Australia Annexe 2 - Note 8.71

For greater certainty, consistent with Article IX.11, in relation to procurements from the Department of Finance 'Builders Prequalification Scheme'; and Main Road's 'National Prequalification System for Civil (Road and Bridge) Construction Contracts' Scheme, requests for participation in a procurement from suppliers not already prequalified at the time of tender release will not be considered due to the time and complexity involved in assessing requests. This does not preclude suppliers from applying at any time to become prequalified. Prequalification ensures the financial security of building and construction contractors and does not discriminate between local suppliers and the suppliers of other Parties.