MEET YOUR SPF BUDGET WITH THE CMA

Why You Need SPF Sponsorships to Strengthen Your Bid

To win work with government buyers, businesses must demonstrate alignment with Victoria's Social Procurement Framework. Our SPF sponsorships help you meet key evaluation criteria by supporting Aboriginal businesses, certified social enterprises, and sustainable practices. These sponsorships are designed to boost your tender score by showing clear commitment to social and environmental outcomes - giving you a competitive edge in procurement processes.

Project Owner and Managers

The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is the project owner, representing stakeholders across the North Central region of Victoria. These include Landcare groups, First Nations communities, schools, and citizen science initiatives. The key project manager is the Business Development Officer (BDO) at North Central CMA. Numerous partner organisations are involved, contributing to the delivery of environmental, cultural, and community outcomes.

Works Available

This project offers provisional sponsorship packages that enable suppliers to contribute to high-impact, locally driven initiatives. These packages support:

• Cultural Heritage Registration Sponsorships: Delivered in partnership with Traditional Owners.
• Community Sponsorships: Supporting school-based programs and citizen science.
• Greenworks Sponsorships: Providing operational support for Landcare and similar groups.

These works include on-ground activities, consulting services, community engagement, and environmental programs. Delivery occurs within a radius of the project owner's tender location, ensuring local relevance.

Supplier Criteria

Suppliers must complete values-based questions aligned with each work package. The CMA BDO will assist applicants once an EOI is lodged. Local businesses are encouraged to apply. Sponsorship packages help suppliers meet procurement policy weightings under the Local Jobs First Policy, enhancing competitiveness. Compliance with Fair Jobs Code, ESG reporting, and Victorian Government Purchasing Board policies is supported.

Pre-Qualification Instructions

To submit an EOI, suppliers must have an active ICN Gateway company profile. Required documentation includes:

• A capability statement
• Responses to values-based questions
• Evidence of past performance or relevant certifications
• The CMA BDO is available to guide suppliers through the process.

Project Questions for Applicants

Applicants should address the following in their EOI:

1. How will your business contribute to Social Procurement Framework objectives?
2. What experience do you have working with Traditional Owners or community groups?
3. How will you measure and report on ESG outcomes?

Project Completion Timeline

Upon lodging an EOI and receiving an invitation to supply, a tailored project plan will be developed between the CMA, the sponsor, and beneficiaries. This plan will align with the tender's budget and timeline. Milestones and phases will be agreed upon during this process.

Social Procurement Framework Objectives

North Central CMA's SPF goals include:

• Economic opportunities for First Nations Peoples
• Sustainable agricultural practices
• Cultural heritage protection
• Climate resilience and emission reduction

Policy Alignment

The project aligns with:

• Local Jobs First Policy
• Fair Jobs Code
• VGPB procurement policies
• Environmental and sustainability standards

Social Impact and ESG Reporting

Sponsors receive reports documenting:

• Vegetation management
• Weed and pest control
• Climate adaptation
• Community engagement

ESG Portfolio Development

Partnering with North Central CMA allows suppliers to build ESG credentials through audited, high-impact contributions.

Climate and Culture Integration

Projects are designed to:

• Enhance climate resilience
• Honour Traditional Owner culture
• Support over 100,000 volunteers
• Protect waterways, farms, forests, and communities

Vendor Panel and Sponsorship Impact

Sponsorships support:

• Cultural heritage and Indigenous engagement
• Community-led environmental stewardship
• School programs like River Detectives
• Volunteer-driven citizen science
• Inclusive workforce development

These initiatives often fall outside traditional funding streams, enabling innovative and community-driven outcomes that reinforce sustainable regional development.

HOW TO REGISTER AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

• To submit an EOI, companies must have an ICN Gateway company profile. Information on how to register your company on ICN Gateway is detailed below.
• The services, programmes and initiatives provided by ICN Victoria are aimed at complementing a company's existing Sales, Marketing and Business Development strategy and any EOI submitted should not be considered as an alternative to these activities.

ICN GATEWAY COMPANY REGISTRATION

• Click here to register your company profile on ICN Gateway.
• Support and assistance are available through the web links listed below.
• An ICN Gateway company profile that accurately and effectively summarises your company is critical to using the services of the ICN Group - please ensure that your company invests the time and energy required to represent your company in the most effective manner possible.
• Companies should ensure that the email notification functionality within their ICN Gateway company profile is activated to include an appropriate level of coverage to Information & Updates, Major Projects and Regional Opportunities.

1) Gateway by ICN Setup Wizard

2) Gateway by ICN User Guide

3) Gateway by ICN EOI User Guide