Tender Advertisement #1525400

Council is seeking high level services to support processing of freedom of information applications that local government agencies receive in line with the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Part 1 - Assistance in the form of support for the processing of Freedom of Information Requests:
- interpretation of the Act
- understanding and reviewing applications as they are received
- determination of valid requests
- drafting clarification and access charge letters
- review of relevant documents
- application of exemptions and assessment of documents to determine if exemptions apply
- liaising with relevant staff to ensure informed –decision-making
- preparation of consultation letters and associated material
- liaising with key staff on search phases and support in understanding what is required
- drafting decision letters, redaction of documents and third party notices
- High level advice to management and freedom of information decision makers on liaising with applicants.
- Relevant, guidance materials, templates and training provided to staff where required.
Council processes approx. 15-20 applications per financial year and applications range in complexity.
Part 2 – Complex Matters and oversight agencies
Extensive Freedom of Information Act advice, application of case law, and referral agency support:
Council is referred to oversight agencies for review of decisions 2-4 times per year, and requires assistance to liaise with the appropriate agency and process these reviews.
- preparation of material for the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
- preparation of material for Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal matters.
- preparation of submissions and documentation for review by oversight agencies
Work can be done off site, with support via email, telephone and virtual means.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which items under 4.6 in the X schedule are mandatory for completion by a law firm who is providing professional services to Council only.
ANSWER: All respondents should complete the pre-qualification questions in section 1 (1.1-1.4) and the responses to those questions will determine whether responses to the further parts of section 4.6 are required. For example, if the response to section 4.6, question 1.2, is Yes, then no further information or questions are required to be responded to in that section.


2. Whether there are any specific requirements for including CVs for our nominated personnel.
ANSWER: There are no specific requirements for including CVs for the personnel nominated, and this information could be included either within the table at 4.4 or as separate documents.


3. Targeted recruitment section: Are these applicable to a national law firm and if not, can we leave this out this section.
ANSWER: The criteria applies to all tenderers regardless of location or business scope; it is up to each organisation whether to respond to particular criteria or not, however the assessment panel will consider all criteria in the evaluation process.

4. Targeted recruitment section: Q1 mentions local agencies – is this referring to recruiting agencies or local government agencies.
ANSWER: This refers to any agencies that advertise or recruit staff, subcontractors, trainees. Some agencies may also be undertaking targeted recruitment in order to deliver the project/service required.