Project examples
- The refurbishment of level 3 (south) administration area of the Education Building
- Purchase of Power System Simulator
The refurbishment of level 3 (south) administration area of the Education Building
Clients
Capital Development Group, Campus Infrastructure Services (CIS) and the Faculty of Education and Social work.
Project description
The works comprised the removal and demolition of existing materials and construction of a centralised administration area and associated services works including an upgraded mechanical system.
Objective
The objective of the tender was to identify one main building contractor, chosen from the University's pre-qualified panel with the sufficient experience, skills and resource, to complete this infrastructure project and to ensure that the University achieved best possible value.
Outcomes
It was critical for the Faculty of Education and Social Work to have these building works completed prior to the beginning of Semester 1 2009.
In order for this to be achieved the building contractors needed to be on site prior to the University closing for the Christmas break 2008.
By working closely with CIS, Procurement Services were able to facilitate the successful closure of this tender and receive final tender Board approval within a constricted time frame. This allowed the University to engage the successful contractor and commence the building works prior to the Christmas closure.
The tender also resulted in the best possible contactor being selected at a price significantly lower than pre-tender estimates for the overall cost.
Purchase of Power System Simulator
Client
Faculty of Engineering and School of Electrical & Information Engineering
Project Description
The purchase of a Power System Simulator (PSS) with the best possible value. The PSS is a self-contained unit which simulates components of electrical power systems. It allows students to obtain valuable experience, knowledge-based learning and skills-based training in all aspects of electrical power systems by emulating the National grid.
Objective
To develop a world class power engineering laboratory within the Faculty of Engineering. A central component of the lab is the purchase of a Power System Simulator by the School of Electrical & Information Engineering.
Outcomes
Procurement Services, in conjunction with Professor Vassilios G. Agelidis, EnergyAustralia Chair (School of Electrical & Information Engineering) and Ms Kavitha Jeevanandam (Faculty of Engineering), prepared and released the original tender in mid-2008. Negotiations were finalised and signed off for the University to purchase a fully integrated Power System Simulator from Duff & McIntosh Pty Ltd with a 10 year warranty due to commence in April 2009.
Benefits to the University included the total cost of ownership reduction over 10 years, system availability guarantee, software upgrades, currency benefits and technical advice.
With the successful installation of the PSS due for completion by mid-2009, the University of Sydney becomes the first and possibly the only university in Australia to have such equipment. This is not only beneficial to current students and researchers, but will also generate significant interest from potential high level students looking to study power engineering at the University of Sydney. It is also anticipated that there will be interest from industry organisations to gain access to the simulator for professional training for employees.