The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will join us to delve into their procurement process. In 2024-25, NGOs accounted for only 9% of all DFAT procurement tenders, down from 13% in 2023-24. More importantly, none of these bids were won by NGOs in either of these years.

NGOs are typically 10% of attendees at procurement-related events and industry briefings, and participation could be higher. Knowledge gaps are among the factors that limit NGO participation in DFAT procurement tenders.

To address the gaps that limit NGO participation in DFAT procurement, ACFID hosted the first session of this series in December 2025, focused on doing business with DFAT and understanding its tender requirements. This second session will provide an overview of DFAT’s Development Risk Management framework, including links to implementation of investments including roles and accountabilities, ways of working and sharing of risk information and reports, outline the safeguards requirements that apply to DFAT business with a focus on policies relating to Child Protection, Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, and Environmental and Social Safeguards.