What is the definition of Mandatory with respect to SPCs?
Mandatory is an official requirement or instruction by an authority, in this case the Victorian Government Procurement Board (VGPB), via their Policies and Guidelines. Use of SPCs is mandatory for public entities bound by the VGPB Procurement Policies. These entities include all Victorian Government Departments, Victoria Police and Administrative Offices. However, the Minister for Finance may approve exemptions from a SPC where a department is disadvantaged by its use. An Open Standing Offer Agreement is established by a Department as lead agency, in this case DSE, and can be accessed by other Victorian Government Departments. It is not mandatory for government entities not bound by VGPB Procurment Policies to use SPCs. However, such entities may elect to subscribe and voluntarily commit to using a SPC where it meets their business requirements for goods and services.
