Tender Details
National Aquatic Centre Principal Architect - Expression of Interest (EOI)
Business Name
Games Independent Infrastructure&Coordination Ath
VP Reference #
VP477652
Buyers Reference #
GF25/1112
Opens
Wednesday 10 September 2025 (E. Australia Standard Time)
Closes
Wednesday 24 September 2025 05:00 PM (E. Australia Standard Time) CLOSED
Supplier query cut-off
Wednesday 24 September 2025 05:00 PM (E. Australia Standard Time)
Expected decision
Tuesday 23 December 2025 (E. Australia Standard Time)
Buyer Details
Business Name
Games Independent Infrastructure&Coordination Ath
Location
12 Creek St
Brisbane City, Queensland 4000
Australia
WebSite:
https://www.giica.au/
Business Info
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority is responsible for: (a) investigating and planning for potential venues and villages, and related infrastructure, for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Contact Details
The buyer has elected to have their personal and contact details hidden. These details will be revealed at the buyers discretion.
What the buyer is requesting
Details
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has opened Expressions of Interest (EOI) for architects to design the National Aquatic Centre for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to support elite sport, major events and community participation across Queensland for decades to come.

The EOIs will be evaluated on criteria including experience, innovation, capability, capacity, an understanding of the overall project objectives, opportunities and considerations.
Background information / Compatibility requirements
Details
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is laying the foundations for the Games of the XXXV Olympiad 2032 and the 2032 Paralympic Games and beyond. Established under Queensland legislation, GIICA is responsible for the delivery of 17 Authority Venues and monitoring of 2 other venues required for the Games. GIICA is responsible for the planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover of a comprehensive Authority Venues Program, spanning new and upgraded sporting and community infrastructure.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority – Authority Venues Program encompasses a diverse portfolio of capital projects, from Brisbane’s Main Stadium, National Aquatic Centre, to key new infrastructure across the region, and much-needed upgrades to existing venues.
Desired Outcomes ('Nice to haves', Conditions & Warranties, SLA's, Project benefits)
Details
Identify experienced architects to provide architectural services – bringing the necessary capability, capacity, design excellence, resources and industry to assist GIICA’s delivery of the National Aquatic Centre.
Supplier lists selected
Lists
  • Architecture, Design, Planning
Categories selected
Categories
  • Architecture & Urban Design & Planning Services
    1: Architecture
    2: Interior Design
    3: Land Use Planning
    4: Landscape Architecture
    5: Urban Design & Master Planning
Regions of Service
Locations
  • Australian Capital Territory
    1: Canberra
  • New South Wales
    1: Sydney
  • Northern Territory
    1: Darwin
  • Queensland
    1: Brisbane
    2: Central West
    3: Darling Downs
    4: Far North
    5: Fitzroy
    6: Gold Coast
    7: Mackay
    8: North West
    9: Northern
    10: South West
    11: Sunshine Coast
    12: West Moreton
    13: Wide Bay-Burnett
  • South Australia
    1: Adelaide
  • Tasmania
    1: Greater Hobart
  • Victoria
    1: Melbourne
  • Western Australia
    1: Perth

Regions of service locations also include areas outside of Australia.
Information requested by others
10/Sep/2025 10:54 AM
Question:
Please confirm closing date as there are a few different dates mentioned within the EOI docs, and across the VendorPanel and GIICA websites (22, 23 and 24 September).

Answered on 10/Sep/2025 11:18 AM:


I can confirm that the closing date and time is 5PM, 24 September 2024.
10/Sep/2025 02:35 PM
Question:
In Annexure A - Section 1A.10 Response to Evaluation Criteria - Demonstrated Team Capability and Capacity: Item (f) Ability to engage, or include within the proposed team, engineering design capability and capacity; and. Please confirm if the EOI response shall include Architectural appointment of a full engineering team, as opposed to assignment by Contractor under the ECI process.

Answered on 11/Sep/2025 10:29 AM:


GIICA is seeking confirmation from Applicants that they have the ability to appoint an engineering team as part of the Principal Architect services to support design development prior to the commencement of the ECI process and confirmation of an ECI Contractor. If so, GIICA is seeking high level details of proposed engineering team as part of Applicant’s EOI response. This requirement will be further defined during the next stage of the procurement process.
10/Sep/2025 03:03 PM
Question:
Hello,

We've noted that in the document "VP477652_GIICA Authority Venues Program - NAC Principal Architect EOI Final.pdf", section 3.3 and 3.4 are duplicates, where as in the Birsbane Stadium document "GIICA_Authority_Venues_Program-Brisbane_Stadium_Principal_Architect_EOI_Fin (1).pdf" they are different.

Can you confirm on your end?

Answered on 10/Sep/2025 05:26 PM:


Thanks for bringing this to our attention, the NAC EOI has been updated with the correct 3.4 clause.
11/Sep/2025 09:19 AM
Question:
Clarification regarding submission due date.

Can you please clarify which date this submission is due? The documents released by VendorPanel (ie this forum) has nominated Wednesday 24th Sept, 2025 as the due date. However, the documents released yesterday by GIICA had the 23rd Sept 2025 nominated as the submission due date.

Which is the correct submission due date and time? Thanks.

Answered on 11/Sep/2025 10:28 AM:


The EOI will close 5pm, 24 September 2025.
11/Sep/2025 02:09 PM
Question:
Hello, just wondering if the Principal Architect is to include their consultant team as part of this EOI e.g. Landscape Architect, Urban Designer, Engineer etc?

Many thanks

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 12:14 PM:


GIICA confirms that the Principal Architect is responsible for engaging, managing and delivering all the necessary sub-consulting, engineering and specialist services to deliver a design solution. For the purposes of the EOI, GIICA is seeking high level details of proposed sub-consulting teams as part of Applicant’s EOI response. This requirement will be further defined during the ITO stage of the procurement process.
11/Sep/2025 03:41 PM
Question:
Dear GIICA team,

We would like to request clarification on two points in relation to our Expression of Interest submission:

1. Would it be acceptable to include a project case study demonstrating a highly desired capability where the work was originally developed at a third-party firm that will not form part of the applicant team, provided that the study was primarily conducted by an advisor who will be part of our proposed team?

2. Could you please confirm the exclusivity requirements for both the Principal Architects’ team (for example, First Nation consultants) and the engineering team intended to be part of our submission?

Thank you for your guidance on these matters.

Kind regards

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 12:15 PM:


a. The requirements for demonstrating relevant experience are identified for this process on section 3.4 of the Invitation for Expressions of Interest. GIICA’s Assessment will be undertaken based on the clarity of information provided in the Applicant’s response and will consider Applicant’s overall team expertise and relevant experience, in addition to key personnel experience and role on the project case study.


b. GIICA confirm that Applicants do not require exclusivity at the EOI stage for specialist and other nominated sub-consultants. Applicants should confirm details of all Providers proposed as part of their team in their response to 1A.5 of Annexure A and where requested in in section 1A.10 of Annexure A, including details of the proposed engagement approach or exclusivity status of Providers.
11/Sep/2025 05:37 PM
Question:
Good afternoon, Could GIICA please confirm how we should submit the Deed Polls to gain access to the Data room? Thank you.

Answered on 11/Sep/2025 05:51 PM:


The deed polls need to be completed and returned as part of your response. Access to the data room will apply post EOI close, relating to any communication and discussions that occur.
12/Sep/2025 09:38 AM
Question:
Please confirm the format you require the final submission in. Is PDF acceptable?

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 03:31 PM:


With reference to section 3.7 the EOI states an Application must only be submitted in the GIICA MS Word template form as provided, with only an Applicant specific cover page permitted. GICA confirm that Applicants should submit their Application as a PDF file
12/Sep/2025 10:02 AM
Question:
Regarding the item 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI', please confirm this applies to whether applicants also intend to submit a response to the Brisbane Stadium Principal Architect EOI?

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 03:32 PM:


The wording in 1A.10 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI"should read 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the Brisbane Stadium Principal Architect EOI'. The intention isfor GIICA to understand whether the Applicant intends to respond to both the Brisbane Stadium and NAC Principal Architect EOI.
12/Sep/2025 10:14 AM
Question:
Good morning,

In Annexure A; Invitation Form, Item 1A.10 requires us to respond to "Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI. Applicants to confirm whether they also intend to submit a response to the Principal Architect EOI for the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) in addition to tis EOI."

Should we amend "NAC" and "National Aquatic Centre" to "Brisbane Stadium" - as the question doesn't make sense otherwise.

Thank you.

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 03:33 PM:


The wording in 1A.10 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI"should read 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the Brisbane Stadium Principal Architect EOI'. The intention isfor GIICA to understand whether the Applicant intends to respond to both the Brisbane Stadium and NAC Principal Architect EOI.
15/Sep/2025 08:39 AM
Question:
1. If we include an engineer during this ECI stage, will they then be precluded from being engaged via an MC in the following stages?

2. Along with the word format EOI document, (VP477647_VP Brisbane Stadium PA EOI - Annexure A - Invitation Form Final) which is the required response form, are we able to also submit an additional PDF supporting document, referenced in the word document?

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 12:17 PM:


a. This requirement will be further defined during the next stage of the procurement process.

b. In reference to clause 3.7 attachments may be included in an Application, noting this should be directly relevant to and support the information requested in Annexure A. Attachments may not be considered if they are provided as additional content responding to the Evaluation criteria outside the nominated page limits. Applications must not include any marketing material or information that is general in nature.
15/Sep/2025 09:29 AM
Question:
In the Invitation Form "VP477652_NAC PA EOI - Annexure A Invitation Form Final.docx", section A1.10, it's noted that "Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI (maximum 2 pages) - Applicants to confirm whether they also intend to submit a response to the Principal Architect EOI for the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) in addition to this EOI. If “Yes” then Applicants to provide a statement to confirm how they will provide a separate team, key personnel and demonstrate how they intend to resource and ensure capacity for both projects."

We presume that this is meant to read "also intend to submit a response to the Principal Architect EOI for the Brisbane Stadium (BS) in addition to this EOI."?

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 03:34 PM:


a. This requirement will be further defined during the next stage of the procurement process.

b. In reference to clause 3.7 attachments may be included in an Application, noting this should be directly relevant to and support the information requested in Annexure A. Attachments may not be considered if they are provided as additional content responding to the Evaluation criteria outside the nominated page limits. Applications must not include any marketing material or information that is general in nature.
16/Sep/2025 08:54 AM
Question:
Good morning

We have a few questions regarding the project;

1. Shortlisting of EOI applicants – please confirm the number of applicants that will be shortlisted for Invitation to Offer (ITO).

2. ITO includes an interactive tender process and submission of a proposal – please advise the nature of the interactive tender workshops and the proposal that will be sought a ITO phase.

3. Is the ITO phase paid?

4. NAC ECI process; Principal Architect scope is up to 30% DD. Who undertakes the remainder of the architectural work 100% DD, Construction Docs, Construction etc…?

5. NAC ECI Contractors – how many ECI teams do the Principal Architect need to work with?

6. NAC ECI – noted to commence in April 2026. When does the ECI conclude?

Thank you

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 03:35 PM:


a. This will be confirmed by GICA during the Evaluation Process for the EOI, GIICA is unable to provide details at this point but intends to ensure a process that is efficient for the market.

b. This information will be confirmed at the Inviation to Offer (ITO) stage and details provided in the ITO documents issued to Applicants shortlisted following the EOI Evaluation Process.

c. This will be further defined during the next stage of the procurement process.

d. This will be further defined during the next stage of the procurement process. GIICA confirm it is currently in the process of finalising its delivery strategy for the Victoria Park primary venues.

e. Section 3.3 o fthe EOI requests Applicants to demonstrate their ability to resource for a dual Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process, hence 2 ECI teams for the NAC.

f. This will be further defined during the next stage of the procurement process. GIICA confirm it is currently in the process of finalising its delivery strategy for the Victoria Park primary venues.
16/Sep/2025 09:00 AM
Question:
Good morning,

For the Response to Evaluation Criteria items in 1A.10 requiring Page limited attachments (Demonstrated Team Capability and Capacity, and Demonstrated Relevant Experience);

1. Is there a Page size limit (e.g. A3 or A4)?

2. Is there a font size limit?

Thank you

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 03:37 PM:


a. Pages sizes should be limited to A4 unless for absolute clarity or legability an A3 size is required.

b. No font size has been specified but Applicants are requested to ensure Applications are clearly legible in a similar font to Annexure A.
16/Sep/2025 12:48 PM
Question:
1A.10 Response to Evaluation Criteria within the response to the National Aquatic Centre Principal Architect.

Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI (maximum 2 pages)

Applicants to confirm whether they also intend to submit a response to the Principal Architect EOI for the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) in addition to tis EOI.

If “Yes” then Applicants to provide a statement to confirm how they will provide a separate team, key personnel and demonstrate how they intend to resource and ensure capacity for both projects.

Please clarify. Should this refer to submitting a response to the Brisbane Stadium?

Answered on 19/Sep/2025 02:21 PM:


The wording in 1A.10 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI" should read 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the Brisbane Stadium Principal Architect EOI'. The intention is for GIICA to understand whether the Applicant intends to respond to both the Brisbane Stadium and NAC Principal Architect EOI.
16/Sep/2025 04:34 PM
Question:
Good afternoon,

In 1A.10 Response to Evaluation Criteria item Demonstrated Team Capability and Capacity, Can we update "...capacity to successfully deliver Brisbane Stadium" to "...capacity to successfully deliver National Aquatic Centre".

Thank you

Answered on 19/Sep/2025 02:25 PM:


"GIICA Response:

The wording in 1A.10 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI"" should read 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the Brisbane Stadium Principal Architect EOI'. The intention is for GIICA to understand whether the Applicant intends to respond to both the Brisbane Stadium and NAC Principal Architect EOI."
17/Sep/2025 07:36 AM
Question:
Please confirm if the EOI response shall include Architectural appointment of subconsultants and if so, please clarify which disciplines are required?

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 12:20 PM:


GIICA confirms that the Principal Architect is responsible for engaging, managing and delivering all the necessary sub-consulting, engineering and specialist services to deliver a design solution. For the purposes of the EOI, GIICA is seeking high level details of proposed sub-consulting teams as part of Applicant’s EOI response. This requirement will be further defined during the ITO stage of the procurement process
17/Sep/2025 09:43 AM
Question:
Good morning

Can you please confirm that we should submit our response to the NAC EOI in pdf format rather than 'live' MS Word format?

This would apply to the following 3x submission components:

1. Annexure A - Invitation Form

2. Annexure B - Procurement Process Deed Poll

3. Annexure C - Data Room Deed Poll

Thank you

Answered on 19/Sep/2025 02:27 PM:


With reference to section 3.7 the EOI states an Application must only be submitted in the GIICA MS Word template form as provided, with only an Applicant specific cover page permitted. GICA confirm that Applicants should submit their Application as a PDF file
17/Sep/2025 01:12 PM
Question:
Hello,

I'm following up on the below query: "Along with the word format EOI document, (VP477647_VP Brisbane Stadium PA EOI - Annexure A - Invitation Form Final) which is the required response form, are we able to also submit an additional PDF supporting document, referenced in the word document?"

Answered on 19/Sep/2025 02:29 PM:


With reference to section 3.7 the EOI states an Application must only be submitted in the GIICA MS Word template form as provided, with only an Applicant specific cover page permitted. GICA confirm that Applicants should submit their Application as a PDF file
17/Sep/2025 02:51 PM
Question:
Section 1A.10(e) under 'Mandatory Criteria' on page 5 of 'Annexure A - Invitation Form' asks the Applicants to:

'provide evidence or a statement demonstrating how it meets...Compliance with or ability to comply with each of the warranties of compliance made under section...'

On the document we have received the linked reference is broken so we are not sure to which section the author of the document was meaning to refer to. Are you able to please confirm so we can assure to be certain of what we are meant to be agreeing to? Thank you in advance.

Answered on 19/Sep/2025 02:30 PM:


Mandatory criteria section e) notes - (e) Compliance with or ability to comply with each of the warranties of compliance made under section 2.2
18/Sep/2025 10:51 AM
Question:
Hello,

Can you confirm that in 'VP477652_NAC PA EOI - Annexure A Invitation Form Final' under '1A.10: Response to Evaluation Criteria'

"Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the following evaluation criteria.

Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI (maximum 2 pages)

Applicants to confirm whether they also intend to submit a response to the Principal Architect EOI for the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) in addition to this EOI.

If “Yes” then Applicants to provide a statement to confirm how they will provide a separate team, key personnel and demonstrate how they intend to resource and ensure capacity for both projects."

That references to the NAC should be Brisbane Stadium, and that we should answer as such?

Thanks,

Answered on 19/Sep/2025 02:31 PM:


The wording in 1A.10 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the NAC Principal Architect EOI" should read 'Intention to Respond to this EOI and the Brisbane Stadium Principal Architect EOI'. The intention is for GIICA to understand whether the Applicant intends to respond to both the Brisbane Stadium and NAC Principal Architect EOI.
18/Sep/2025 02:51 PM
Question:
As part of our response we have completed certain sections of the pro-forma in smaller font size to that which was provided in the Word document template. We have not read any instructions in any of the documents provided for this tender indicating a specific font or font size in our response document. However, we would like to confirm that any responses provided to GIIICA in another font size than that present in the original Word document would be accepted. Can you please confirm?

Answered on 22/Sep/2025 10:37 AM:


There is no specific set font size or style for applications, however, all applications should be submitted in a clear, practical, and legible font size and style, so they can be adequately assessed. Any alterations to the visual layout of the response documentation should be kept to a minimum.
18/Sep/2025 03:43 PM
Question:
Is it acceptable to format our EOI response to align with our company branding? The content of all forms will remain exactly as provided. The sequence of pages, sections, and information will not be altered, only the visual layout (fonts, colours, branding) would be updated.

Answered on 22/Sep/2025 10:38 AM:


There is no specific set font size or style for applications, however, all applications should be submitted in a clear, practical, and legible font size and style, so they can be adequately assessed. Any alterations to the visual layout of the response documentation should be kept to a minimum.
19/Sep/2025 10:41 AM
Question:
Dear GIICA, we are writing to request an extension to the Closing Date for this opportunity. We are working on providing a comprehensive and considered response to this opportunity and any additional time will greatly assist in ensuring this outcome. Thanks for considering.

Answered on 19/Sep/2025 02:35 PM:


Unfortunately, due to GIICA's delivery program delivery schedule, the closing date for responses will not be altered for the EOI process.
19/Sep/2025 03:24 PM
Question:
Good afternoon

"Demonstrated Team Capability and Capacity (maximum 6 pages):

A statement demonstrating your team’s capability and capacity to successfully deliver Brisbane Stadium including: "

Can we update "Brisbane Stadium" to "National Aquatic Centre"?

Thank you

Answered on 22/Sep/2025 06:42 PM:


GIICA confirms the wording: "A statement demonstrating your team’s capability and capacity to successfully deliver Brisbane Stadium", should read "A statement demonstrating your team’s capability and capacity to successfully deliver National Aquatic Centre". Applicants are to amend the statement and/or draft their responses accordingly.
22/Sep/2025 02:13 PM
Question:
Good afternoon, Can GIICA please confirm what the "Applicant specific cover page" is and where we find it - or is it something that we create ourselves? Thank you

Answered on 22/Sep/2025 06:43 PM:


GIICA confirms the applicant specific cover page is to be created by the applicant.
Updates made to this Request
10/Sep/2025 11:28 AM
Please note: The following attachment has been recently added.

1. Added: GIICA Authority Venues Program - NAC Principal Architect EOI Final.pdf

Please consider this attachment when responding.

10/Sep/2025 05:21 PM
Please note: The following attachment has been recently added.

1. Added: GIICA Authority Venues Program - NAC Principal Architect EOI Final.pdf

Please consider this attachment when responding.

11/Sep/2025 11:35 AM
Please note: The following attachments have been recently replaced with clean versions.

1. Added: NAC PA EOI - Annexure A Invitation Form Final.docx

2. Added: NAC PA EOI - Annexure B Procurement Process Deed Poll Final.docx

3. Added: NAC PA EOI - Annexure C Data Room Deed Poll Final.docx

Please consider these attachments when responding.