In the 2000-01 financial year, the Department undertook market testing of its corporate services which encompassed six service groups. The process was finalised in March 2001 with the decision not to outsource these services based on a value for money judgement.
A review of the loan component of the R&D Start program was conducted by ISR in 1999. The Minister approved the review recommendations on 9 May 2000. These recommendations included a recommendation that a competitive tender be undertaken for a replacement Loan Manager.
In late 2000 AusIndustry conducted a tender for a Loan Manager to undertake assessment of R&D Start Loan Program applications. That tender process has been completed with the successful tenderer being engaged until June 2001. The limited period for the initial appointment was to allow time for the impact of the Government’s Innovation Action Plan to become clear.
