There are many benefits for small, local and Indigenous businesses associated with participating in the BHP Local Buying Program. Some of the benefits include:

• Simplified engagement tool via a specifically designed website
• Greater exposure and visibility across BHP / BMA through an online ‘supplier directory’
• Greater exposure to work opportunities (Work Instructions)
• Simplified registration process
• Quick payment terms
• Dedicated C-Res Business Development Advisors / Principals located within the regions and Program Administrators providing continuous support and assistance to local businesses
• Access to business development programs to enhance the long term sustainability of individual businesses (i.e. Business Planning, Succession Planning, Cash-flow, Customer Service, Online Marketing Strategies, Accounting Software Packages to name a few)

BHP recognise that the complexities of bidding for work can present barriers for small businesses. The BHP Local Buying Program provides a platform for small, local and Indigenous businesses to supply goods and services to BHP and BMA operations via a competitive tender process with reduced payment terms.

Businesses are required to meet a number of minimum mandatory qualification criteria prior to being assessed and approved as a ‘Local Buying Program’ Supplier by C-Res.

For the full list of eligibility criteria refer to the Eligibility page.

For a comprehensive list of operations which are able to source suppliers through the BHP Local Buying Program, please refer to the relevant region specific page:

• Queensland
• New South Wales
• Western Australia
• South Australia

Small, local and Indigenous businesses in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia can register here.

Requests are assessed on an individual basis in alignment with the BHP Local Buying Program eligibility criteria. Once registered, suppliers will be able to access and respond to work opportunities (Work Instructions) as they become available (through their Local Buying Program login and Workspace). It generally takes C-Res three working days to process new registrations.

There are no costs associated with registering to become a Local Buying Program Supplier or to use the program.

For each transaction processed through the Local Buying Program, BHP pay a nominal percentage to C-Res to cover operating expenses (as a cost neutral entity) and to make a contribution to the Local Buying Foundation or community development initiatives.

C-Res then covers all transactional costs on behalf of local businesses incurred through the Local Buying Program portal to facilitate purchasing and payments.

Through the Local Buying Program, BHP ensures their supplier engagements create more opportunities for small, local and Indigenous businesses to be engaged, creating real impacts on the communities where BHP operates. A mixture of Request for Quote (RFQ), Request for Tender (RFT), Expressions of Interest (EOI) and Sole Source (SS) engagements ensures that all current suppliers have an opportunity to be engaged for work, while creating new opportunities and encouraging growth.

Buyers will submit work opportunities (Work Instructions) online via the Local Buying Program portal. Suppliers will be advised via email of work activity and asked to submit a quote via their Workspace.

C-Res will assist buyers by reviewing supplier quotes against the scope of the Work Instruction (including product or service quality, supply capabilities, goods/service availability and delivery). The final decision rests with the buyer.

BHP / BMA employees using the program can still request quotes from SAP Vendors and compare with Local Buying Program quotes to make an informed decision. However, SAP Vendors that are not eligible for the Local Buying Program will not be able to quote via the Local Buying Program portal as this is only available for businesses that meet the mandatory criteria.

As part of the BHP Group, all BHP operations are subject to various global supply contracts and cannot use the Local Buying Program for all work opportunities. Exceptions to this will be at the discretion of BHP / BMA.

All claims are to be submitted to C-Res via the Supplier Workspace. To ensure payments can be processed in a timely manner, an invoice made out to C-Res must be attached to every claim. Once C-Res has checked the claim and invoice, it will be submitted to BHP / BMA  and when accepted, C-Res will receive payment and deposit the funds into the supplier’s nominated bank account.

To avoid any payment delays, please ensure all invoices are made out to C-Res.

Businesses registered with the BHP Local Buying Program are not guaranteed work. The Local Buying Program is a competitive procurement program and suppliers will be required to remain competitive to secure work.

To assist local businesses to effectively supply to BHP and BMA, buyers using the program will be encouraged to provide feedback on their supplier selection. C-Res will assist businesses to overcome supply challenges (through training and development programs) and, where possible, identify trends, challenges and opportunities linked to supplying industry.

The BHP Local Buying Program is not limited to certain categories and covers a broad and diverse range of goods and services.

Any Work Instruction can be issued via the program, as long as its value is less than US$2 million p.a. and no existing BHP supply / service agreement exists.

The BHP Local Buying Program categories are aligned with BHP Global Supply.

If you don’t think your business fits into one of the categories, contact the C-Res Office.

If you have an issue or grievance you would like to raise about the BHP Local Buying Program, you can contact us via the “Contact C-Res” link on this website’s menu bar. Enter your details and select “Issue or Grievance” from the drop-down options in the Subject field. You can also read our Grievance Policy here.