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  • info@lgant.asn.au

Become a Local Buy Supplier

Connecting NT businesses with council opportunities

The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT), in partnership with Local Buy, helps NT businesses connect directly with councils seeking goods and services. Becoming a Local Buy pre-qualified supplier opens doors to new opportunities, increases visibility, and simplifies the way you work with Local Government while meeting all compliance and governance requirements.

Why become a Local Buy supplier

Local Buy’s pre-qualification system makes it easier for councils to buy from approved suppliers — and easier for suppliers to win work.

Being a pre-qualified supplier means you can:

  • Quote directly for council work without undergoing full public tenders.
  • Be visible to councils across the NT and Queensland through VendorPanel.
  • Save time and resources by using a single, compliant procurement platform.
  • Build long-term business relationships with councils and other approved purchasers.
  • Benefit from LGANT’s ongoing support to grow NT business participation in local government projects.

How the process works

Step

Process

Timing

1. Apply

Local Buy opens supplier tenders on the first day of February, May, August, and November each year. Applications are submitted through the APET360 online tendering portal.

Month 1

2. Evaluation

Your submission is assessed by Local Buy’s internal and external evaluation team. You may receive clarification questions by email during this time.

Month 2

3. Appointment

Once approved, you’ll receive an appointment letter confirming your pre-qualification. After uploading all compliance documents, you’ll be visible to councils through the VendorPanel portal and can begin quoting for work.

Month 3

Minimum Requirement: Suppliers must hold at least $20 million Public Liability Insurance.

Additional documentation such as Professional Indemnity Insurance, licenses, WorkCover, and financial statements may be required depending on the arrangement.

Using the portals

1. APET360 – apply to become a supplier

The APET360 portal is where you begin the Local Buy tender process to become a pre-qualified supplier.

To apply:

  1. Visit Local Buy’s Supplier Page
  2. Create an APET360 account before the tender opens.
  3. Complete all tender questions, providing details on:
  • Managerial and technical capability
  • Relevant experience and qualifications
  • Quality and safety systems
  • Environmental management
  • Financial capability
  • Insurance certificates and licenses


Important note: VendorPanel now displays only validated business names. Please ensure your ABN registration is current and that any trading names you use are properly registered with ASIC. If you don’t have a registered business name, your entity name (for example, The Trustee for the LB Family Trust) will appear on VendorPanel instead. Learn more at asic.gov.au.

  1. Submit your tender before the closing date (end of the open month).
    After submission, you’ll receive updates via email as your tender progresses through evaluation.

Tip: Keep copies of your insurance and compliance documents handy — you’ll need them again later for VendorPanel.

2. VendorPanel – manage quotes, compliance, and opportunities

Once you’re appointed, many of your interactions with councils will occur through VendorPanel, Local Buy’s secure online procurement platform.

VendorPanel allows you to:

  • Maintain your company profile — description, services, and contact details are current.
  • Upload and update compliance documentation — Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, licenses, and WorkCover.
  • Receive quote invitations — councils issue RFQs directly to suppliers listed on the relevant Local Buy arrangement.
  • Submit quotes and communicate with council procurement officers in one place.
  • Add staff members so multiple people in your business can receive notifications of opportunities.
  • View and track past activity — quotes, tenders, and correspondence remain archived for easy access.


Important: Keeping your VendorPanel profile up to date is essential — councils rely on this information to verify your compliance before awarding work.

Supplier obligations once appointed

All Local Buy suppliers must:

  • Submit monthly returns through the Local Buy reporting portal.
  • Maintain current insurance and compliance documentation in VendorPanel.
  • Adhere to the Local Buy Supplier Code of Conduct, which promotes ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible procurement.
  • Pay annual verification and contract management fees on work awarded under Local Buy arrangements (invoiced quarterly).

Upcoming opportunities

Local Buy supplier tenders open on the first day of February, May, August, and November each year and usually remain open for 28 days. The evaluation and appointment process takes approximately eight weeks after the tender closes.

View open tenders on Local Buy.

Supplier information video

Watch our step-by-step supplier information video explaining how NT businesses can register, tender, and get started with Local Buy.

Support for NT businesses

LGANT is committed to supporting NT suppliers in accessing council projects and tenders through Local Buy.

If you need help with:

  • Understanding which Local Buy arrangement applies to your business;
  • Navigating APET360 or VendorPanel; or
  • Updating your compliance documentation.

Please contact localbuy@lgant.asn.au.