Since its introduction in 2015, the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) has directed over $7.2 billion in Commonwealth contracts to Indigenous businesses. For government procurement officers managing print equipment acquisitions, understanding how to leverage IPP pathways can streamline purchasing, ensure compliance, and contribute to meaningful reconciliation outcomes—all while accessing enterprise-grade HP solutions at competitive prices.
This comprehensive guide covers everything procurement professionals need to know about applying the IPP to print equipment purchases, from understanding the mandatory thresholds to navigating the value for money assessment framework.
Understanding the Indigenous Procurement Policy Framework
The IPP was established under the Commonwealth Procurement Rules to increase the participation of Indigenous businesses in Commonwealth procurement. It operates through three interconnected mechanisms:
1. Mandatory Minimum Targets
All Commonwealth agencies must meet annual targets for contracting with Indigenous businesses. For FY2024-25, these targets require:
- 3% of total contract value to Indigenous businesses
- 3% of total contract count to Indigenous businesses
- Targets apply to all non-corporate Commonwealth entities
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet publishes annual compliance data. In FY2022-23, Commonwealth agencies awarded 31,427 contracts worth $3.6 billion to Indigenous businesses—demonstrating the policy's substantial impact on Indigenous economic participation.
2. Mandatory Set-Aside Contracts
Contracts valued between $80,000 and $200,000 (GST inclusive) in specified remote areas must be offered exclusively to Indigenous businesses before open market approaches. These remote areas are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Remoteness Structure and include many regional Queensland locations.
3. Mandatory Minimum Indigenous Participation Requirements
For contracts over $7.5 million (or $500,000 in remote areas), successful tenderers must demonstrate Indigenous participation through employment, subcontracting, or supply chain inclusion.
IPP Thresholds for Print Equipment Procurement
Enterprise print equipment purchases typically fall into specific procurement bands that determine the applicable IPP provisions:
| Contract Value (GST inc.) | IPP Provision | Practical Application for Print |
|---|---|---|
| Under $10,000 | Direct procurement permitted | Small desktop printers, consumables top-ups |
| $10,000 – $80,000 | Standard procurement; Indigenous sourcing encouraged | Single A4 MFDs, small fleet replacements |
| $80,000 – $200,000 | Mandatory consideration of Indigenous suppliers | A3 enterprise MFDs, multi-device deployments |
| $200,000 – $7.5 million | Open tender; Indigenous sourcing contributes to targets | Large fleet deployments, managed print services |
| Over $7.5 million | Mandatory Indigenous participation requirements | Whole-of-government print contracts |
Key Insight: The $80,000-$200,000 threshold perfectly aligns with typical enterprise print equipment purchases. A single HP Color LaserJet Enterprise A3 MFD with accessories and installation typically falls within this range, making IPP direct sourcing a natural fit for print procurement.
The $80,000–$200,000 Direct Sourcing Pathway
This threshold is particularly relevant for print equipment buyers because it enables direct approach procurement without the need for open tender processes. Here's how it works in practice:
What Qualifies as Direct Sourcing?
Under the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, agencies can directly approach a known Indigenous supplier for quotes when the contract value falls within the mandatory consideration threshold. This doesn't mean sole sourcing—agencies should still demonstrate value for money—but it eliminates the requirement for open market advertising.
Typical Print Equipment Configurations in This Range
The following HP Enterprise configurations typically fall within the $80,000-$200,000 threshold:
- Single high-specification A3 MFD: HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP E87750dn with finishing accessories, extended warranty, and installation
- Dual-device deployment: Two HP E78630dn units configured for workgroup use
- Mixed fleet: One A3 departmental device plus multiple A4 workgroup devices
- Managed print service agreements: 3-year MPS contracts for small to medium fleets
Documentation Requirements
Even for direct sourcing, agencies must maintain records demonstrating:
- Supplier verification: Confirmation the supplier is Supply Nation certified or otherwise verified as Indigenous-owned
- Value for money assessment: Documentation showing the procurement achieves value for money outcomes
- Requirements match: Evidence the supplier can meet technical specifications
- Risk assessment: Appropriate consideration of supplier capacity and delivery risk
Value for Money Under IPP: What It Actually Means
A common misconception is that IPP requires agencies to accept higher prices from Indigenous suppliers. This is incorrect. The Commonwealth Procurement Rules still require value for money as the core principle—but the definition of value for money explicitly includes non-financial benefits.
The Expanded Value for Money Framework
Under the CPRs, value for money must consider:
- Fitness for purpose: Does the equipment meet operational requirements?
- Total cost of ownership: Including acquisition, consumables, maintenance, and disposal
- Supplier capability: Can they deliver, install, and support the equipment?
- Risk: Financial stability, delivery certainty, warranty backing
- Social and environmental outcomes: Including Indigenous economic development
Practical Application: When comparing quotes from Indigenous and non-Indigenous suppliers, the social outcome of supporting Indigenous economic development can be legitimately weighted in the value for money assessment. This doesn't mean paying more for inferior products—it means recognising the broader value created by the procurement.
Case Study: Department of Defence Print Procurement
In 2023, a Defence agency replaced aging print devices across three Queensland sites. By sourcing through an Indigenous HP dealer:
- Acquired five HP E78630dn A3 MFDs with finishing accessories
- Contract value: $168,000 including 3-year warranty and installation
- Pricing was competitive with non-Indigenous resellers
- Contributed $168,000 toward annual IPP targets
- Procurement completed in 6 weeks versus 12+ weeks for open tender
The direct sourcing pathway delivered both operational efficiency and reconciliation outcomes.
Supply Nation Certification: The Verification Standard
For IPP compliance purposes, the gold standard for Indigenous business verification is Supply Nation certification. Understanding the certification hierarchy is important for procurement officers.
Certification Levels Explained
| Certification Type | Requirements | IPP Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Certified | 51%+ Indigenous ownership, Indigenous management control, annual re-verification | Full recognition for all IPP provisions |
| Registered | Indigenous involvement but below 51% ownership threshold | May count toward targets but doesn't qualify for set-asides |
| In Progress | Application submitted, verification in process | Not yet recognised for IPP purposes |
Verification for Procurement Officers
To verify a supplier's certification status:
- Search the Supply Nation platform
- Confirm the supplier shows as "Certified" (not just "Registered")
- Check the certification expiry date—certification is annual
- Request a copy of the current Supply Nation certificate for your records
Dreaming Print Solutions is Supply Nation Certified, independently verified as 100% Indigenous-owned and operated. Our certification is renewed annually and can be verified through the Supply Nation platform.
Step-by-Step IPP Procurement Process for Print Equipment
For procurement officers ready to proceed with an IPP-aligned print equipment purchase, here's the recommended process:
Phase 1: Requirements Definition (1-2 weeks)
- Assess current state: Document existing devices, monthly volumes, pain points
- Define requirements: Speed, format (A3/A4), finishing needs, security requirements
- Estimate contract value: Include installation, warranty, and any managed services
- Determine IPP pathway: Based on value, identify applicable provisions
Phase 2: Market Engagement (1-2 weeks)
- Search Supply Nation: Identify certified Indigenous suppliers in the print equipment category
- Issue RFQ: Request quotes with detailed specifications
- Evaluate responses: Assess against technical requirements and value for money criteria
- Conduct due diligence: Verify certification, check references, confirm warranty backing
Phase 3: Procurement Execution (1-2 weeks)
- Document value for money: Prepare assessment record including social outcomes
- Obtain approvals: Secure delegate approval per agency procurement framework
- Execute contract: Issue purchase order or contract
- Record for reporting: Ensure contract is flagged as Indigenous for annual reporting
Phase 4: Delivery and Support
- Coordinate installation: Schedule device delivery and configuration
- Conduct user training: Ensure staff can utilise device features effectively
- Establish support channels: Confirm warranty and ongoing support arrangements
- Document outcomes: Record successful delivery for IPP compliance reporting
State and Territory IPP Equivalents
While the IPP is a Commonwealth policy, most state and territory governments have equivalent Indigenous procurement policies. For organisations operating across jurisdictions, understanding these variations is important.
Queensland
The Queensland Indigenous Procurement Policy (QIPP) sets a target of 3% of addressable spend with Indigenous businesses. The policy applies to all Queensland Government agencies and includes both goods and services procurement. Print equipment purchases can contribute to QIPP targets when sourced from verified Indigenous businesses.
New South Wales
NSW applies the Aboriginal Procurement Policy with similar objectives. The policy includes provisions for direct negotiation with Aboriginal-owned businesses for appropriate procurements.
Victoria
Victoria's Social Procurement Framework includes Indigenous business participation as a key objective. The framework enables agencies to weight Indigenous ownership positively in tender evaluations.
Common Questions from Procurement Officers
"Can I justify paying more for Indigenous suppliers?"
The CPRs don't require you to accept the lowest price—they require value for money. Social outcomes, including Indigenous economic development, are legitimate factors in value for money assessments. If an Indigenous supplier's pricing is competitive and their solution meets requirements, the social outcome strengthens the value proposition.
"What if no Indigenous supplier can meet my requirements?"
The IPP requires agencies to consider Indigenous suppliers—not to compromise on requirements. If no Indigenous supplier can meet technical specifications, this should be documented, and the procurement can proceed through standard channels. However, for print equipment, Indigenous suppliers like Dreaming Print Solutions offer the same enterprise-grade HP solutions available from any authorised dealer.
"How do I report IPP-aligned purchases?"
Commonwealth agencies report Indigenous procurement through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's annual data collection. Ensure contracts are correctly flagged as Indigenous in your contract management system. Most agencies have IPP reporting coordinators who can advise on specific processes.
"Does managed print services qualify differently?"
MPS contracts are services contracts and are treated the same as goods contracts under IPP. The total contract value (including device costs, consumables, and service fees over the contract term) determines the applicable threshold. Multi-year MPS agreements from Indigenous suppliers contribute to targets based on total contract value.
Why Dreaming Print Solutions for IPP Procurement
As Australia's first Indigenous-owned enterprise printer and MFD hardware dealer, Dreaming Print Solutions offers unique advantages for government buyers:
Supply Nation Certified
We are fully certified—not just registered—meaning every purchase counts toward your agency's IPP targets with full compliance assurance.
Authorised HP Partner
We're an authorised HP partner, providing genuine HP enterprise solutions with full manufacturer warranty backing. You're not compromising on quality or support.
Enterprise Expertise
Our team understands government procurement requirements, security specifications, and enterprise deployment needs. We've supported departments including Defence, Services Australia, and various state agencies.
Competitive Pricing
Our pricing is competitive with non-Indigenous HP resellers. IPP sourcing doesn't mean paying a premium—it means directing the same spend to create additional social value.
End-to-End Service
From initial consultation through installation, training, and ongoing support, we manage the complete procurement lifecycle. This reduces administrative burden and ensures smooth deployment.
Next Steps: Request a Quote
If your agency is considering print equipment procurement in the $80,000-$200,000 range—or any value where Indigenous sourcing could contribute to your targets—we're here to help.
Contact Dreaming Print Solutions for:
- Obligation-free quotes on HP enterprise print equipment
- Guidance on configuring solutions to meet your specific requirements
- Documentation support for IPP compliance records
- Free print assessment to identify optimisation opportunities
Phone 07 3186 8299 or email benlong@dreamingprintsolutions.com.au to discuss your requirements. As a Supply Nation Certified, 100% Indigenous-owned business, we make IPP-compliant procurement straightforward while delivering enterprise-grade solutions.
