10.10
Where an Australian standard is applicable for goods or services being procured, tender responses must demonstrate the capability to meet the Australian standard, and contracts must contain evidence of the applicable standards (see paragraph 10.37).
The first change reinforces the importance of the use of standards in procurement, requiring proof of capability to meet the standard, both during the tender process and in the contract and subsequent implementation.
The CPRs have contained references to standards for some time, both Australian and international. It's important to note that international standards does not mean standards of other countries but properly developed international standards established by bodies like the ISO and IEC. Australia is a major contributor to these bodies and there is very rarely any contradiction between this type of standard and those of Australia.
A good example is the work currently being finalised to develop an Australian standard on Accessibility in ICT Public Procurement. Led by Standards Australia, this work will soon see the direct text adoption of the European standard EN 301 549 by Australia. It will provide a reference for procurement officials in all jurisdictions and has been supported by consumer organisations, suppliers, and government.