Applicants to respond to Mandatory criteria and Assessment Criteria as per sections 4.3.3 and 4.3.4 of the Construction and Design Panel Application Pack - Part 1 Panel Application Guide. The response to be provided in Part 2: Returnable Schedules - 2B Design Panel.

Question:
D-Q1 Can TMR please clarify the date for a response to this initial panel offering for the design related panel services.

is it a requirement to provide a response to Section 4.3.3 (mandatory criteria - design panel) and Section 4.3.4 (assessment criteria - design panel) separate or is this only required after the progressive release of contract documents and tender briefing, thus having a closing date for provision of the response to Section 4.3.3 and Section 4.3.4 of 1 October 2025?

also, is the tender briefing open to all, or do we need to register for this separate with a response through vendor panel?

Answered on 05/Sep/2025 09:28 AM:


D-Q1 Responses to both mandatory and assessment criteria are required by 1 October 2025

Question:
D-Q2. We have noted that in order to be eligible to apply to join and be allocated to the Design Panel, the Applicant must be registered under the TMR Consultants for Engineering Projects (CFEP) prequalification system for the following mandatory prequalification levels, as a minimum:

- Highway Engineering - HE1

- Bridge Design BD1

As many consultants on the CFEP do not possess both of these qualifications (Bridge Design being a specialty service) can a suitably qualified consultant be specified as per the other prequalification categories documented.

With the likelihood of there being multiple sections that do not interface/incorporate a bridge in the works are consultants who hold HE1 able to submit without the BD1 prequalification and only be considered for these sections?

Answered on 06/Sep/2025 10:56 PM:


D-Q2. The minimum prequalification requirement for the Design Panel has been updated to be either HE1 or BD1. If a consultant requires additional prequalified resources to meet project needs, they will be required to demonstrate how these resources can be obtained.

Question:
D-Q3. With reference to section 2.2 of the Application Pack, Part 1: Panel Application Guide, please clarify how Applicants demonstrate 'access' to certain prequalification levels?

Answered on 06/Sep/2025 11:05 PM:


D-Q3. Access is to be demonstrated through nominating the sub-contractors the applicant may likely use or other parties within joint ventures which hold the prequalification levels within Part 2B Schedule 5.

Question:
D-Q4. Hi Stephen and Haafi,

We kindly request the Department please review the Minimum Prequalification Levels outlined in Section 2.2 of the Application Pack. In particular, we ask that BD1 be treated in line with HD1, GE1, TE1, and CE1 and be reallocated as an access to consultants requirement only.

The current dual requirement for HE1 and BD1 restricts the participation of many genuinely local engineering firms, which would appear to be inconsistent with Item 2.5 of the document encouraging and building local involvement. We also note that the documentation specifies bridge works will be limited to widening only, and in the early work packages issued to date, there has been no requirement for bridge works.

We consider BD1 comparable to the other categories where we have access to a network of trusted consultants who can readily deliver this scope if and when required, depending on the packaging.

Thank you for your consideration.

Answered on 06/Sep/2025 11:00 PM:


D-Q4. The minimum prequalification requirement for the Design Panel has been updated to be either HE1 or BD1. If a consultant requires additional prequalified resources to meet project needs, they will be required to demonstrate how these resources can be obtained.

Question:
D-Q7. Can TMR provide the amended CFEP Contract described in Part 1 Section 3.9? If not, can the proposed amendments (or outline of the proposed amendments) be provided to facilitate a legal review.

Thank you.

Answered on 09/Sep/2025 02:56 AM:


D-Q7

We will issue the draft contracts including the amended CFEP by 18 September 2025, for review.

Question:
D-Q5. In Table 8, under Section 4.3.4 Assessment Criteria – Design Panel section in the “BHTSP_Construction_and_Design_Panel_Application-Part_1” document, there are some inconsistencies in the table that we wanted to clarify:

• Q2 is listed twice with slightly different criteria, confirming the second Q2 should be Q4 and that the criteria is what is required.

• Confirming Part 2B Schedules noted on the right column that have accompanying Word documents are not page-restricted and outside the noted page limits in Table 8?

Thank you!

Answered on 06/Sep/2025 11:11 PM:


D-Q5.

1. Please refer to D-NTA01 (NTA=Notice to Applicants) in attachments to the request.

2. The page limits provided in Table 8 are relevant to the Part 2B Schedules.

Question:
Good morning,

While filling out the response fields for each returnable document, we have noted that the formatting for 3 of the text boxes do not permit a response, and instead applies a tick.

The text boxes in particular are:

Schedule 2 - both "Name/Position" boxes

Schedule 3 - "Name" box

Will an updated document be provided or are we permitted to apply text over the text box?

Thank you.

Answered on 17/Sep/2025 01:50 PM:


D-Q18 Refer to D-NTA05

Question:
Hi, Please would you kindly answer the following questions:

1. Can TMR please provide details of anticipated design package sizes, district locations, timings etc. to help inform the development of an appropriate resource delivery strategy. This will be essential to aid understanding of likely resource demand, parallel design package delivery requirements and associated project delivery timeframes over the full program duration.

2. Can TMR please provide further clarification of how additional design package work will be awarded as either variation to existing project or whether each additional design package will be separately procured.

3. Can TMR please provide further clarification of how they expect D&C projects to be delivered. Will TMR form partnerships of Construction Contractors and Designers from respective panels or do industry need to partner in advance and offer proposed D&C team for TMR assessment/selection?

Thank you

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 10:44 AM:


1. Design only packages directly from TMR may include:

At road link level:

• the pre-construction activities required for each of the remaining Bruce Highway road links not covered by the Early Start Package (Design)

• ASAP, all Districts

At packaging level:

• Project Scope Identification and preliminary design including cost estimate

• From 2026, all Districts

At project level:

• Detailed design to an appropriate stage depending on the project’s contract form (TIC-CO or TIC-TC)

• From 2026, all Districts

Indicative package values are not available yet but for comparison the ESP (Design) was a total of $100m over 5 road links and the highest priority sites.

The engagement process for Design packages for the Panel is explained in the application pack and TMR expects intensive pre-construction and design throughout CY 2025-2027 but continued demand under the panel arrangements until near the end of the Program.

2. Additional design packages can be awarded through all three mechanisms as per section 3.2 and will depend on the individual procurement requirements. A TIC-CO will generally be a stand-alone process; a CFEP contract may be stand-alone or a variation; and the AWP process, if issued to the Preferred Construction Panel Member, will operate like a variation.

3.TMR does not intend to nominate D&C partners and expects that industry will form it’s own D&C teams from the panel – the assessment of the D&C team will be at project procurement (not at Panel formation).

Question:
There are still some inconsistencies with the Assessment Criteria table, with page limits and which table should be used, specifically around C-NTA01 (Table 6) and D-NTA01 (Table 8). They are both dated on the same day, but have slightly different details and also scheduling numbers that don’t align between the construction and design panel tables (e.g. Design Panel Schedule 11 is Key Contact Personnel, whereas Construction Panel Schedule 12 is the Key Contact Personnel, same schedule, different schedule numbers), but both Addenda note that they are for BOTH panels.

Can you advise:

• Which table should be used to respond to the Design panel (noting that there are slight differences in the tables and schedules in C-NTA01 and D-NTA01) and the Addenda note that the table is for both, but they're different between C-NTA01 and D-NTA01 responses.

• Q1, bullet 1 asked for demonstrated track record of successful projects. In previous iterations of the table, it had 4 pages for that question, covering two bullets, plus the project data sheets (Schedule 9). RECOMMENDATION: As three projects do not fully demonstrate broad experience, we kindly request that for Q1, we have 4 pages to respond to the two bullets and also the three project data sheets (2 pages for each data sheet, totaling 4 pages for Q1 + 6 pages of data sheets in Schedule 9).

• Clarification regarding C-Q29 from the construction panel (response dated 09 September 2025 02:52 AMwith), notes that Schedule 12 (key contact personnel) has no page limit, does this also apply to the Design Panel Schedule 11 response?

Answered on 10/Sep/2025 02:48 PM:


D-Q9

1. The returnable schedules are different between the Construction Panel (Part 2A) and the Design Panel (Part 2B) due to differing requirements of the two panels, Applicants are to ensure the correct Part 2 forms are used when applying for the relevant panel. C-NTA01 applies to Part 1 Table 6 which is specific to the Construction Panel where as D-NTA01 applies to Part 1 Table 8 which is specific to the Design Panel.

2. Q1 previously requested additional information however TMR have determined that given the prequalification requirements for the panel/s a reduced requirement of the Project Data Sheets is all that is required for this stage.

3. Correct there is no page limit for the Key Contact Personnel Part 2B Schedule 11.

Question:
Good afternoon,

We have questions regarding page limits outlined in D-NTA01 04/09/2025.

1. Schedule 11. Key Contact Personnel

a. Could TMR confirm that only three contact personnel are to be provided in the format required in Table 10, or this be completed for all personnel listed in Q1 Experience and Capability?

2. Q1: Experience and Capability

a. Referring to point “a demonstrated track record of successful design of road infrastructure projects”, could TMR confirm whether the “Two (2) A4 pages each” is for each project or is it two pages total for all 3 projects?

3. Q4: Capacity and Commitment

a. Similarly for Q1 clarification above, “Applicant must provide up to three (3) Project Data Sheets for recent projects demonstrating the Applicant’s experience, capability and performance in delivering comparable design projects commenced within the last five (5) years.”, could TMR confirm that for the 3 projects the “Two (2) A4 pages each” is for each project or is it two pages total for all 3 projects?

b. Could TMR confirm that these projects can be different to those in Q1?

We look forward to your reply. Thank you.

Answered on 10/Sep/2025 02:49 PM:


D-Q10

1. Schedule 11 Key Contact Personnel

a) Only three contact personnel are to be provided in the format within Part 2B Schedule 11.

2. Q1 Experience and Capability

a)The response is to use Part 2B Schedule 9 and the page limit is for each project (that is two A4 pages per project).

3. Q4 Capacity and Commitment

a) The page limit is two A4 pages per project.

b) These are to be the same projects as Q1, for clarity Part 2B Schedule 9 is to be submitted only once with three projects however elements may be used for assessment within Q1 and Q4.

Question:
Can you please confirm whether two successful panel members are able to partner to deliver packages of particular size and complexity, or if joint ventures/partnerships are only permitted at the procurement stage?

Answered on 17/Sep/2025 02:54 PM:


D-Q11

Applications for Joint Ventures to join the panel must be submitted at the Panel Application Stage (or during future opportunities to be appointed to the panel as per the panel agreement).

Question:
Can TMR please review the questions below and provide clarification where possible.

1. We currently hold prequalification status in all categories required for this tender, with our CFEP submission assessed late in 2024. Can TMR please confirm:

a) Do we need to provide 3 data sheets for each prequalification? Or just 3 data sheets in total that demonstrates experience across multiple prequalification categories?

b) Would TMR like to see both planning and design project experience?

2. Once successful tenderers are appointed, will projects be open to all companies on the panel in each region? Or will it be select tender (i.e., 3 tenderers per project)?

3. Can TMR please confirm if they will appoint a limited number of consultants to the panel? If so, how many?

4. Is this panel only being offered to consultants who have offices in each of the 5 regions?

5. Will the projects be a mixture of planning and detailed design projects?

6. Section 4.3.4 – Tabe 8 – Assessment Criteria:

a) Can TMR please provide clarification on the 1st dot point under ‘Q2: Capacity and Commitments’. Is this asking us to demonstrate our history working with TMR and successful project delivery?

b) Can TMR please clarify the difference between ‘Q1: Experience & Capability’ and the second dot point under ‘Q2: Capacity and Commitments – Project Data Sheets’. It looks like both sections are asking for project experience, however we do not want to double up on information we provide.

Answered on 11/Sep/2025 01:24 PM:


D-Q8

1.

a) Data Sheets are to be provided per company not per prequalification. The 3 data sheets should demonstrate the experience across multiple prequalification categories.

b) For the purposes of the panel the data sheets should focus on project experience during the design/development phase.

2. Please refer to Part 1 Section 3.2 to Section 3.5 and the Design Panel Agreement.

3. TMR will not be restricting the panel membership to a predetermined number of consultants.

4. Opportunities to join the panel is not limited by physical location.

5. Projects will be a mix of planning and design dependant on the scope of works. Please refer to Part 1

6.

a) There was an error where Q2 appeared twice which has been corrected with D-NTA02. Assuming this relates to Q4 point 1 the requirement is for only the organisational structures under Schedule 12 are required.

b) Both Q1 and Q4 include the requirement for Schedule 9 however this schedule is required to be submitted only once.

Question:
"We note in Table 8 of the BHTSP Construction and Design Panel Application - Part 1, that the page limit for Schedule 13 is four (4) A4 pages (which includes two (2) pages for Item 1 and two (2) pages for Item 2).



Could we instead submit one (1) A3 page and two (2) A4 pages within Schedule 13? This is to allow us to submit a diagram (organisational chart) to assist in addressing these criteria."

Answered on 17/Sep/2025 02:55 PM:


D-Q13

Use of 1x A3 page within the Schedule 13 page limit is acceptable when an organisational chart is used.

Question:
Can you please confirm whether two successful panel members are able to partner to deliver packages of particular size and complexity, or if joint ventures/partnerships are only permitted at the procurement stage?

Answered on 17/Sep/2025 02:54 PM:


D-Q12

See D-Q11

Question:
D-Q6 Hi,

Regarding the briefing on the 24th of September\:

- is this a mandatory briefing

- is this online or in person

- how do we register for the briefing

Thank you so much

Answered on 09/Sep/2025 02:59 AM:
(edited on 12/Sep/2025 11:02 AM)


D-Q6

This is an optional online briefing. Registrations will be open shortly and advertised on VendorPanel.

Update: 12/9/25

The briefing will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 1:00pm Brisbane time.

Attendees will be required to register in advance using the below link.

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7da5a0a5-9a28-4e39-aec2-299a6add9be8@7448469d-8ba5-44d4-a43c-8d7ff6fb550d

Question:
We request an extension of time for submission of the Design Panel application.

Proposed new submission deadline: 5.00pm 2/10/2025.

Justification: we have prequalification applications pending, that are due for determination by the TMR PQC committee on the 30/9/2025. The outcome of the determination will impact our Design Panel Application and the TMR prequalification department cannot provide assurances that the outcome will be communicated with sufficient time to finalise our submission before the current deadline of 11.00am 1/10/2025. Thank you.

Answered on 25/Sep/2025 09:48 AM:


Submission deadline has been extended to 11:00am 15 October 2025

Question:
The email notice sent on 11 September 2025 01:23 PMwith (D-Q8), it notes an updated D-NTA02. Can you advise where D-NTA02 has been uploaded? Within the VendorPanel notices, it only has D-NTA01 currently.

Thank you.

Answered on 17/Sep/2025 01:44 PM:


Q-D16

D-NTA02 has been uploaded (17/9/25)

Question:
Schedule 3, Applicant's Execution Information does not have an editable field in the first text box for Panel Member Name:. The only data able to be entered is a tick. Could TMR please issue a revised template.

Answered on 17/Sep/2025 01:47 PM:


D-Q17

Refer to D-NTA05 (plus 2 x PDF and 1 x Doc file)

Question:
Good Morning,

Just following up on our questions posted via the Q&A forum on 9th September.

Please would you confirm the following:

1. Can TMR please provide details of anticipated design package sizes, district locations, timings etc. to help inform the development of an appropriate resource delivery strategy. This will be essential to aid understanding of likely resource demand, parallel design package delivery requirements and associated project delivery timeframes over the full program duration.

2. Can TMR please provide further clarification of how additional design package work will be awarded as either variation to existing project or whether each additional design package will be separately procured.

3. Can TMR please provide further clarification of how they expect D&C projects to be delivered. Will TMR form partnerships of Construction Contractors and Designers from respective panels or do industry need to partner in advance and offer proposed D&C team for TMR assessment/selection?

Thank you

Answered on 18/Sep/2025 10:45 AM:


See response the D-Q19

Question:
Good morning,

Would providing cost estimating and constructability services as a sub-consultant on the design panel preclude you from acting as a contractor under the construct panel?

Regards,

Answered on 23/Sep/2025 12:32 PM:


Providing services as a sub-consultant with the Design Panel will not preclude an applicant from being on the Construction Panel.

Question:
Good afternoon,

Can TMR please confirm the page limit for each of the three Key Contact Personnel Information proformas to be submitted for Schedule 11?

Thank you.

Answered on 25/Sep/2025 09:37 AM:


There is no page limit for Part 2B Schedule 11 for Key Contact Personnel (as per D-Q9 item 3)

Question:
Hi,

Could we please be provided with the TMR template Design Subcontract?

Thank you,

Answered on 24/Sep/2025 11:39 AM:


D-Q22

The draft contracts relating to both the Design Panel and Construction Panel will be released progressively from Friday 26 September 2025.

Question:
Good morning,

Could you please confirm and provide the form of BHTSP Design Contract contemplated under the Design Panel Agreement?

Kind Regards,

Answered on 24/Sep/2025 10:02 AM:


D-Q23

The draft design contract (based on the CFEP) is expected to be released in the week of 29 September to 3 October 2025.

Question:
Could TMR please clarify which Panel guide to follow for the submission?

The recent addendum including the Added: (Addendum) BHTSP Construction and Design Panel Application - Part 1 19Sep25.pdf doesn't seem to match the word document provided on the 17Sep25 - 2. Added: (Addendum) BHTSP Design Panel Part 2B 16Sept25 Word.docx.

1. BHTSP Construction and Design Panel Application - Part 1 19Sep25.pdf - within the Table 8 - Assessment Criteria - Design Panel, schedule 9 is refereed to in both the Q1: Experience and Capability and with Q4: Capacity and Commitments.

2. Also, the questions being asked in Q4: Capacity and Commitments differ from the questions being asked in Schedule 12. what is expected in this section?

3. Additionally, there is also no reference to completing Schedule 11 - Key contact personnel. Has this now been removed?

Answered on 26/Sep/2025 11:09 AM:


D-Q26

1. In relation to Table 8 - Assessment Criteria, as per the response to D-Q10, Part 2B Schedule 9 is to be submitted once with three projects. Some elements may be used for assessment within Q1 and Q4 (i.e that is Schedule 9 will address elements of Q1 and Q4) .

2. In relation to Q4, similar to above. Schedule 12 will address Q4 Item 1. Schedule 9 will address Q4 Item 2. Schedule 10 will address Q4 Item 3. No further written responses are required for Q4.

3. Not all returnables are a part of the assessment criteria however all returnables within Part 2B must be submitted by the Applicants.

Part 2B Schedules 1-7 and 9-17 are required by the closing date for applications 15 October 2025 with Part 2B Schedule 8 to be required by 26 November 2025.

Question:
Good afternoon,

I’ve been unable to locate Schedule 19 as mentioned in 4.3.1 Table 5 and wanted to check if it has been uploaded. Could you please confirm?

Thank you

Answered on 02/Oct/2025 09:15 AM:


D-Q27

Please refer to the Construction Panel (C-NTA06 and relevant Part 2A word document) as Part 2A Schedule 19 is not related to Design Panel applicants.

Question:
Good morning,

The BHTSP Design Panel – Panel Agreement Common Terms (Oct 2025) includes the Annexure B – Panel Consultant Fee Schedule. Can TMR please confirm the Fee Schedule is subject to an individual design commission arising under the panel, and/or if it is intended that a schedule of hourly rates is submitted which is to be utilised for all works under the panel.

If the later (i.e. for all submissions under the panel) can TMR please confirm:

1. Please confirm the top part of the Annexure B is not required, as this would be subject to project specific task/stage codes etc.

2. Please confirm if a response schedule will be added, or if there is a specific location TMR would wish to see this schedule within the response.

3. Will the consultant be bound to the rates supplied for all projects, or could a lower rate be applied on a case-by-case basis to respond to the complexity of the project.

4. How exhaustive must the list of team members be, and what would the process be for adding additional personnel into individual design offers/contracts if not initially nominated.

Thank you

Answered on 09/Oct/2025 02:59 PM:


D-Q28

The rates provided within Annexure B of the Design Panel Agreement will be maximum rates for all works under the BHTSP.

1. The top of Annexure B as shown in the BHTSP Design Panel – Panel Agreement Common Terms (Oct 2025) is not required for the Panel, the stage codes will be developed as part of the project specific tender stage.

2. Schedule 18 "Panel Consultant Fee Schedule" will be issued with D-NTA11 which will be required for submission with Schedule 8 "Acceptance of Panel Agreement and Contracts" on 26 November 2025.

3. The consultant will be bound to the nominated rates (subject to adjustments as outlined in the Design Panel Agreement), as maximum rates within the panel. A lower rate may be tendered by the consultant at the time of tender for individual project/s.

4. The roles within Annexure B must cover all anticipated roles within BHTSP projects. Optionally, you may list the name of individuals. The consultant may nominate additional individual persons for each project.

Question:
Does TMR have an amendment register for the CFEP contract? For our review, it would be beneficial to have an overview of the changes that have been made to the original CFEP contract.

Answered on 08/Oct/2025 03:01 PM:


D-Q29. An amendment register is not available at this time.

Question:
Good Afternoon,

With reference to Vendor Panel Clarifications No. 26 and No. 50, regarding the Assessment Criteria table for “demonstrated track record of successful delivery of road infrastructure projects” and “suitably experienced staff and workforce to deliver road infrastructure projects”, could TMR please confirm whether, in the case of a JV submission, responses to these criteria are required for each entity within the JV or as a single consolidated response?

Thank you.

Answered on 10/Oct/2025 12:23 PM:


D-Q30

For a Joint Venture submission:

Q1.1 is to be per entity within the Joint Venture and

Q1.2 is to be for the joint venture as a single response.

Question:
We note Clause 5.9.2 of Application Pack 1 (Related Bodies Corporate). Can you clarify the clause with regard to two separate design entities with separate CFEP prequal status, however deemed related under the clause, and whether ineligibility stated for application is based at the general panel membership level, district level or individual project proposals.

Answered on 10/Oct/2025 12:29 PM:


D-Q31 In relation to Construction and Design Panel Application Part 1 Clause 5.9.2 "Related Bodies Corporate", applications of these clauses are at the Panel Service Categories which are related to the district and contract delivery model, TMR may consider exceptions to this clause (along with Clause 2.3 and 3.1.4) for related bodies corporate in the following circumstances:

a. The associated entities can demonstrate significant benefits to local and indigenous employment, indigenous business engagement or other community legacy outcomes, and

b. The associated entities demonstrates sufficient capability, capacity and resourcing such that the consultants operate independently from each other, and

c. The associated entities do not bid for the same projects, and

d. ensuring both entities operating in a single District will not impact on competition or value for money for the delivery of the BHTSP.

Applicants must provide information related to the above circumstances within their panel application response.

Question:
We understand the information requested under Schedule 3 is to enable TMR to prepare the Panel Member Signing Instrument for successful applicants, rather than for execution at this stage.

Our company maintains a list of authorised company directors approved to execute documents under section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). As execution depends on director availability at the time, it is difficult to predict in advance which authorised person will sign. Could TMR please clarify how we should respond to the request for details of two signatories?

We would also appreciate receiving a copy (or example) of the document to be prepared for signing for legal review prior to providing signatory details.

Answered on 10/Oct/2025 12:35 PM:


D-Q32 Correct - Schedule 3 is to enable TMR to complete applicants details with the BHTSP Design Panel Agreement document after the Application process in preparation for signatures.



Applicants may nominate more then two signatories as part of Schedule 3 if required.

A copy of the BHTSP Design Panel Agreement (including Panel Consultant Signing Instrument), to join the BHTSP Design Panel was provided to applicants with D-NTA07 for review and feedback as part of the application process.

Question:
Good afternoon,

In reference to Panel Application Pack Part 1, Table 8 - Assessment Criteria - Design Panel, TMR reference the qualitative assessment criteria. Q1, 2. asks the consultant to respond to 'suitably experienced staff and workforce to design road infrastructure projects'. This has been given a 2 page allowance, but there is no response template. Can TMR please confirm where this 2 page response should be provided in the submission, and what it should be titled?

Thank you.

Answered on 10/Oct/2025 12:37 PM:


D-Q33 Responses to criteria without a specified template (e.g. Q1.2 "Suitably Experienced Staff and Workforce to Design Road Infrastructure Projects") are to be treated as unnumbered standalone schedules, which may be placed at the end of the application. Please provide the response with the criteria text at the top of the page.