NBN builders can run study too

in brief Those companies wanting to be involved in the National Broadband Network implementation study will not be banned from also pitching for work in the construction process itself, according to an addendum to the initial request for tender documents released this afternoon.

However, consultancies wanting to be involved in both processes will need to identify conflicts of interest and set out a proposed strategy for managing them for the implementation study contract, as well as future related National Broadband Network contracts. The conflicts would be taken into account when assessing the tenders.

There were also likely to be conditions to participation. "Respondents should be aware that it is likely that the contracting arrangements for any successful tenderers would contain restrictions on activities which would be considered to be conflicts of interest," the addendum said.

The same rules applied for specialist advisors brought in by the lead advisor.