Even though Australia’s aid program focuses heavily on the Indo-Pacific region, the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said it receives twice as many bids on average as the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for business opportunities associated with its aid program. Darren Sharp, assistant secretary with DFAT’s Aid Business Branch, said this shows demand for businesses seeking to get their foot into the world of development assistance.
“While … we have a pretty unique environment in which we operate, we still have lots of interest,” he said this week at DFAT’s supplier engagement conference. “We want to keep it competitive, we want to keep it successful, and we want to keep your interest in it. We will do all we can to get the best bids from you.”
The conference provided insight into new open and upcoming opportunities with DFAT, and staffers offered guidance to suppliers on making their businesses and tender responses stand out. The key message was for partners to reflect and support the goals of DFAT — including workplace diversity, localization, and a secure Indo-Pacific region.