DFAT will go to market for a contractor to implement a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) helpdesk. The Investment Concept Note for the GEDSI helpdesk is now available below. To assist tenderers in preparing proposals, we have also made available the closure plan of the Support Unit for Gender Equality (SURGE).

The GEDSI helpdesk (approximately $33m over five years) will provide a central source of GEDSI services for DFAT end-users, including intersectional Technical Advice (TA) and enabling services to support delivery of quality and effective Australian development and humanitarian programming. While the GEDSI helpdesk will be primarily focused on providing gender equality and disability equity services, it will have flexibility to respond to TA demands in emerging social inclusion priorities, in particular First Nations and LGBTQIA+.

DFAT anticipates the approach to market will be through a one-step procurement process (a Request for Tender). DFAT is seeking applications from a wide pool of tendering parties and will welcome creative and innovative approaches. Mobilisation of the GEDSI helpdesk should commence by July 2025.

The proposed procurement will be listed on the AusTender website when released to the market.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for planning purposes only and it does not represent solicitation or constitute a request for proposal, nor is it a commitment to purchase or tender for any described services. The scale, scope and focus of any proposed program may change at any time and is subject to internal approval.

• Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion helpdesk – Investment Concept Note [DOCX 157 KB]
• Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion helpdesk – Investment Concept Note [PDF 327 KB]
   
• Support Unit for Gender Equality Closure Plan 2025 [DOCX 1.3 MB]
• Support Unit for Gender Equality Closure Plan 2025 [PDF 327 KB]