Hydro Tasmania is seeking a Request for Proposal (RFP) from suitably qualified and experienced Certification Bodies to be considered for appointment as external auditors in relation to maintaining and renewing relevant ISO Management Systems Standards for Hydro Tasmania and its business unit Entura. Annual surveillance audits are required for the contract duration, with recertification audits required in 2027.

In awarding this contract, Hydro Tasmania may engage with multiple service providers, completing audits for differing certifications, to ensure efficiency in timing and location co-ordination to ensure the best methodical approach – Please ensure your proposal is clear as to the range of services from the ‘Scope of Certification’ below that you are submitting for.

The successful provider/s must provide evidence of their accreditation to carry out audits of the required nature.

The service provider/s may also be utilised for associated services such as training.

It is anticipated the successful provider/s will undertake the audit services both remotely and in person, in offices, where appropriate.

Where audits are required to occur on-site, in remote Tasmanian locations outside of the Hobart region, Hydro Tasmania staff will accompany auditors in Hydro Tasmania vehicles and all accommodation and meals will be paid for by Hydro Tasmania.

For attendance at each site, a safety induction will be required. Random selection of personnel onsite may occur for alcohol and other drug testing, and auditors will be eligible for random selection. For attendance onsite at power stations it is a requirement that steel capped boots, trousers and long sleeve shirts are to be worn. Please ensure your proposal allows for these.

Hydro Tasmania will provide helmets, high visibility vests and safety glasses.

The provider/s should aim to collect sufficient appropriate evidence that enables the auditor to come to well-founded conclusions about the activity under review and to make appropriate recommendations.

All records, documentation and information accessed while undertaking audit activities are to be used solely for the conduct of these activities. Individual audit staff are responsible and accountable for maintaining the confidentiality of the information they receive.

Please ensure you provide options for both in person and virtual (remote) audits for all worksites covered as part of your response to this RFP, specifically outlining the number of days and auditors allocated to conduct individual audits and reporting tasks.

Recertification audits need to be completed in advance of the expiry of current certifications, with the intention of maintaining continuity of certification – please ensure sufficient time for completion of audit and rectification of any action items identified.