Unsolicited Proposals

This pathway is intended for proposals that:

• Are unique or innovative
• Deliver a clear community benefit
• Align with Council’s strategic direction
• Are developed enough for an initial assessment
• Cannot reasonably be considered through a standard procurement, tender, quotation, expression of interest or grant process

This pathway is not suitable for:

• Grant funding requests
• Responses to an open tender, quotation or expression of interest
• General service requests or complaints
• Concepts that are incomplete or lack enough detail for initial assessment
• Proposals that duplicate existing or planned Council services, projects or programs

Click here for more information about tenders.

If you are unsure whether your idea is suitable as an Unsolicited Proposal, you are encouraged to contact us before submitting.

A pre-lodgement discussion can help clarify whether this pathway is appropriate and what information should be provided at the initial stage.

Council may consider proposals that:

• Deliver measurable community, environmental, social, or economic benefits
• Align with Council’s strategic priorities and Community Vision
• Demonstrate initial feasibility and appropriate risk allocation
• Provide a clear value proposition for both the community and Council
• Can be considered in a manner consistent with probity, governance, and value for money principles.

All Unsolicited Proposals are assessed through a transparent, staged process.

The process outlined below is indicative. Additional governance, evaluation, or Council decision‑making stages may apply depending on the nature, scale, or complexity of an Unsolicited Proposal.

1. Preliminary Screening

Council reviews the submission to determine whether it appears to meet the requirements of an Unsolicited Proposal and whether this is the appropriate pathway.

2. Initial Assessment

Council considers:

• The nature and uniqueness of the proposal
• Alignment with Council strategy and community benefit
• Whether enough information has been provided for initial consideration Whether the Proposal is more appropriately dealt with through another Council pathway

Applicants will be advised if their Proposal does not proceed beyond this stage.

3. Detailed Evaluation (If progressed)

Where a Proposal passes the initial assessment, Council may undertake a more detailed evaluation, which can include:

• Financial and whole‑of‑life cost analysis
• Risk and feasibility assessment
• Technical and operational review
• Legal, probity, and governance considerations
• Internal consultation with relevant Council teams

Council may request additional information during this stage.

4. Outcome and Next Steps

Following assessment, Council may decide to:

• Not proceed with the proposal
• Request further clarification or information
• Refer the matter to another Council or future procurement activity
• Invite the proponent to participate in a formal negotiation or competitive process, where appropriate

Council retains full discretion over all decisions at every stage of the process.

Before submitting a proposal, please note:

• Submitting a proposal does not create a contract, agreement or obligation on the part of Council
• Council is not required to progress or accept any proposal
• Council may decide to test the market or use another process at any stage
• Proponents are responsible for their own costs in preparing and submitting a proposal unless Council expressly agrees otherwise
• Do not include confidential or proprietary information at the initial submission stage unless expressly requested
• Council does not acquire ownership of your idea by receiving or assessing a proposal
• Council may be independently exploring similar ideas and is not restricted by your submission
• Submission does not guarantee progress beyond the initial assessment stage
• All assessments are conducted in accordance with probity, conflict‑of‑interest, transparency, and responsible governance principles underpinning our Community Vision.

Information submitted will be handled in accordance with the City of Charles Sturt’s privacy obligations and applicable legislation. By submitting an Unsolicited Proposal, you consent to Council securely collecting, using, and storing the information for the purpose of assessment.