EOI - Soft Services

Overview Adelaide University is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Soft Services across its campuses. This EOI is Stage 1 of a two-stage procurement process that will test market capability, capacity, maturity and appetite ahead of a subsequent closed Request for Tender (RFT). About Adelaide University ('the University') is a leading contemporary comprehensive university of global standing, dedicated to addressing educational inequality through the success and impact of its students, staff and alumni. Following the merger of the former University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Adelaide University inherited several Soft Services contracts with differing scopes, terminology, service standards, delivery models, pricing structures, performance measures and reporting requirements. For more information regarding the University, please visit: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/about/ Purpose This procurement seeks to establish a harmonised, University-wide operating and contracting model for Soft Services across all campuses, excluding Grounds Services, with consistent service definitions, standards, responsibilities and customer outcomes. The EOI will inform the University's sourcing and service-packaging strategy for the subsequent closed Request for Tender. Scope Respondents may register for one or both of the following service bundles, and will be asked to address integrated and geographically structured delivery models, specialist capability, regional coverage, technology, workforce utilisation, sustainability, innovation, transition readiness and demonstrable cost-saving initiatives. Bundle 1: Cleaning, Waste and Pest Control General, programmed, periodic, responsive and specialist cleaning Carpet and hard-floor treatments Gutter, window and building façade cleaning Pool vehicle fleet cleaning Consumables and janitor services Hygiene and service-related linen Pest control Waste handling, internal movement, collection coordination and sustainability reporting Bundle 2: Campus Support and Minor Maintenance Non-trade minor maintenance and handyman services, including minor carpentry, specialist painting and glazing within the approved scope Caretaking and portering Furniture and equipment relocations Room and minor event set-up Ad hoc labour, scheduled services and minor works Provision of materials and agreed rate cards The following requirements apply to both bundles: Supporting mobilisation, governance, work management, customer service, asset and service data, compliance, KPI reporting and continuous improvement requirements Delivery across Adelaide CBD campuses (City East and City West) and metropolitan and regional campuses outside the Adelaide CBD, with respondents demonstrating capability for individual or integrated service packages and transparent subcontracting arrangements Out of scope Capital projects, upgrades, modernisation and replacement works valued above $4,000 and classified as capital expenditure Cranes and elevated work platform services, which will transfer to the relevant College as specialised equipment responsibilities Major event setup and pack-downs managed outside the Estates and Facilities portfolio Bed linen and laboratory gowns, which will transfer to the relevant College to manage Grounds Services Contract Terms and Conditions Any contracts awarded following the subsequent RFT are expected to have an initial term of three (3) years, with an option to extend for a further one (1) year, giving a maximum contract term of four (4) years Contractor Requirements Mandatory criteria (summary) Public liability insurance of $20M and professional indemnity insurance of $10M Workers compensation and Return to Work SA compliance A South Australian office and staff A modern slavery declaration Workforce and industrial compliance Certified WHS and quality systems At least two comparable multi-site contracts Ownership disclosure Financial viability Enquiries Enquiries must be directed via the online forum in TenderLink. The online forum will be open for enquiries until Monday 23 November 2026. Instructions to Tenderers Completed responses must be submitted via the electronic tender box on the TenderLink portal. Tenderers will receive a Successful Submission Receipt, timed and dated, upon completion. The University is not bound to accept the lowest priced Tender, or all or any part of a Tender, and reserves the right to conduct the Request for Tender process and select the successful tenderer as it sees fit. Staff of the University are unable to respond to verbal enquiries in relation to the tender. Late, verbal or emailed tenders will not be accepted.