DFAT intends to approach the market for a managing contractor to implement the second phase of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP2). ESIP2 will support PNG’s ambitions to increase the availability of high-quality social and economic infrastructure in line with its Medium Term Development Plan IV 2023-2027.

The managing contractor (MC) for ESIP2 will be required to design and deliver physical infrastructure across power, telecommunications and social sectors, and support the Government of PNG to implement macro-level State-Owned Enterprise reform. The infrastructure will be inclusive, resilient to climate impacts, fiscally responsible, and support PNG’s agency and sovereignty. The MC must prioritise locally-led development, and build the capacity of public and private sector entities in PNG to plan, deliver, and operate economic and social infrastructure in a sustainable and strategic manner. 

It is anticipated that DFAT will approach the market in the first quarter of 2026, with a request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) as the first step of a two-step procurement process. DFAT will hold an industry briefing during the RFEOI period. Failure to respond to the RFEOI will result in a potential respondent not being invited to participate in the subsequent Request for Tenders (RFT). Shortlisted organisations from the initial RFEOI step will be published on this page.

The proposed procurement will be published on AusTender and updates on the status of the procurement can be found on the Development Procurement Pipeline.

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 formal approval by the Australian and Partners Governments before any procurement process will commence.