The Whole of Australian Government (WoAG) Stationery and Office Supplies (SOS) Panel, also known as the SOS arrangement, is a coordinated procurement arrangement established and managed by the Department of Finance.
Participation in the SOS arrangement is mandatory for non-corporate Commonwealth entities (NCEs).
Corporate Commonwealth entities, Commonwealth companies and other government organisations may opt-in to the SOS arrangement with Finance’s agreement.
Further information on the term of the arrangement is available on AusTender.
To discuss joining the SOS Arrangement contact SOSHelpDesk@finance.gov.au.
Arrangement objectives
The SOS arrangement aims to:
- reduce costs by combining Australian Government buying power to secure discounted pricing and maximise value for money
- give entities access to a wide range of goods and services through simple ordering systems
- reduce administrative costs for suppliers and entities by avoiding duplicate procurement activities
- increase savings by encouraging better purchasing behaviour
- support a competitive and sustainable industry
- support the delivery of Australian Government policy objectives.
Suppliers and responsibilities
The SOS arrangement consists of a panel of three suppliers that provide stationery and office supplies to Commonwealth entities across Australia.
Entities are encouraged to engage at least two suppliers to achieve better value for money and broader product access, with supplier selection managed by the entity’s centralised procurement team.
The three SOS suppliers are:
- Complete Office Supplies Pty Ltd
- Officeworks Limited
- Winc Australia Pty Limited
Suppliers under the SOS arrangement must:
- act professionally, ethically and reasonably to support the successful delivery of goods and services
- provide high-quality customer service and systems that meet the needs of customers
- maintain open, proactive and effective communication with customers
- provide pricing that delivers value for money for the Australian Government and remains competitive for the full term of the head agreement
- resolve complaints or issues raised by customers as quickly as possible
- identify opportunities to reduce:
- costs and advise customers on cost-reduction strategies
- the carbon footprint associated with the goods and services provided to customers.
Participation and mandatory requirements
In accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, it is mandatory that all NCEs purchase core goods from the SOS arrangement.
Entities are encouraged, but not required to, purchase optional goods and optional services under the SOS arrangement. At a minimum, entities should compare the prices offered under the SOS arrangement for optional goods and services with markets rates.
If an entity has specialised or other requirements that are consistent with the scope of the SOS arrangement, these should be discussed with the suppliers.
The goods category descriptions are not intended to be definitive or exhaustive and should be interpreted as a general guide as to the type of goods available under each goods category.
Entities should apply reasonable judgment when considering if an item is a core good. As a guiding principle – if it is an item commonly used and found in Australian Public Service workplace and generally fits within the core goods categories it must be purchased under the SOS arrangement.
Core goods categories
- Envelopes, mailroom and packaging
- Filing supplies
- General use copy paper
- Notebooks, pads & labels
- Office essentials
Optional goods categories
- Calendars, diaries & planners
- Electrical accessories
- Facility supplies
- Food, drink & kitchen
- Hardware
- ID & security
- Office equipment
- Office machines & consumables
- Personal care
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Printed & Promotional1
- Specialty paper
- Technology
- Other office supplies
1The restriction on purchase of promotional material procurement policy note states the Australian Government’s position on buying promotional items. Except in limited circumstances, Commonwealth entities subject to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules must not procure promotional merchandise to promote the Australian Government, its programs or its initiatives.
GovTeams community
The SOS GovTeams community provides access to information specific to the SOS arrangement. This includes:
- head agreements for each supplier
- price lists
- core goods and the full range of products and services
- advice on key issues, changes in policy and procedures and upcoming events.
To request access to the SOS GovTEAMS community, contact the team at SOSHelpDesk@finance.gov.au.
