1. Workers compensation insurance as required by law.

Entity Service Levels

(clause 8.2.1)

The Service Provider must comply with the following Entity Service Levels which are measured across all Orders the Entity has with the Service Provider, in accordance with clause 8.2.1.

Service Level

Performance Measures

Calculation Method

Labour Hire Worker Suitability

80% of Labour Hire Workers nominated by the Service Provider are rated by the Entity Hiring Manager as suitable for the role and engagement.

As determined over the contract period by the Entity acting reasonably.

Labour Hire Worker Retention

90% of Labour Hire Workers complete the full term of their engagement for all accepted Contracts and Order Variations.

As determined over the contract period by the Entity acting reasonably.

Labour Hire Worker Performance

95% of Labour Hire Workers are achieving the expected performance standards.

As determined over the contract period by the Entity acting reasonably.

Timesheets

(clause 28.2 and 28.3 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services))

No changes to the default position under clause 28.3 of Schedule 2 (Labour Hire Services).

Knowledge Transfer

(clause 22.1(e))

No additional Knowledge Transfer activities required

WHS Plan

(clause 16.10.2)

No WHS Plan required.

Reporting to Entity

(clause 1.5 of Schedule 8 (Reporting))

No reports in respect of Labour Hire Workers required.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

(clause 35.6.1)

Default jurisdiction in clause 35.6.1 is ACT.

Use of AI Systems The Service Provider must not use any AI Systems in the delivery of the Services.

Entity-specific policies

(clause 16.1.1)

No additional Entity-Specific Policies.

Other Additional Requirements

Not Applicable

Commonwealth Policy Requirements

Shadow Economy Policy

Not Applicable as procurement value under threshold.

Indigenous Procurement Policy

Not Applicable as procurement value under threshold.

Australian Industry Participation Plan

Not Applicable as procurement value under threshold.

Evaluation Criteria

Responses to this RFQ will be evaluated against the following criteria:

- The Service Provider’s demonstrated understanding of the Services required.
- The Service Provider’s demonstrated capability and capacity to provide the services.

1. The extent to which the Fees proposed provides value for money for the Australian Government.

Responding to this RFQ The Service Provider is required to complete the following information:

[Service Provider’s Representative]

[Service Provider’s Name]

[Service Provider’s Address]

[Service Provider’s ABN]

[Service Provider’s email address]

[Entities will select from the requirements below and/or include their own requirements]

In responding to this RFQ, the Service Provider should:

- describe its understanding of the Services required

1. [Service Provider response]
2. 3. - detail its capability and capacity to provide the Services described in the Detailed Statement of Work

1. [Service Provider response]
2. 3. The Service Provider is also required to:
- identify any Subcontractors nominated to provide the Services and their role in the delivery of the Services

[Service Provider response on subcontractors]
- disclose any conflicts of interest it would have with the delivery of the Services

[Service Provider declaration on conflict of interest]
- include any information in its respond that it requests to remain confidential

[Service Provider response on confidential information]
- confirm if it is eInvoicing (Peppol) enabled

[Service Provider response on PEPPOL capability]
- confirm if it holds current State or Territory licencing that may be required to provide Labour Hire Services for the location(s) identified in this RFQ

[Service Provider response on licencing]
1. Tax residency - for quotations greater than $200,000, GST inclusive

- Identify your organisation’s country of tax residency.

1. 2. 3. [Entity guidance on the application of this policy is available at https://treasury.gov.au/policy-topics/taxation/country-tax-residency-disclosures.]
4. [Service Provider response on country of tax residency]
5. - Insert your organisation’s ultimate parent entity’s country of tax residency (if different from above).

[Service provider response of parent company tax residency - NOTE: Complete with “AS ABOVE” if same as your organisation’s country of tax residency- refer to Country of tax residency disclosures | Treasury.gov.au for further information.]

1. - identify the Labour Hire Worker’s unique identifier from CRIIS.

1. Additional response information:

📌 /6 Personnel Security Vetting Officers (Canberra)
🏢 SOS Recruitment
📍 Canberra